Jesus as “The Way,” Melchizedek’s Priesthood, the Tearing of the Veil, and Access to God

This discourse integrates the full scope of Yom Kippur’s fulfilment in Jesus’ redemptive work, the tearing of the veil, Jesus as “the way,” Melchizedek’s priesthood (including bread and wine), the Holy Spirit’s communication, communion, and the believer’s role as a temple. It addresses how these elements impact communion and access to God, grounded exclusively in Scripture.

1. Yom Kippur in the Old Testament

Yom Kippur, detailed in Leviticus 16, Leviticus 23:26-32, and Numbers 29:7-11, is the Day of Atonement, the pinnacle of Israel’s sacrificial system, cleansing the tabernacle and people to restore their covenant relationship with God:

The veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies symbolized the barrier between God’s holiness and human sinfulness (Lev 16:2), emphasizing restricted access and the temporary nature of the old covenant’s rituals, which required annual repetition (Lev 16:34).

2. Jesus’ Fulfilment of Yom Kippur

The New Testament, particularly Hebrews, presents Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension as the ultimate fulfilment of Yom Kippur, transforming its temporary, earthly rituals into an eternal, heavenly reality:

3. The Tearing of the Veil as Christ’s Body

The tearing of the temple veil at Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:50-51, Mark 15:37-38, Luke 23:45-46) is a divine act, identified in Hebrews 10:20 as His body (“through the curtain, that is, through his flesh”):

4. Jesus as “The Way” in John 14:6

Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6), spoken to His disciples (John 14:1-5), defines His exclusive role:

5. Melchizedek’s Priesthood and Bread and Wine

Melchizedek, introduced in Genesis 14:18-20 and expounded in Hebrews 7:1-17, prefigures Jesus’ priesthood:

6. The Believer’s Body as a Temple

Believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, individually and corporately:

Connection to Yom Kippur:

Connection to the Veil:

Connection to “The Way”:

Connection to Melchizedek:

7. The Holy Spirit’s Role and Communication

The Holy Spirit is received through faith, repentance, and baptism, enabling access to God and communication:

Connection to Yom Kippur:

Connection to the Veil:

Connection to “The Way”:

Connection to Melchizedek:

8. Baptism as a One-Off Initiation Ritual

Baptism is a one-time act initiating believers into the new covenant:

Connection to Yom Kippur:

Connection to Melchizedek:

9. Communion and Its Role

Communion, instituted by Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25), commemorates His body and blood:

Connection to Yom Kippur:

Connection to the Veil:

Connection to “The Way”:

Connection to Melchizedek:

Connection to the Spirit:

10. Celebrating Yom Kippur with Communion

Celebrating Yom Kippur’s fulfilment through communion integrates all themes:

Connection to Melchizedek:

11. Implications of the Tearing of the Veil

The tearing of the veil, as Jesus’ body (Hebrews 10:20), impacts communion and access to God across Yom Kippur’s elements:

  1. High Priest and Melchizedek Priesthood:

  2. Sacrifice/Scapegoat:

  3. Incense as Prayer:

  4. Believer as Temple:

  5. Access to the Holy Spirit:

  6. Cleansing and Reconciliation:

  7. Rest and Holiness:

Connection to “The Way”:

Connection to Melchizedek:

12. Theological Synthesis

The tearing of the veil (Hebrews 10:20), Jesus as “the way” (John 14:6), and His Melchizedek priesthood (Hebrews 7:17) fulfil Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16, Hebrews 9:8):

13. Conclusion

Jesus as “the way” (John 14:6), His Melchizedek priesthood (Hebrews 7:17), and the tearing of the veil (Hebrews 10:20) fulfil Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16) by opening eternal access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19). Melchizedek’s bread and wine (Genesis 14:18) foreshadow communion, celebrating Jesus’ body and blood (1 Corinthians 11:24-25) as the path to the Father. The Holy Spirit, received through faith, repentance, and baptism (Acts 2:38), communicates via dreams, visions, and revelations (Acts 2:17-18), guiding believers in “the way” (John 16:13) and ensuring proper access (Ephesians 2:18). Baptism initiates this path (Romans 6:3-4), while communion proclaims it (1 Corinthians 11:26), renewing believers as temples (1 Corinthians 6:19). Celebrating Yom Kippur with communion unites these truths, inviting all to follow “the way” through faith.