The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus’ death carries profound theological significance. This mysterious event is recorded in three of the four Gospels – Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, and Luke 23:45. To properly understand the meaning behind the torn veil, we must first understand what the temple veil was and its symbolism. The temple in Jerusalem consisted of three main areas – the outer court, the inner court or Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. A massive, thick veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the Ark of the Covenant was…
Author: Richard Curi
One of the most common questions people ask is “Does God have a plan for my life?” This is an important question because it gets to the heart of our purpose and meaning in life. According to the Bible, the answer is yes – God does have a specific plan and purpose for each person’s life. In Jeremiah 29:11, God says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse assures us that God has good plans in store for…
The term “Zaphon” appears multiple times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It refers to a particular location that held both geographical and theological importance for ancient Israelites. Geographically, Zaphon refers to a mountain or hill located just north of Israel. The precise location is debated, but it was likely one of the mountains/hills near the Orontes River valley in what is now modern day Syria and Turkey. Some believe it may specifically refer to Mount Casius or Jebel Aqra. Theologically, Zaphon took on a symbolic meaning in the religion of ancient Israel. It is often paralleled with…
The Bible does not have a specific term for “sexual assault,” but it clearly condemns any form of sexual violence or abuse. Scripture emphasizes the sacredness of the human body and the importance of respecting physical boundaries. While the Bible does not provide detailed legal guidelines about sexual crimes, it lays down fundamental ethical principles that protect human dignity and prohibit non-consensual sexual acts. Human beings are made in God’s image A foundational reason why Scripture denounces sexual assault is that human beings are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in his own…
In the Bible, Jesus is described as our High Priest in several places, most notably in the book of Hebrews. This concept provides rich meaning into Jesus’ role on our behalf and his unique qualifications to represent us before God. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about Jesus as our great High Priest. The Role of a Priest In the Old Testament, priests acted as mediators between God and human beings. They offered sacrifices to atone for sins, prayed to God on behalf of the people, and instructed people in the Law of Moses. The high priest was the leader…
Evangelical Christianity focuses on the “good news” of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The term “evangelical” comes from the Greek word euangelion meaning “gospel” or “good news.” Evangelicals believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to receive salvation and eternal life (John 14:6). Here is an overview of some key beliefs and practices of evangelical Christians: Core Beliefs At the heart of evangelical Christianity are several core beliefs: The authority and inerrancy of Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for…
This verse from Jeremiah 29:13 is an encouraging promise from God that He will make Himself known to those who earnestly seek Him. But what does it mean to seek God with all your heart, and why does God require such wholehearted devotion? The Context of Jeremiah 29:13 Jeremiah 29 contains a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. The people of Judah had been conquered by the Babylonians and forced to live in exile in a foreign land. This had prompted questions about God’s faithfulness and led some to doubt His presence and power.…
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have become a hot topic recently, especially among Christians wondering if they should invest in them. NFTs present some interesting implications related to ownership, value, and stewardship that merit examination from a biblical perspective. What is an NFT? An NFT is a unique digital asset that represents ownership of a specific item. This item could be a digital artwork, music file, video clip, or even a tweet. NFTs are bought and sold online, often with cryptocurrencies. Each NFT has a unique identification code and metadata that distinguishes it from other versions of the same item. For example,…
The verse in Malachi 4:6 states, “And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” This verse points to an important promise and prophecy regarding the reconciliation between generations within families. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s important to look at the context. Malachi was written after the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon. During this time, the people struggled spiritually and there was corruption among the priests. Malachi confronted the people regarding their sin…
The phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved” refers to one of Jesus’ twelve disciples who enjoyed a special closeness and intimacy with Jesus. This disciple is mentioned several times in the Gospel of John but is never explicitly named. Based on clues in the text, most scholars believe this unnamed disciple was the Apostle John, one of the sons of Zebedee. Here is an overview of the biblical evidence concerning the identity of the beloved disciple and his special relationship with Jesus. The Beloved Disciple in the Gospel of John The phrase “the disciple whom Jesus loved” occurs five times…