The phrase “the veil being lifted” is a powerful image used in the Bible to describe moments of spiritual revelation and understanding. But what does it mean when this veil is lifted? Is it about seeing something hidden, or does it go deeper into our spiritual relationship with God? The Bible uses this imagery to describe the removal of barriers between humanity and divine truth. Let’s look at what Scripture says about veils being lifted and how this impacts our faith journey.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Condoning Sin
What Does The Bible Say About The Veil Being Lifted
2 Corinthians 3:16
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
This verse emphasizes that when individuals turn to the Lord, the barrier or veil that obstructs their understanding and perception is removed. It implies that through a relationship with God, people can gain clarity and insight into spiritual truths.
By seeking God and surrendering to Him, we can experience a deepened understanding of His love, His Word, and His purposes for our lives. This verse reminds us of the transformative power of God, who can unveil the mysteries that once seemed hidden, bringing spiritual enlightenment and revelation.
Exodus 34:34
But whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with Him, he would take the veil off until he came out; and whenever he came out and spoke to the sons of Israel what he had been commanded.
In this verse, Moses symbolically removes the veil when entering into the presence of the LORD. It signifies the transparency, openness, and vulnerability required in our relationship with God.
Just as Moses took off the veil to speak with the LORD, we are called to approach God with honesty and authenticity, laying aside pretenses, masks, and hidden agendas. This verse serves as a reminder that God desires a genuine connection with His people, where there is no need for veils or barriers between us.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
This verse highlights the spiritual blindness that exists in those who have not embraced the gospel message. It reveals that the enemy, represented as the god of this age, attempts to keep unbelievers veiled from understanding and embracing the truth of the gospel.
The verse also emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel with clarity and effectiveness, as it is through the gospel that the veiled minds of unbelievers can be illuminated. It is our responsibility as Christians to pray for and proclaim the truth so that the veil can be lifted from those who are perishing.
Isaiah 25:7
On this mountain, he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations.
This verse speaks of God’s ultimate plan to remove the shroud or veil that veils the hearts of all peoples. It portrays a future day when God’s salvation and redemption will be fully revealed and experienced by all nations.
This verse brings hope and reminds us of the ultimate triumph of God’s love and grace. It assures us that there will come a time when the veil separating humanity from God will be completely eradicated, and all will partake in the glorious light of His presence.
Hebrews 10:19-20
Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body.
This verse explores the significance of Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. By shedding His blood, Jesus provided a new and living way for humanity to approach God and enter into His presence.
It points to the tearing of the veil in the temple when Jesus died, symbolizing the removal of barriers between God and humanity. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now approach God with confidence, knowing that we are forgiven and fully accepted by Him.
2 Corinthians 3:14-15
But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
This verse highlights the limited understanding of those who solely rely on the old covenant and do not recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the law. The veil remains over their minds and hearts, hindering them from grasping the full revelation of God’s glory in Christ.
It illustrates the necessity of embracing Jesus as the Messiah and accepting His redemptive work to have the veil lifted. Without Jesus, the veil obstructs spiritual perception and prevents a deeper understanding of God’s Word and His ultimate plan of salvation.
Colossians 2:14
Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
This verse speaks of the power of Christ’s death on the cross to cancel our spiritual debts and remove the condemnation that once separated us from God. Through His sacrifice, Jesus took away the veil of guilt and shame that hindered our relationship with the Father.
This verse reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ, no longer bound by the weight of sin and the consequences of disobedience. The veil of guilt is replaced with the righteousness and forgiveness that come through faith in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 27:51
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.
This verse describes the dramatic event that occurred at the moment of Jesus’ death. The veil or curtain in the temple, which symbolically separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple, was torn in two.
This tearing of the veil signifies the abolishment of the old covenant and the establishment of a new way to approach God. It illustrates the removal of barriers between God and humanity, making access to His presence available to all through Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 29:18
In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.
This verse prophesies a future day when the senses of the deaf and blind will be opened, allowing them to perceive spiritual truths. It signifies the lifting of the veil that veils their understanding and brings them into the light of God’s revelation.
It reminds us of God’s redemptive power to transform and restore even the most broken and blinded individuals. It is a reminder that God can remove the veil from our hearts and grant us the ability to see and hear His truth clearly.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
This verse emphasizes how God’s light can illuminate our hearts and dispel the spiritual darkness that veils the knowledge of His glory. It affirms that it is through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that the veil is lifted and we gain a deeper knowledge of God.
It is God’s light that shines within us, enabling us to comprehend the fullness of His love, His character, and the redemptive work of Jesus. This verse encourages us to seek intimacy with God, allowing His light to permeate our hearts and minds, bringing clarity and understanding.
Isaiah 25:8
He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove His people’s disgrace from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.
This verse speaks of the future restoration and victory that God will bring. It describes a time when death will be abolished, and all sorrow, tears, and disgrace will be removed from the earth.
This promise reminds us that the veil of mortality and the consequences of sin will be completely eradicated. God’s ultimate plan is to restore His people and renew all things, allowing us to experience His glory without any hindrance or separation.
Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
This verse expresses a heartfelt prayer for God to remove the veil that obstructs understanding and reveal the wonders contained within His law. It reflects a desire to gain deeper insight and revelation from studying and meditating on God’s Word.
It is a reminder that our understanding and interpretation of Scripture are dependent on the enabling of God’s Spirit. It is through His illumination that we can fully grasp the profound truths and beauty found in His laws, principles, and teachings.
Luke 24:31
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
This verse recounts the moment when the disciples’ eyes were opened to recognize Jesus after His resurrection. It highlights the role of revelation and divine intervention in removing the veil of spiritual blindness.
It serves as a reminder that encountering Jesus has the power to transform our perception and understanding. It is through intimacy with Christ that the veils are lifted, enabling us to recognize His presence, His truth, and His activity in our lives.