{"id":3962,"date":"2026-07-23T06:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T10:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/?p=3962"},"modified":"2026-07-14T11:28:35","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:28:35","slug":"the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/","title":{"rendered":"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-the-audience-luke-is-writing-to\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Audience Luke Is Writing To<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke continues writing to <strong>Theophilus and readers seeking certainty that Jesus\u2019 death was the decisive act through which God accomplished salvation for the world<\/strong>. Therefore, after recording Jesus\u2019 words to the repentant criminal, Luke now brings readers to the very heart of the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everything in Scripture has been moving toward this moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The covenants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The priesthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Passover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every shadow now gives way to reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The death of Jesus is not merely the end of His earthly life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the climax of God\u2019s redemptive plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">History itself is divided by this moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Luke 23:44-49 NASB<br>It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, &#8220;Father, into YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.&#8221; Having said this, He breathed His last. Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, &#8220;Certainly this man was innocent.&#8221; And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-focus-of-the-passage-and-jesus-character\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Focus of the Passage and Jesus\u2019 Character<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The focus is <strong>the completion of redemption, Christ\u2019s voluntary sacrifice, access to God, and the fulfillment of God\u2019s promises<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus reveals Himself as <strong>the obedient Son who willingly offers His life as the once-for-all sacrifice for sin, accomplishing what no previous sacrifice could<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His death is not a defeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is a victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cross is not the triumph of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the triumph of God\u2019s saving love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-people-in-the-interaction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The People in the Interaction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This interaction includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\"><strong>Jesus<\/strong>, completing His earthly mission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>The Roman centurion<\/strong>, witnessing the crucifixion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>The watching crowds<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>The women who followed Jesus<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><strong>God the Father<\/strong>, receiving the Son\u2019s spirit<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-happened-in-the-scene\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happened in the Scene<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke tells us that it is now about the sixth hour, approximately noon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Suddenly, darkness covers the entire land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It remains until the ninth hour, about three o\u2019clock in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Luke records another extraordinary event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The veil of the temple is torn in two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Immediately afterward, Jesus cries out with a loud voice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cFather, into Your hands I commit My spirit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Having said this, He breathes His last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Roman centurion witnesses everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of mocking Jesus, he glorifies God and declares:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cCertainly this man was innocent.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The crowds who had gathered to watch began leaving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They beat their breasts in sorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Jesus\u2019 acquaintances and the women who had followed Him from Galilee remain at a distance, watching these events unfold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cross has accomplished its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lamb has been sacrificed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-deep-theology-of-the-three-hours-of-darkness\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Deep Theology of the Three Hours of Darkness<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke\u2019s account begins with supernatural darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is far more than an unusual weather event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout the Old Testament, darkness frequently symbolizes God&#8217;s judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It appeared during the plagues of Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prophets associated darkness with the coming Day of the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, as Jesus hangs upon the Cross, creation itself reflects the weight of what is occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The One who declared: <strong>\u201cI am the Light of the world\u201d<\/strong> enters the darkness of divine judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not because of His own sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But because He bears ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The darkness reminds us that sin is not merely unfortunate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It deserves God\u2019s holy judgment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yet that judgment falls upon Christ rather than upon those who trust Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-torn-veil-the-greatest-symbol-in-the-temple\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Torn Veil: The Greatest Symbol in the Temple<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps no event carries greater theological significance than the tearing of the temple veil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To appreciate its meaning, we must understand its purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inside the temple stood the <strong>Holy of Holies<\/strong>, the place symbolizing God\u2019s special presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Separating that room from the rest of the temple hung an enormous veil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This curtain declared one central truth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sinful humanity cannot freely enter the holy presence of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only the high priest could pass through it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only once each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And only with sacrificial blood on the Day of Atonement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more than a thousand years, the veil silently proclaimed humanity\u2019s separation from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then Jesus dies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And the veil tears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice Luke\u2019s wording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is torn <strong>in two<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The parallel Gospel accounts tell us it is torn <strong>from top to bottom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No human being could have accomplished this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God Himself removes the barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The symbolism is breathtaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Through Christ\u2019s sacrifice:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Access replaces separation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Grace replaces distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The New Covenant replaces the old sacrificial system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The true High Priest opens the way into God\u2019s presence forever.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No longer must sinners approach God through repeated animal sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final sacrifice has been offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way is open.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The torn veil declares that Jesus did not merely improve access to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He became the access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-father-into-your-hands\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\u201cFather, Into Your Hands\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus\u2019 final words in Luke come from Psalm 31.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even in death, Jesus prays Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notice something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier, Jesus cried: <strong>\u201cFather, forgive them.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, He concludes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cFather, into Your hands I commit My spirit.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The relationship between Father and Son remains unbroken in Luke\u2019s presentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus does not die as a helpless victim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He voluntarily entrusts Himself to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His life is not taken from Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He gives it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Death itself remains under His authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-voluntary-death-of-christ\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Voluntary Death of Christ<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke intentionally emphasizes that Jesus cries out with a <strong>loud voice<\/strong> before dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crucifixion victims typically weakened until they could barely speak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus\u2019 loud cry demonstrates that His strength has not simply faded away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His death is voluntary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As He had previously taught: <strong>\u201cNo one takes My life from Me.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He willingly lays it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is crucial to understanding the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cross is not an unfortunate accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the deliberate self-offering of the Son of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Love keeps Him on the Cross, not nails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-centurion-s-confession\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Centurion\u2019s Confession<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most remarkable witnesses at the Cross is a Roman centurion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Gentile soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An execution commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watching Jesus die.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He glorifies God and declares: <strong>\u201cCertainly this man was innocent.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout Luke\u2019s Gospel, unexpected people often recognize the truth about Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shepherds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tax collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Samaritans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repentant criminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, a Roman officer joins them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The religious leaders reject Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Gentile executioner acknowledges His righteousness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This anticipates the Gospel spreading to the nations through the Book of Acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-response-of-the-crowd\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Response of the Crowd<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke records that many in the crowd leave, beating their breasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gesture symbolizes grief and deep remorse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some may finally recognize that something extraordinary has occurred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others remain confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The full meaning of the Cross will only become clear after the resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even so, Luke hints that hearts are already beginning to change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-faithfulness-of-the-women\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Faithfulness of the Women<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While many flee, the women remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke consistently honors these faithful disciples throughout the Passion narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They witnessed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">The crucifixion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The death.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The burial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Soon they will witness the resurrection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their quiet faithfulness contrasts with the absence of most of the apostles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">God often entrusts profound moments to those who simply remain faithful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-fulfillment-of-every-sacrifice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Fulfillment of Every Sacrifice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Genesis onward, sacrifice has pointed toward this moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ram provided for Isaac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Passover lamb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The daily temple sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Day of Atonement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every drop of blood anticipated Calvary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Jesus dies, the entire sacrificial system reaches its fulfillment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing more is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No greater sacrifice can ever be offered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Redemption has been accomplished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-mood-and-tone\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mood and Tone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tone moves from <strong>darkness \u2192 sacrifice \u2192 victory \u2192 worship \u2192 solemn hope<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And through every stage, God\u2019s redemptive plan reaches its glorious completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-jesus-reveals\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Jesus Reveals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus reveals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">Perfect obedience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Voluntary sacrifice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Complete trust in the Father.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Full payment for sin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The opening of access to God.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The completion of redemption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-response-of-the-others\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Response of the Others<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-centurion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Centurion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He glorifies God and proclaims Jesus\u2019 innocence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-crowd\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Crowd<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many leave overwhelmed with sorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-the-women\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Women<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They remain faithfully watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-jesus\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Jesus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He willingly entrusts His spirit to the Father.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-lesson-for-us-in-2026\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Lesson for Us in 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-the-cross-fully-paid-for-sin\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. The Cross Fully Paid for Sin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No additional sacrifice is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-believers-now-have-direct-access-to-god\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Believers Now Have Direct Access to God<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Christ removed every barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-jesus-chose-the-cross\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Jesus Chose the Cross<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His death was the greatest act of love in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-god-s-justice-and-mercy-meet-at-calvary\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. God\u2019s Justice and Mercy Meet at Calvary<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither attribute was compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-the-cross-demands-a-response\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. The Cross Demands a Response<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every person must decide what Christ\u2019s death means for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-reflection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Reflection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The account of Jesus&#8217; death&nbsp;is not the tragic ending of the Gospel.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the victorious completion of God\u2019s rescue plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When darkness covered the land\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heaven was accomplishing redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the veil tore\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The way to God opened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Jesus breathed His last\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The final sacrifice was complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing more remained to be paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The innocent Lamb had fully satisfied divine justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every believer now approaches God\u2014not through a priest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not through a temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not through repeated sacrifices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But through Jesus Christ alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Cross forever changed humanity\u2019s relationship with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The curtain that once declared, \u201cKeep out,\u201d has become an open invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because the Son entered death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We may enter life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So the question becomes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Am I still trying to earn access to God through my own efforts\u2014or have I entered freely through the torn veil, trusting completely in the finished work of Jesus Christ?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-suggested-reading\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Suggested Reading:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"y5yH0YKQuQ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/freedom-life-in-the-flesh\/\">Freedom &#8211; Life In The Flesh<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cFreedom \u2013 Life In The Flesh\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/freedom-life-in-the-flesh\/embed\/#?secret=LW7fAyVvoB#?secret=y5yH0YKQuQ\" data-secret=\"y5yH0YKQuQ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"WL8fFJb5BN\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/death-of-jesus-mark-15-33-41\/\">The Death of Jesus: When the Son of God Gives His Life (Mark 15:33\u201341)<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cThe Death of Jesus: When the Son of God Gives His Life (Mark 15:33\u201341)\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/death-of-jesus-mark-15-33-41\/embed\/#?secret=en5Qe4TzbX#?secret=WL8fFJb5BN\" data-secret=\"WL8fFJb5BN\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"Wb1c8z16JT\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/does-your-communication-build-others-up-or-does-it-tear-others-down\/\">Does Your Communication Build Others Up? Or Does It Tear Others Down?<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cDoes Your Communication Build Others Up? Or Does It Tear Others Down?\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/does-your-communication-build-others-up-or-does-it-tear-others-down\/embed\/#?secret=IcSWPzEnsk#?secret=Wb1c8z16JT\" data-secret=\"Wb1c8z16JT\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"UQDcyvJ6xJ\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/faith-of-the-centurion-luke-7-1-10\/\">The Faith of the Centurion: Authority Recognized, Power Released (Luke 7:1\u201310)<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cThe Faith of the Centurion: Authority Recognized, Power Released (Luke 7:1\u201310)\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/faith-of-the-centurion-luke-7-1-10\/embed\/#?secret=lsdGTZN4EY#?secret=UQDcyvJ6xJ\" data-secret=\"UQDcyvJ6xJ\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-stand-firm wp-block-embed-stand-firm\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"WX2lQ4OjY5\"><a href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/jesus-death-and-burial\/\">Jesus Dies and Is Buried: The Curtain Is Torn, Hope Remains<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"\u201cJesus Dies and Is Buried: The Curtain Is Torn, Hope Remains\u201d \u2014 Stand Firm\" src=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/jesus-death-and-burial\/embed\/#?secret=AvsOaJFXBY#?secret=WX2lQ4OjY5\" data-secret=\"WX2lQ4OjY5\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Luke 23:44\u201349, Jesus dies on the Cross after committing His spirit to the Father. Darkness covers the land, the temple veil is torn, and the centurion declares Jesus\u2019 innocence, revealing the completion of God\u2019s plan of redemption.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[675,2764,761,2721],"tags":[2807,2298,2791,2781,2806,2305,2805],"class_list":["post-3962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gospel-of-luke","category-passion-week","category-salvation","category-the-cross","tag-darkness-at-the-cross","tag-death-of-christ","tag-luke-23-explained","tag-passion-week","tag-redemption","tag-temple-veil-torn","tag-the-death-of-jesus"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Death of Jesus: A Climax of Redemption<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the significance of the death of Jesus and how it fulfills God&#039;s redemptive plan for humanity and history.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349) - Stand Firm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Stand Firm - The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Stand Firm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standfirmgrowinginfaith\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standfirmgrowinginfaith\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"John Clark\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"John Clark\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"John Clark\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce\"},\"headline\":\"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1625,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"darkness at the cross\",\"death of Christ\",\"Luke 23 explained\",\"Passion Week\",\"redemption\",\"temple veil torn\",\"the death of Jesus\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Gospel of Luke\",\"Passion Week\",\"Salvation\",\"The Cross\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Death of Jesus: A Climax of Redemption\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"Explore the significance of the death of Jesus and how it fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity and history.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1\",\"width\":900,\"height\":450,\"caption\":\"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Gospel of Luke\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/category\\\/gospel-of-luke\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Stand Firm\",\"description\":\"Growing in the Christian Faith\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"Person\",\"Organization\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce\",\"name\":\"John Clark\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/Johnsmug2.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/Johnsmug2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/Johnsmug2.jpg\",\"width\":303,\"height\":360,\"caption\":\"John Clark\"},\"logo\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/08\\\/Johnsmug2.jpg\"},\"sameAs\":[\"http:\\\/\\\/www.standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/standfirmgrowinginfaith\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/channel\\\/UCQISofmi-G-m0Bxw6iAuegg\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/admin\\\/\",\"publishingPrinciples\":\"https:\\\/\\\/standingfirminfaith.com\\\/blog\\\/faith-hope-and-love\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Death of Jesus: A Climax of Redemption","description":"Explore the significance of the death of Jesus and how it fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity and history.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349) - Stand Firm","og_description":"Stand Firm - The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)","og_url":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/","og_site_name":"Stand Firm","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standfirmgrowinginfaith","article_author":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standfirmgrowinginfaith","article_published_time":"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":900,"height":450,"url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"John Clark","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"John Clark","Est. reading time":"7 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/"},"author":{"name":"John Clark","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce"},"headline":"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)","datePublished":"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/"},"wordCount":1625,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","keywords":["darkness at the cross","death of Christ","Luke 23 explained","Passion Week","redemption","temple veil torn","the death of Jesus"],"articleSection":["Gospel of Luke","Passion Week","Salvation","The Cross"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/","url":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/","name":"The Death of Jesus: A Climax of Redemption","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","datePublished":"2026-07-23T10:30:00+00:00","description":"Explore the significance of the death of Jesus and how it fulfills God's redemptive plan for humanity and history.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","contentUrl":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","width":900,"height":450,"caption":"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/the-death-of-jesus-when-heaven-opened-through-the-cross-luke-2344-49\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Gospel of Luke","item":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/category\/gospel-of-luke\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Death of Jesus: When Heaven Opened Through the Cross (Luke 23:44\u201349)"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/","name":"Stand Firm","description":"Growing in the Christian Faith","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/cc168f9d2468a23b34f3439932313fce","name":"John Clark","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Johnsmug2.jpg","url":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Johnsmug2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Johnsmug2.jpg","width":303,"height":360,"caption":"John Clark"},"logo":{"@id":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Johnsmug2.jpg"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/standfirmgrowinginfaith","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCQISofmi-G-m0Bxw6iAuegg"],"url":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/author\/admin\/","publishingPrinciples":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/faith-hope-and-love\/"}]}},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The_Death_of_Jesus_When_Heaven_Opened_Through_the-twitter-1.jpeg?fit=900%2C450&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pco8Qn-11U","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3962","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3962"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3967,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3962\/revisions\/3967"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3963"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/standingfirminfaith.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}