The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ: Episode 77

Rev. Sun Myung Moon: The Life and Mission of Jesus Christ
Chapter 7: The Crucifixion, The Curtain of the Temple Is Split, Page 198

The Curtain of the Temple Is Split

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. (Matthew 27:51)

The Tabernacle was divided into two parts: the holy place (sanctuary) and the most holy place (holy of holies). Only the high priest could enter the most holy place, and only once a year when making the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement. The most holy place was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Here was the place where God made himself present. It symbolized the spirit of Jesus. The holy place contained a lamp stand, an incense altar, and a table for the bread of the Presence, which were tended daily by the priests. It symbolized the body of Jesus.

Furthermore, the most holy place symbolized the spiritual world, while the holy place symbolized the physical world. When Jesus was crucified, the curtain between the holy place and the most holy place was torn in two, from top to bottom. This meant that Jesus’ crucifixion laid the basis for spiritual salvation, when the gate was opened between spirit and flesh, or between heaven and earth.

Exposition of the Divine Principle
Moses and Jesus 2.2.2.3.1