”This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrew 6: 19-20 NKJV

As we approach Yom Kippur, Scripture reminds us of a mystery behind the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Not only does the Book of Hebrews speak of this mystery, but an ancient prayer found in the Jewish Prayer Book for Rosh Hashanah reveals the very name of the One who went behind the veil on behalf of Israel. As we approach this one day when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, the New Testament reveals the “mystery behind the veil” within the Heavenly Temple.

The Anchor Behind the Veil

First, there is an anchor. This anchor is our faith securely fastened behind the veil. Though you cannot see this anchor, it continually pulls on our lives, keeping us from the rocks that would shipwreck us. Today, some are abandoning their faith and, with it, their hope of safe harbor in these end times. Oh, how true is the song in the midst of life’s waves and storms – “The Anchor Holds.” But there is an even greater mystery to reveal behind the veil.

Yeshua Behind the Veil

Just as the High Priest could only go into the earthly Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur, so Yeshua, our Great High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek, has gone behind the veil once and for all into the “Presence” of our Heavenly Father. Perhaps you have heard the tradition that a rope was tied to the High Priest as he went into the Holy of Holies. The oldest Jewish reference I have found dates to the Middle Ages Jewish mystical book called the Zohar. Supposedly, the rope connected those waiting outside to the inner room. Though some speculate as to whether this practice was ever performed, it does provide a beautiful picture of the rope behind the veil attaching us to our anchor of hope–to our High Priest. This rope remains strong and sure!

Yeshua Revealed in an Ancient Jewish Prayer

The Machzor to Rosh Hashanah preserves an ancient prayer which some Jewish scholars believe originated in the late first century among believers! This prayer calls on One named Yeshua, the Prince of the Presence, to enter behind the veil during this holy season of the Day of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement to intercede and atone for Israel. This remnant in the Jewish prayer book, often ignored today, reminds us that indeed One has gone behind the curtain to atone for our sin before the Holy One (the Presence). No wonder the prayer calls Him “Yeshua, the Prince of the Presence”.

The Veil Will Open Again Soon

“So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.” Hebrew 9: 28 NKJV

Each Yom Kippur, the people anxiously waited outside on the other side of the veil for the High Priest to emerge and say, “The blood has atoned for you.” The writer of Hebrews used this picture to say that Yeshua, our High Priest, will appear a second time through the veil. One day the Heavens that received Yeshua will rend again as he emerges a second time. The dead will be raised, and those who are alive in Him will be transformed. Are we ready? Has our anchor been set firmly within the Holy of Holies? If not, let us return, repent, and call upon Him today.