
Matthew 27:50-51, "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split. The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised." Also noted in Mark 15:38 and Luke 23:45.
When the veil (Jesus' flesh) was torn, Jesus opened the gateway to heaven and constant fellowship between God and believers in Christ. Jesus was the first to ascend to heaven.
2 Corinthians 3:15-18 Paul says,"But to this day whenever Moses (law) is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all , with unveiled face, beholding in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit."
Hebrews chapter 8 and 9 describes the Old and the New Covenants in detail. Hebrews chapter 10 is also full of greatness.
Paul's letter to the Romans goes into great detail about being dead to sin and alive to God. Romans 6:14, For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. John 1:16-17, For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
Paul describes us as a new creature (creation in some versions). 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come."
The new creation is detailed under the word of God section.
The finished work of Jesus on the cross began a New Covenant between man and God replacing the Old Covenant. God loves YOU unconditionally and desires an intimate relationship with you. In Ephesians 2:13-19, Paul writes, "But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,"
This marks the beginning of our union with God through the blood of Jesus on the cross. Jesus is the door! and the way! and truth! and the life! No one comes to the Father but through Jesus. (John 10:9 & John 14:6)
The finished work of Christ on the cross made us righteous, provided eternal forgiveness, and seated us at the right hand of the Father. Whether we believe or not, this happened 2000 years ago. It is finished! :-) Believing it will release the manifestation of the life of Christ already in us. Amen!
It is important to remember that while Jesus was still alive, the Old Covenant was still in place. All of Jesus' words, including the Lord's prayer asking for forgiveness, were said prior to the beginning of the New Covenant. There were still animal sacrifices taking place in the temple. The shedding of blood from the perfect lamb, once for all, had not taken place yet.
There is further detailed information on the New Covenant and what it means to the believer in Christ. Click here to read more about covenants in the Word of God section.