When God gave instructions to His people about the building of the temple, He was very specific.  The Holiest place, reserved for the Ark of the Covenant could only be entered once a year by the high priest.  The curtain separating the Holy of Holies was described in Exodus 26:31

“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.”

The intricate weaving and craftsmanship had to be beautiful and the cloth itself strong and difficult to tear .  The curtain served as a reminder to the people that they needed an intercessor – a go between – who would go to God on their behalf.

The significance of the temple curtain being torn in two at the death of Jesus is huge to all people.  As it says in Hebrews 10:19, 20,

“Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” “When thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all believers.”

How cool is that?  The one place reserved for God alone is now available to the entire world.

Jesus became the high priest – the intercessor – the substitute. He took our place, submitted to the pain and suffering of an undeserved and cruel death.  He endured ridicule, was spat upon, was lifted on the Roman tool of persecution, submitted to every ugly thing that we deserved – because He wanted us to be part of His kingdom.

The curtain has been split.  We can now approach the God of salvation.  All we have to do is believe.