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Something powerful and symbolic occurred within the temple in Jerusalem when Jesus died on the cross. As Jesus breathed His last, the Bible records that the temple veil, or curtain, that separated the Holy of Holies (the Most Holy Place) from the rest of the temple was split into two. This event holds key eternal significance.

The veil’s purpose was to separate the people from the immediate presence of God. This veil was torn from top to bottom, marking the end of the separation between God and man. This dramatic event was a sign from God that a new era had begun: one where man no longer needed the agency of a High Priest or any other religious figure to gain direct access to God. Through the sacrifice of Jesus, all believers are granted direct access to God.

The Significance of the Veil in the Temple

The temple veil, also known as the temple curtain, was a key item in the Jewish temple. It acted as a physical barrier separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple where the people worshipped. The reason for this separation was that God’s very presence resided in the Holy of Holies, and only the High Priest was allowed to enter into this innermost chamber of the temple. This happened once a year on the Day of Atonement and only after he had performed a number of sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. This separation was necessary to protect sinful humanity from encountering a holy God, which would have had severe consequences for mankind.

This veil was not any ordinary curtain. It was 60 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and was 4 inches thick. It was so large and heavy that 300 priests were required to handle it. It was designed to be imposing, emphasizing the impenetrability of God’s presence to sinful man. It stood as a reminder that man exists in a separated state from God because of his sin.

The Tearing of the Curtain: A Divine Act

When Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom. This was not a random occurrence or a mere coincidence; it was a supernatural event that pointed to God’s direct involvement in the removal of the barrier between Himself and humanity. The fact that God tied this event of the tearing of the veil to the death of His Son on the cross was a message to all who would listen: Christ’s death has fully atoned for the sin of mankind, and now access to God’s presence is open.

The sheer size and thickness of the curtain made it impossible for any man to tear it, yet God did it effortlessly. The veil was torn from top to bottom, not from bottom to top: God reaching down to sinful man through the death of Christ on the cross. The separation between God and man was now over. The way to God was opened for all who would believe.

The tearing of the curtain was a clear sign that Jesus’ sacrifice had removed the obstacles that once kept mankind from God’s presence. The separation caused by sin was now dealt with once and for all. No longer would a human priest be needed to act as an intermediary between the people and God. Through Jesus, everyone now had direct access to the Father.

Symbolism: The End of Separation

The separation between God and man existed right from the garden of Eden. When Adam succumbed to the Enemy’s deception, he sinned and received the sinful nature, which he passed on to each of his descendants.

Christ’s death on the cross eradicated sin and established a new covenant between God and man. In this new covenant, Jesus Himself becomes the High Priest offering the perfect, permanent, and complete atonement for sin. Through Jesus, anyone who believes in Him can approach God directly without the agency of any other single individual.

The Significance for Today: Avoiding the Traps of False Gatekeepers

The tearing of the temple veil holds great significance for us today. As mentioned before, believers in Jesus have no need of any other intermediary to access God. The Bible presents Jesus as the only true Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5).

The unfortunate reality today is that in Christian circles, many church leaders pose as gatekeepers to God’s presence. They teach that the faithful must go through them to have access to God. Money is also solicited in such encounters where the individual is required to “sow a seed” to connect to God.

Understanding the significance of the torn curtain helps us recognize the error in such teachings. Pastors and leaders who claim to be the exclusive gatekeepers to God’s presence or who suggest that the only way to commune with God is through them are fraudsters. The tearing of the curtain shows that Jesus has already opened the way for us. We do not need another agent to bridge the gap. Through Christ, we can approach God directly.

Today’s congregations desperately need this understanding. Churches are infested with leaders who exploit the ignorance of their congregants and pose as custodians of access to God’s favour or presence. The torn curtain reminds us that our relationship with God is personal and direct, and that no earthly leader or intermediary can stand in the way of that.

Conclusion

The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus’ death was a profound event with deep spiritual significance. It marked the end of the separation between God and humanity, symbolizing that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we now have direct access to God. The veil’s destruction was a divine act, signifying that Jesus’ death had torn down the barriers created by sin. In understanding this, we can avoid the traps set by leaders who seek to position themselves as the sole gateways to God’s presence, reminding us that Jesus is the only mediator, and through Him, we can approach God freely and boldly.

Hebrews 12:14 points out the critical importance of holiness in the life of the believer. This is actually a command and not a mere suggestion: the believer must make it a priority to live a holy life.

A Call to Prioritize Holiness 

Holiness, in this context, refers to living a life set apart for God—a life characterized by purity, obedience, and an ongoing relationship with Him. Hebrews 12:14 instructs believers to “strive” for holiness which carries the implication of a deliberate and determined effort. The Greek word used here is “diōkō,” which refers to the pursuit of something with intensity and persistence. We get a picture of a runner pressing toward a finish line with no room for complacency.

Believers are called upon to make holiness their ultimate pursuit. The verse points out that this is actually a prerequisite for seeing God. We are talking about working towards aligning every aspect of our lives with God’s will as revealed in Scripture and ensuring that this alignment reflects in our moral conduct.

Contrasting Priorities in Contemporary Churches 

Unfortunately, many churches today go against this Biblical instruction and emphasize earthly success over spiritual growth. Messages nowadays tend to centre and emphasize prosperity, material wealth, and personal achievement rather than the pursuit of holiness. Here are samples of messages that dominate our Kenyan pulpits:

1. “God wants you to be blessed in every area of your life. Prosperity is not just about money but about living a fulfilled and abundant life.”
2. “True faith in God will lead to material wealth and physical well-being. God’s blessings are not limited to spiritual growth alone.”
3. “Believe in God’s favour and provision. He wants you to live a life of abundance and success.”
4. “God’s plan for you includes financial prosperity. Trust in Him, and you will see doors of opportunity open for you.”

Nowhere does the Bible instruct the believer to strive to be rich and famous in this world. Such messages overshadow the Bible’s call to holiness. This appeal to human desires for comfort and success ultimately becomes a distraction from the pursuit of eternal life.

The Meaning of “Strive” 

Let’s take another look at the Greek word “diōkō” used in Hebrews 12:14. The word speaks of intense effort, which can include persecution, so as to reach a goal. The word conveys urgency and purpose, an active exertion that is an ongoing process. Believers are called upon to work toward achieving holiness with the same determination as one does when fleeing danger or chasing after a treasure.

Hebrews 12:14 is a call to action. We are charged to examine our priorities. Are we making the acquisition of holiness our top priority, or have we been led astray by the false teachings that promote superficial spirituality and emphasize worldly desires?

The Danger of False Teachings 

Teachings that prioritize material wealth and personal success over spiritual maturity run rampant in our pulpits. They lead congregations astray by creating a false sense of spiritual security and blinding adherents to the eternal consequences of their choices.

One cannot focus on prosperity, health, and happiness and at the same time experience the transformative power of holiness. This is because the requisite practices of sacrifice, self-denial, and unwavering commitment to God’s will can never merge with such an earthly, temporal focus.

Conclusion 

Hebrews 12:14 challenges believers to make holiness their life’s priority. This call stands in stark contrast to the prosperity-driven messages that dominate many pulpits today. Striving for holiness requires a deliberate, relentless effort that goes beyond superficial religiosity. 

As Christians, we must heed the warning in Hebrews 12:14 and reject teachings that compromise the truth of the gospel. Holiness is not just a requirement—it is the pathway to seeing the Lord and experiencing the fullness of life in Him. Let us press on, pursuing holiness with unwavering dedication, as we await the day we will stand in His presence.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines narcissism as behaviour reflecting grandiosity, a lack of empathy, and a persistent need for admiration. On the other hand, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a more severe form of narcissism that involves significant impairments in self-identity, interpersonal functioning, and pathological traits like antagonism and attention-seeking behaviour. Each one of us exhibits narcissistic tendencies once in a while, but NPD is a whole different ball game. NPD is a chronic pattern that interferes with the normal functioning of one’s personal and professional life. This condition is worryingly present in church leadership and is antagonistic to the values of humility and selflessness that are taught in Scripture.

Narcissism in Pastors: Twisting Scripture for Manipulation

Back on September 26^th, 2015, a paper was presented to the American Association of Christian Counsellors in Nashville, Tennessee. The research showed that narcissistic traits in pastors have detrimental effects on their congregations and overall church health.

The report highlighted the alarming prevalence of NPD among pastors whose levels are significantly higher than those in the general population. Such pastors make a habit of misusing their authority to seek personal validation and manipulate Scripture to feed their narcissistic egos at the expense of the spiritual growth of their congregations. These are the pastors who major on the authority of the clergy in their sermons so as to stifle criticism and cement control as opposed to engaging in healthy dialogue. They favour performance-centred sermons that are designed to attract admiration rather than settle for the transformative message of the Gospel.

This subtle abandonment of Scripture undermines the role of the Church, which is to evangelize and disciple believers with the aim of promoting Christ-like behaviour. Pastors suffering from NPD are eager to point their congregations away from God to themselves, making themselves the focal point and the sole mediators between congregants and God. The end result is spiritually malnourished believers who eventually suffer spiritual harm.

Guarding Against Manipulative Pastoral Behaviour

As a believer, you must remain vigilant against potential manipulative behaviours from your pastor. Watch out for disproportionate focus on personal accomplishments, intolerance of dissent, or an inability to accept constructive criticism. Keep an eye out for sermons that glorify the pastor, decision-making processes that exclude others, and an overall lack of accountability.

Church leaders are to be supported but also to be held accountable. A healthy church has regular church councils, evaluation sessions, and open forums for feedback to counter risks posed by narcissistic tendencies. Above all, a solid understanding of Biblical principles empowers the congregation to discern when a leader’s behaviour deviates from Christ-like humility.

Additional Insights from the Report

1. Narcissism as a Response to Inner Shame

According to the report, narcissism originates from deep-seated shame and self-hatred. This internal conflicting condition makes these pastors strive to project an image of perfection while, at the same time, repressing their persistent feelings of inadequacy. Eventually, these pastors overcompensate with grandiose displays of authority and control.

2. Impact on Congregational Health

Narcissism is more prevalent in larger congregations where the pastor seeks admiration through visible signs of success and influence. In these congregations, the prosperity gospel is dominant since this false gospel ignores Biblical humility and sacrifice and emphasizes outward manifestations of success such as riches and influence, the heart longing of narcissistic pastors. Titles such as “papa” or “man of God” are associated with such pastors.

Conclusion

The 2015 paper presented to the American Association of Christian Counsellors in Nashville, Tennessee uncovers a critical challenge in the modern Church. It explains the widespread prioritization of self-glorification over genuine ministry among pastors, the alienation of congregations, and the distortion of the Church’s mission that is rife in contemporary Christian ministry. As a believer, you must remain vigilant, be informed, be prayerful, and find ways of advocating for accountability and transparency in your local church. The Church must go back to humility, collaboration between leadership and congregation, and Christ-centred church services.

Written to Jewish Christians undergoing severe trials and contemplating abandoning their newfound faith in Jesus, the book of Hebrews is one of the most insightful texts in the New Testament. The writer, whose identity is uncertain, emphasizes the superiority of Christ, contrasting Him with the prophets, angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, Who, through His sacrifice, fulfilled all requirements of the Old Covenant, establishing a New Covenant between God and humanity. With rich theological depth, Hebrews encourages believers to hold fast to their faith in the face of trials, trusting in Jesus, who suffered and overcame.

The Theme of Suffering in Hebrews 12:1-13

Hebrews 12:1-13 addresses the neglected topic of suffering in the Christian life, describing it as a necessary part of a believer’s journey. This passage reassures believers that trials and challenges are part of God’s design to strengthen, refine, and prepare them for eternity. In today’s world, particularly in Africa, the Prosperity Gospel has become widespread, teaching that faith in Jesus guarantees unending material wealth, health, and success. However, Hebrews 12, along with other Scriptural passages, offers a counter-narrative to this prosperity message by portraying suffering as a means of God’s loving discipline rather than a sign of lack of faith. The result is a theology that embraces both God’s blessings and His shaping through hardship.

Understanding the Prosperity Gospel and Its Flaws

The Prosperity Gospel, also known as the “Health and Wealth Gospel,” teaches that God desires for all His children to live in perpetual physical health, material wealth, and financial success. This doctrine posits that faith, positive declarations, and generous giving to church ministries are the keys to unlocking God’s blessings. Followers are encouraged to see wealth and health as signs of God’s favour, while trials, illness, or financial struggles are viewed as evidence of insufficient faith or a lack of blessing.

The major flaw in the Prosperity Gospel is that it has no theological space for suffering or discipline in the believer’s life. By promoting only a theology of comfort, it ignores Biblical teachings on suffering and discipline, as demonstrated in Hebrews 12, where God’s discipline is shown as part of His loving relationship with His children.

Suffering as Discipline in Hebrews 12

In Hebrews 12, the writer introduces suffering in the life of believers as God’s tool of discipline. In verse 6, it states, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” This discipline is not punishment but a refining process designed to mature believers and draw them closer to God. Verse 10 highlights that this discipline is for our profit, “that we may be partakers of His holiness,” suggesting that it prepares us for eternal life with God.

Verse 11 acknowledges that “no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful,” indicating that discipline is meant to be uncomfortable but is ultimately beneficial. The Prosperity Gospel, focused on providing earthly comfort and material success, completely omits this teaching on discipline. The Prosperity Gospel’s focus on comfort runs contrary to this message, often failing to prepare believers for the realities of hardship, thereby leading many to misunderstand or even reject the concept of God’s loving discipline.

The Anomaly of Prosperity Teaching and the “Weak and Lame” in Verse 13

Hebrews 12:13 advises believers to “make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.” When a crooked path like the Prosperity Gospel neglects to address the reality of suffering, it creates a dangerous gap in understanding for believers who experience trials. Without a theology of suffering, many believers are left “weak and lame” in their faith, struggling to reconcile their hardships with the promises of health and wealth preached from the pulpit.

For example, believers facing chronic illness, financial challenges, or family troubles feel abandoned and question their faith because their experiences don’t align with the Prosperity Gospel’s teachings. This discrepancy leads to disillusionment, doubt, or even abandonment of faith, as the Prosperity Gospel provides little support for enduring life’s inevitable hardships.

Biblical Examples of Suffering the Prosperity Gospel Ignores

Because the Prosperity Gospel omits the theology of suffering, its preachers cannot explain instances in Scripture where faithful believers endured hardship. Here are seven examples that defy Prosperity Gospel assumptions:

1. Paul’s Advice to Timothy’s Illness: In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul advises Timothy to “no longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” Despite being a committed servant of Christ, Timothy suffered from a persistent health issue, which Paul advised addressing practically, rather than promising miraculous healing.
2. Job’s Suffering: Job was a righteous man who lost everything due to a test permitted by God. The book of Job (chapters 1-2) shows that suffering can occur in the life of the faithful without an immediate explanation, and God’s ultimate purpose may transcend human understanding.
3. Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”: In 2 Corinthians 12:7-9, Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” that God allowed to remain despite his pleas for its removal, teaching Paul humility and reliance on God’s grace.
4. The Suffering of the Early Apostles: In Acts 5:41, the apostles rejoiced after being persecuted for their faith, “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” This contradicts the idea that believers are exempt from hardship.
5. Paul’s Imprisonments and Hardships: In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul lists numerous trials, including imprisonments, beatings, and perils he endured for the Gospel’s sake. His ministry included suffering, showing that hardship often accompanies faithfulness.
6. David’s Trials before Kingship: Before becoming king, David faced years of hardship, including persecution from Saul (1 Samuel 18-31). His suffering shaped him into the “man after God’s own heart.”
7. The Martyrdom of Stephen: In Acts 7, Stephen, a faithful servant, was stoned to death, marking him as the first Christian martyr. His suffering was not due to a lack of faith but a deep witness of faithfulness.

Conclusion

Hebrews 12:13 and the surrounding verses remind believers that suffering is part of the Christian journey, designed by God to refine and sanctify. The Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on health, wealth, and success, ignores this essential Biblical truth, leading many to confusion or weakened faith. True Christian maturity embraces both God’s blessings and His discipline, trusting that the trials we face are part of God’s loving preparation for eternity. The teachings of Hebrews 12 are vital for restoring a Biblical theology of suffering, helping believers remain steadfast and grow strong in their faith despite life’s hardships.

In a remarkable annual tradition, one large church in Mombasa, Kenya, celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles, a Jewish Biblical festival. This year’s celebration, which I tuned into on YouTube, revealed an unusual instruction from the senior pastor: he asked congregants to bring a “heavy seed” offering on the seventh and final day of the celebration. This financial contribution, he explained, would ensure blessings for the remainder of the year, promising that it would shield the givers from lack and unlock success in every endeavour. 

Dancing, Donations, and the Divine Promise of Prosperity

It was both intriguing and amusing to watch adults in full, fervent celebration—dancing, waving green branches, and handing over their hard-earned money to the pastor. They left the gathering apparently completely assured that material blessings were supernaturally set to flow into their lives simply because of their financial gift. Meanwhile, the senior pastor appeared rather pleased as he received these “blessings.” Picture him, perhaps, smiling as he heads to the bank! Somehow, he managed to convince his congregation that they were wealthier than him because they’d entrusted him with their money. An amusing, if ironic, image indeed!

Biblical Illiteracy and Misinterpretation: A Recipe for Exploitation

One reason many Christians fall prey to such teachings is a lack of Biblical literacy. Without a clear understanding of Biblical interpretation, believers misapply scripture and succumb to teachings that deviate from sound doctrine. Here’s a helpful rule of thumb: the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus. The Old Testament lays out types and foreshadowings, including the Jewish feasts, that anticipate the coming of Christ. The Gospels capture His life and ministry, while the epistles teach us the principles He established. Revelation, as the final piece, gives us the ultimate vision of Jesus’s reign and the culmination of God’s redemptive plan. This scriptural focus on Christ means that any teaching that reduces Biblical feasts to mere financial transactions misses the Bible’s central theme.

What the Feast of Tabernacles Symbolizes

The Feast of Tabernacles, as found in the Bible, was a joyous festival commemorating God’s faithfulness during Israel’s wilderness journey. For seven days, the Israelites would live in temporary shelters to remember their ancestors’ dependence on God’s provision and protection. Its purpose was to celebrate God’s continual presence and care. In the New Testament, this festival—like all Old Testament feasts—finds its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ. In John 7, Jesus stands up during the Feast of Tabernacles and declares, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37–38), showing that He is the source of spiritual sustenance that the Feast of Tabernacles was pointing to.

As believers in the New Covenant, we no longer observe these feasts in a literal sense, as Christ has already fulfilled the requirements of the Old Covenant (see Colossians 2:16–17). Christians today honour the Feast of Tabernacles not through physical offerings but by placing their trust in Christ, our provider, protector, and spiritual sustenance—the ultimate focus of the feast.

 “In Their Greed, They Will Exploit You”

Scripture does warn us about those who use their authority for personal gain. 2 Peter 2:3 cautions believers, “In their greed, these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories.” This verse is a solemn reminder that not everyone in a pastoral position seeks the good of their flock. Some, driven by greed, manipulate believers into giving under false pretences. The events in Mombasa reflect this kind of exploitation, where a sacred tradition is used as a pretext for financial gain.

Conclusion

As believers, we must rely on sound doctrine and responsible teaching that keep Christ at the centre. By studying the Bible thoroughly and understanding its teachings, Christians can avoid becoming susceptible to the snares of exploitation. It is through this commitment to scripture and Christ-centred faith that we find true spiritual richness, far beyond any promise of material wealth.