In the old testament there seemed to be a sharp distinction between heaven and earth. We see this in the temple which was the old covenant house of God. It was divided into three courts. The outer court was for the gentiles only. The inner court was for torah keeping Jews only. Then there was the Holiest of Holies which was for God only. Beyond the veil into the Holiest of Holies was considered the place where heaven touched earth. By Jesus day many believed the temple to a microcosm of the whole earth. The outer court was associated with the sea, the inner was associated with the land, and the holiest, heaven.

We know that when Jesus died the veil the surrounded the Holiest of Holies was torn from top to bottom. After that there is no sharp distinction between heaven and earth in the new testament. Even before His death, Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven being a present reality through Him. Paul says in Ephesians 2 that we Christians have through Christ been lifted up into the heavenly places. We also see that God has a new house. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit, so we are the place where heaven touches earth. Have you ever thought of yourself that way?

How can we look around and say that the essence of heaven is already here? There are no golden streets. All of our troubles have not disappeared, and we do not see our loved ones that have passed on. Yet, what is here now that is also in heaven? Communion with God is here. The reality of God giving Himself to us and we giving ourselves back in worship is already here. In that sense the veil has been removed. The realm of God has come to earth through Jesus Christ.