Study of the Sanctuary - Part 6

2300 days prophecy

Review of the 70 weeks:

So, the Seventy weeks prophetically represents 490 years. The 490 years began when Artaxerxes sent out the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12-26). The last week of the Prophetic 70 weeks (or the beginning of the last 7 years) was marked by the Anointing of Christ, the Messiah, at His baptism when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. It was at this Baptism that Jesus began His ministry.
            In the Midst of the last week of the prophecy, (A.D. 31) Christ was crucified, and the sacrifices and ordinances of the tabernacle were made to cease. That is when the ceremonial laws were fulfilled. The work of the tabernacle was then moved to the heavenly Sanctuary; Christ became our High Priest and now labors in the Heavenly as our Mediator to make atonement for our sins. No other mediator would I want other than Jesus Himself.
            The end of the 70 weeks was marked in A.D. 34, when the Jews began persecuting the true followers of Christ by the stoning of Steven. At this time the Gospel moved from the Jews and became available to the gentiles (all the earth), to any who would receive it.

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The 70 weeks prophecy and the 2300 days prophecy are connected. To find out how, we need to review the Vision in which Daniel received the prophecy.

Where is the prophecy found?

Daniel 8:13 and 14

13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?

14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

In Chapter eight of Daniel, a vision is given to him about a Ram with two horns, one horn being taller than the other. This Ram was portrayed as powerful and strong, and it pushed towards the West, North, and South so that no beast might stand before him (verse 4). Then, as Daniel was considering the ram, a He Goat came from the West on the face of the whole earth “and touched not the ground…” (5). This goat had a notable horn between its eyes. Now, according to that which is written, the goat charged at the Ram and smote him, and the Ram was powerless against the goat, and the goat cast the ram down and stamped upon him. The goat became very powerful, and when he was strong the horn between his eyes was broken, and four horns came up in its place. “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. 12 And a host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. (Verses 9-12).” After this point in the prophecy is where the 2300 days prophecy was given to Daniel.
            When Daniel received the vision, he was confused about it and sought for the meaning. Then Gabriel was sent unto him to make known to him the meaning. (Verses 15-26).
            In Short, the angel said that the vision would happen at the time of the end. The Angel said, “The Ram that though sawest having two horns are the Kings of Media and Persia. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia (Greece): and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. (20, 21).” Then, four more kings rose up in the same kingdom, but not in the same power. One of these kings, as being described as “a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up (23).” This king is the one who is mighty, but not by his own power. He shall destroy many with peace, and he will stand up against the Prince of princes, but will be defeated.

So, what does this prophecy have to do with the 2300 days, and the cleansing of the Sanctuary? The precise link between the vision and the prophecy is not all very clear to me yet, I am still studying it out, but there is a definite connection between the cleansing of the sanctuary being near the time of the end, and when the “transgression of desolation” shall be set up. (Read Daniel 12, verse 11).

Now I need you to think back a ways to the tabernacle of Israel. What was the cleansing ceremony of the sanctuary?

So, the Prophecy says in Dan 8:14, that the Sanctuary would be cleansed, or begin being cleansed at the end of 2300 days. Remember that in Israel there was an annual event that took place with the sanctuary that all the people of Israel prepared themselves for. This day was called the Day of Atonement. The purpose of the Day of Atonement was to cleanse the sanctuary from all the sins of the people from throughout the year that had been laid upon the sanctuary. (Note: when the evening or morning sacrifice was carried out, the sins that were confessed upon the sacrifice would be ceremonially placed upon the tabernacle until the tenth day of the 7^th month of the year). In the Day of Atonement, the High Priest would make a special offering and sacrifice for the sins of the people and his own. Then, the high priest would take blood of the sacrifice and go into the most holy Place to make atonement to the Father, for intercession for Israel. Once the atonement was made for Israel, the sins would have to be removed from the camp and from the Sanctuary. Thus was the purpose of the Scapegoat. The sins would be put upon the Scape goat, and a fit man would take the goat out of the camp to leave it, outside the camp. The Fit man would then cleanse himself before returning to the camp. Likewise, is the same pattern in the heavenly Sanctuary? (We will look at the Cleansing of the heavenly Sanctuary later in the study).

At the end of the 2300 days prophecy, what sanctuary was to be cleansed? What is the Sanctuary representing here in Dan 8:14? Is the Sanctuary here a symbol of something? Or literal?

It would be a literal sanctuary being mentioned in this verse, but which sanctuary? We already know that the 70 weeks prophecy specified that the physical earthly sanctuary and its ordinances were finished in the midst of the 49^th week (Dan 9:27), so what other sanctuary could there be? The heavenly, of course, because at the end of the 70 weeks the daily sacrifices and oblations had been made to cease. Christ had fulfilled their purpose and thus, when He died, the work was removed from the earthly to the heavenly sanctuary. Therefore, we know that at the end of the 2300 days, it could only be the heavenly sanctuary that would be cleansed, and that it did not represent the earth.

Now, coming to the understanding of the sanctuary, there was a man who discovered the 2300 day prophecy and studied it out, and brought it to light just under 200 years ago. His name was William Miller. At the time that Miller came across this portion of truth, it was a common belief that time that the word sanctuary in Daniels vision, meant the earth. So, when Miller read that it said the “Sanctuary would be cleansed” at the end of the 2300 days, he thought the earth would be cleansed. Thus was the founding reason for the great disappointment. But, as we study this prophecy, we will realize the importance of that date 1844.

“The angel had been sent to Daniel for the express purpose of explaining to him the point which he had failed to understand in the vision of the eighth chapter, the statement relative to time—“unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” After bidding Daniel “understand the matter, and consider the vision,” the very first words of the angel are: “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy Holy City.” The word here translated “determined” literally signifies “cut off.” Seventy weeks, representing 490 years, are declared by the angel to be cut off, as specially pertaining to the Jews. But from what were they cut off? As the 2300 days was the only period of time mentioned in chapter 8, it must be the period from which the seventy weeks were cut off; the seventy weeks must therefore be a part of the 2300 days, and the two periods must begin together. The seventy weeks were declared by the angel to date from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem. If the date of this commandment could be found, then the starting point for the great period of the 2300 days would be ascertained. {GC 326.2}”

Remember, when did the 70 weeks begin?

Remember that the 70 weeks began when the decree from Artaxerxes was declared to go and rebuild Jerusalem? (Ezra 7:12-26). Artaxerxes was actually the third king to proclaim the decree to go and rebuild Jerusalem, but his was the final of the three. Once his decree was sent forth, the beginning of the 70 weeks began, which was in the year 457 B.C.

“Thus far every specification of the prophecies (of the 70 weeks as was shown in last week’s study) is strikingly fulfilled, and the beginning of the seventy weeks is fixed beyond question at 457 B.C., and their expiration in A.D. 34. From this data there is no difficulty in finding the termination of the 2300 days. The seventy weeks—490 days—having been cut off from the 2300, there were 1810 days remaining. After the end of 490 days, the 1810 days were still to be fulfilled. From A.D. 34, 1810 years extend to 1844. Consequently the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14 terminated in the year 1844. At the expiration of this great prophetic period, upon the testimony of the angel of God, “the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” Thus the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary – which was almost universally believed to be at the Second Advent – was definitely pointed out. {GC 328.2}”

Miller and his associates at first believed that the 2300 days would terminate in the spring of 1844, whereas the prophecy points to the autumn of that year. The misapprehension of this point brought disappointment and perplexity to those who had fixed upon the earlier date as the time of the Lord's coming. But this did not in the least affect the strength of the argument that the 2300 days terminated in the year 1844, and that great event represented by the cleansing of the sanctuary must then take place. [GC 328.3]"

Conclusion

Do you understand the 2300 days prophecy in full now? Can you see how the 70 weeks and 2300 days are connected?

The 2300 days (or using the interpretation of a day for a year rule found in Ezekiel 4:6, the 2300 years) is directly connected to the 70 weeks prophecy because they both began at the same time by Artaxerxes decree to rebuild Jerusalem, and by how the 70 weeks Prophecy is said to be “cut off” from the 2300 days. Together, the prophecies began in the year 457 B.C.

The 2300 days (or years) ended 1810 years after the termination of the 70 weeks (A.D. 34) in the autumn of 1844. It was at this time that the work that Christ was doing in the heavenly Sanctuary moved from the Holy place, to making atonement in the Most Holy place. Thus marked the beginning of the cleansing of the Sanctuary.

In the Heavenly Sanctuary, Christ has ascended carrying the sins of all the wicked. In the most holy place, Christ has enacted as our high priest committed to carrying out the service of salvation for sinners. Currently, we are being watched and judged by God in contrast to His law, to see whether or not we are worthy to receive the atoning blood of Christ. This means we currently reside in the time of Judgement.

May we each realize the true impact of this time, its true importance. Let us be sure to examine ourselves and repent and confess all things to Christ, so that He can cover our sins by the blood that He shed for us.

So that HE can make atonement for us. 

Once this the Sunday law is passed, it marks the time when probation begins. Do we not know that these things are near to coming to pass? That the signs of the times that have been given to us as warnings, that the end is near? It surely is near. Amen?

So, may we make use of our time now, so that we can be ready to be with Jesus our savior when He comes soon in the clouds. That is my wish and prayer for each of us.

Study of the Sanctuary - part 4

Typical Ceremonies of the Tabernacle

There are a lot of typical ceremonies, holy days, and events related to the Tabernacle of Israel. As we know the laws and services of the tabernacle were patterned after that of the heavenly (read Hebrews 8:4, 5), so they are types that point forward to or foreshadow things to come. Each of these feasts, holy days and ceremonies pointed forward in type (symbol, pattern or representation) to Christ being the Antitype that was to fulfill these things.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
(Colossians 2:16 and 17)

Christ himself said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. (Matthew 5:17).” Like the Pharisees, many today think that Christ came to remove and to make of none effect the laws of the tabernacle and of the commandments, but in so saying they make it appear that Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross did not fulfill anything. As Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, He came to fulfil what those laws and ceremonies pointed forward to, what they foreshadowed. Christ was the antitype that met the type. The typical laws of the tabernacle were completed and finished at the cross when type met anti-type. Those things had been finished, were accomplished and no longer needed to point forward to a specific work to be accomplished. When Jesus said upon the Cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30), the Inner veil between the Holy and Most holy tore from top to bottom, signifying that the earthly sanctuary had been finished, and the work of the tabernacle had been transferred into the heavenly Sanctuary (For Christ was yet to make atonement in the Most Holy place for our sin).

Note: Though the typical laws of the tabernacle had been accomplished at the cross, many still believe that the Moral law (Ten Commandments) was also nailed to the cross. Notice again the verse in Colossians 2:16, where it says, “sabbath days.” The term here used did not actually refer to the 7^th day weekly Sabbath. It is clear, according to Scripture, that the 7^th day Sabbath was created as an Everlasting sign (or Covenant) between God and His people (read Exodus 31:12-18). These other “Sabbath days” (Plural) are referring to holy days related to the ceremonies given from Sinai, holy day’s that were accomplished at the cross. Some of these Holy days were festivals held for New moons, harvests, and other certain times of the year, one being the Passover.

The Passover and Communion

What is the Passover, and what does it represent?
The Passover is an important day in the Jewish’s culture. It also holds significance in Christianity as well.
The Jews celebrate the Passover as a reminder of being brought out of captivity in Egypt by God. They also keep it because it was part of typical laws given to Israel pointing forward to something of the Future (because they rejected Christ as the Savior, they still believe a King will appear and deliver their enemies into their hand).

What was the first Passover?

Read Exodus 12:1-20         

Obedience is the Evidence of Faith -- The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb represents “the Lamb of God,” in whom is our only hope of salvation. Says the apostle, “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:7. It was not enough that the paschal lamb be slain; its blood must be sprinkled upon the doorposts; so the merits of Christ’s blood must be applied to the soul. We must believe, not only that He died for the world, but that He died for us individually. We must appropriate to ourselves the virtue of the atoning sacrifice. {PP 277.1}

The hyssop used in sprinkling the blood was the symbol of purification, being thus employed in the cleansing of the leper and of those defiled by contact with the dead. In the psalmist’s prayer also its significance is seen: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7. {PP 277.2}

The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. Said Christ, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life.” John 6:53, 54. And to explain His meaning He said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Verse 63. Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples. {PP 277.4}

The lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs, as pointing back to the bitterness of the bondage in Egypt. So when we feed upon Christ, it should be with contrition of heart, because of our sins. The use of unleavened bread also was significant. It was expressly enjoined in the law of the Passover, and as strictly observed by the Jews in their practice, that no leaven should be found in their houses during the feast. In like manner the leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nourishment from Christ. So Paul writes to the Corinthian church, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump.... For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:7, 8. {PP 278.1}

Before obtaining freedom, the bondmen must show their faith in the great deliverance about to be accomplished. The token of blood must be placed upon their houses, and they must separate themselves and their families from the Egyptians, and gather within their own dwellings. Had the Israelites disregarded in any particular the directions given them, had they neglected to separate their children from the Egyptians, had they slain the lamb, but failed to strike the doorpost with blood, or had any gone out of their houses, they would not have been secure. They might have honestly believed that they had done all that was necessary, but their sincerity would not have saved them. All who failed to heed the Lord’s directions would lose their first-born by the hand of the destroyer. {PP 278.2}

By obedience the people were to give evidence of their faith. So all who hope to be saved by the merits of the blood of Christ should realize that they themselves have something to do in securing their salvation. While it is Christ only that can redeem us from the penalty of transgression, we are to turn from sin to obedience. Man is to be saved by faith, not by works; yet his faith must be shown by his works. God has given His Son to die as a propitiation for sin, He has manifested the light of truth, the way of life, He has given facilities, ordinances, and privileges; and now man must co-operate with these saving agencies; he must appreciate and use the helps that God has provided—believe and obey all the divine requirements. {PP 279.1}

If the Passover feasts were fulfilled at the cross, then why do we keep communion?

1 Corinthians 11:24-26

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

John 13:14, 15:

4 He [Christ] riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5 After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

Why do we keep communion? Because Christ gave it to us as an example, as a service to others, and as a memorial to “shew the Lord’s death till he come.” He instructed to us communion so we would learn to remain humble, to prepare ourselves to be servants to others, and to remember His sacrifice for us. Communion is not a sorrowful event, but should be that of rejoicing and gladness, and of humbleness. Gladness as we remember that Christ died so we could be delivered from sin; humbleness as we remember to take the yoke of Christ upon us – the yoke of Obedience and service—and serve those around us. What a great and blessed opportunity it is for us to be able to partake in Communion, to “do so in remembrance of” Him.

Feast days

Should we keep the feast days? What does Scripture say?

1 Corinthians 5:7-8:

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

So, again, are we instructed to keep the feasts and traditions of the Tabernacle? Certainly not in a literal sense. You may have come across some Professing Christians, including Adventists, who claim that we should keep the feast days; they claim it in a literal sense. But why should we keep the feast days if Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us? To claim that we must keep the feasts days is the same as to claim Christ’s sacrifice did not fulfil the law. Are you following me? In verse 8 of 1 Cor. 5 it says, “Therefore let us keep the feast…” How does it say we are to keep the feasts? Are we supposed to keep them by baking special breads for special ceremonies on special times of the year? No. It says to keep them, not with “Malice and Wickedness”, but with “Sincerity and truth.” Amen? It means that the physical types were met with the Antitype, and became Spiritual – went from the physical works to the Spiritual works. Understand what I am saying?
 We are not to keep the feasts by ceremonies, but we are to remember them by sincerity and truth. Folks, the Feasts and typical things of the tabernacle were fulfilled at the cross, but the works of obedience, faith, service and repentance still apply to us today. Amen? We cannot earn our way to heaven by works alone, but obedience to God’s law proves our faith, and the humble service to others increases our faith.

 Brothers and Sisters, remember, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” Remember to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” And “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” So that you will not be deceived by “…vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15; Colossians 2:8).

 My prayer is that we would remember all these things and be found faithful in the Judgement before God.

Note: Here are some interesting things about the catholic church:

Feast days, as according to the Catholic church:

We call Despotic Feastdays, those which are related to the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some of these feastdays are movable and some are fixed. When we refer to fixed feastdays we mean those that occur on the same month and date each year. Some of these are:

• Christmas on the 25th December
• The Circumcision of our Lord on the 1st of January
• Theophany on the 6th January (the day of our Lord's Baptism)
• The Churching of Lord, where He was received into the Temple by Simeon the Prophet and also the churching of Panagia - the 40 day blessing on the 2nd February
• The Transfiguration of our Lord, this is celebrated on the 6th August.
• The elevation of the Holy Cross is celebrated on the 14th September.

We also have the movable Despotic feasts which are:

• Palm Sunday
• Holy Week
• Pascha or Easter (The Resurrection of our Lord)
• The Ascension of our Lord
• The Pentecost.

Have you ever seen the practice of Mass or any other Catholic religious services? Did you notice any of the services that were very similar to the ceremonies of the tabernacle in Israel?

               Obviously, the Catholic Church keeps a number of the ceremonial traditions involved with the tabernacle. In some ways they are like the Jews who keep the ceremonies and laws of the tabernacle because they don’t believe that Christ was the Savior who fulfilled them, but, unlike the Jews, the Catholics believe in Christ as the savior, while at the same time continue to keep the ceremonies of the tabernacle in type. How does that make any sense? However, the Catholic religion has integrated pagan religion and supposed Christian religion together. The more you learn of the Catholic church, the more you can see that they seem to be a combination of the Major types of religions of the world – Christianity, Paganism, Judaism, ect.
 If they do not keep the doctrine that is of Christ, then they are not of the Same Spirit of Christ.

2 John 1:9 (KJV)

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

               Conclusion

There are some who believe in Christ, and claim that the Old Testament should not be in the bible because it has nothing to do with the Life of Christ. On the other side, Jewish religions believe that the New Testament is false because they do not believe that Jesus was the Messiah. In a similar sense, some Christians who profess to believe in Christ have claimed that we should keep the feast days. Where ever we go, as Christians we will continually find people who believe in fanatical things, or things of error. Our rule book should not be our opinion, or what we heard the pastor say, but with every challenge to our faith we should stand ready and able with a “Thus saith the Lord” response. The Word of God “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” (2 Timothy 3:16). We should “Prove all things” with Scripture and “hold fast to that which is Good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15).

               The Old Testament was written to establish the foundation of the beginning of our existence, the beginning and plan of Salvation, and to show us the importance of the New Testament. The Tabernacle and its laws and ceremonies are given to show us the true importance of why Jesus died for to save us from our sins. Without the Old Testament, there would be nothing to establish the New Testament. Scripture is not like trail mix that you can pick out the pieces you like. The word of God is whole, complete and meat for Spiritual nourishment. Let’s not be distracted from our real purpose by fanatical groups or beliefs, but, rather, let us turn to the Word of God, and do the Will of God. 

Study of the Sanctuary - part 5

70 Weeks Prophecy

When we study the words of Scripture, we need to remember that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Tim 3:16).” “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)” These things help us to realize the credibility of the word of God, that He spoke or inspired it and thus it is truth.
            While we study Scripture, we need to keep in mind Isaiah 28:10. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:” We will not find a more sure answer to things of scripture unless we let scripture be its own interpreter. Amen? Let the word of God prove itself and be the basis to compare all things upon.

Where is the 70 weeks prophecy found to be given? (Opening verse)

Daniel 9:24-27

            24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

            A day for a year

Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6

And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.

            With this verse here, we can know that in this prophecy, where ever there is a day, it literally represents a literal year. Prophetic day = literal year.

Therefore, 70 weeks (7 Prophetic days in a week) would be 70x7=490 Prophetic days, or 490 literal years.

So, if we re-read verse 24 of the prophecy with what we understand, it means, “[Four hundred ninety literal years] are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

            When did these 70 weeks (or 490 literal years) begin?

Daniel 9:25

25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

            When was this decree or commandment sent forth to restore Jerusalem? (Remember that Jerusalem had been destroyed when Israel was taken captive to Babylon for their prolonged disobedience to God)

The decree can be found in Ezra 7:12-26

12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.

13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.

25 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.

26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

In Its completest form it was issued by Artaxerxes, King of Persia, 457 B.C.

Note: In Ezra 6:14 the house of the Lord at Jerusalem is said to have been built “according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.” These three kings in originating, reaffirming, and completing the decree, brought it to the perfection required by the prophecy to mark the beginning of the 490 years. Taking 457 B.C., the time when the decree was completed, as the date of the commandment, every specification of the prophecy concerning the 70 weeks was seen to have been fulfilled.

“From the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks”—namely, sixty-nine weeks, or 483 years. The decree of Artaxerxes went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. From this date, 483 years extend to the autumn of A.D. 27. At that time this prophecy was fulfilled. The word “Messiah” signifies “the Anointed One.” In the autumn of A.D. 27 Christ was baptized by John and received the anointing of the Spirit. The apostle Peter testifies that “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.” Acts 10:38. And the Saviour Himself declared: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.” Luke 4:18. After His baptism He went into Galilee, “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled.” Mark 1:14, 15. {GC 327.1}

            It was at the Baptism of Christ that He began his ministry of delivering the gospel to the Jews, as well as it marked the beginning of the last Prophetic week of the prophecy.

“And He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week.” The “week” here brought to view is the last one of the seventy; it is the last seven years of the period allotted especially to the Jews. During this time, extending from A.D. 27 to A.D. 34, Christ, at first in person and afterward by His disciples, extended the gospel invitation especially to the Jews. As the apostles went forth with the good tidings of the kingdom, the Saviour’s direction was: “Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Matthew 10:5, 6. {GC 327.2}
            Now, here is where this prophecy becomes connected to the Sanctuary:
“In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.” In A.D. 31, three and a half years after His baptism, our Lord was crucified. With the great sacrifice offered upon Calvary, ended that system of offerings which for four thousand years had pointed forward to the Lamb of God. Type had met antitype, and all the sacrifices and oblations of the ceremonial system were there to cease. {GC 327.3}  

This time here, the midst of the last week of the prophecy, When Christ was crucified, (A.D. 31) the ceremonies and feast days and things related to the tabernacle were fulfilled and finished. They had been accomplished and that is when they ended. We no longer keep them because Christ fulfilled them at the cross. The work of the Sanctuary was then shifted into Heaven and Christ became our High priest.

Amen?
Praise the Lord.

Though the laws of the tabernacle were fulfilled here, the ten commandment law was not done away with as it was separate from the ceremonial laws. It is a law that works love and thus it is still today. The Things of the moral law are good and pure and everlasting. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)”

“The seventy weeks, or 490 years, especially allotted to the Jews, ended, as we have seen, in A.D. 34. At that time, through the action of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the nation sealed its rejection of the gospel by the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the followers of Christ. Then the message of salvation, no longer restricted to the chosen people, was given to the world. The disciples, forced by persecution to flee from Jerusalem, “went everywhere preaching the word.” “Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.” Peter, divinely guided, opened the gospel to the centurion of Caesarea, the God-fearing Cornelius; and the ardent Paul, won to the faith of Christ, was commissioned to carry the glad tidings “far hence unto the Gentiles.” Acts 8:4, 5; 22:21. {GC 328.1}

            This marked the end of the 70 week prophecy, the Gospel had been moved from the Jews (because they rejected it and Christ the Messiah), and had then been placed among the gentiles. The Plan of Salvation was made available to any and all who would receive it, and was no longer secluded to one nation of people. Christ labored diligently to save the Jewish people from the course they were traveling, but when they rejected Him and His truth, and began persecuting the church of Christ marked by the stoning of Steven, they had sealed their fate and the blessing of Eternal life was removed from them.

            Conclusion

So, the Seventy weeks prophetically represents 490 years. The 490 years began when Artaxerxes sent out the decree to rebuild Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12-26). The last week of the Prophetic 70 weeks (or the beginning of the last 7 years) was marked by the Anointing of Christ, the Messiah, at His baptism when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove. It was at this Baptism that Jesus began His ministry.
            In the Midst of the last week of the prophecy, (A.D. 31) Christ was crucified, and the sacrifices and ordinances of the tabernacle were made to cease. That is when the ceremonial laws were fulfilled. The work of the tabernacle was then moved to the heavenly Sanctuary, Christ became our High Priest and now labors in the Heavenly as our Mediator to make atonement for our sins. No other mediator would I want other than Jesus Himself.
            The end of the 70 weeks was marked in A.D. 34, when the Jews began persecuting the true followers of Christ by the stoning of Steven. At this time the Gospel moved from the Jews and became available to the gentiles (all the earth), to any who would receive it.

            The 70 weeks prophecy may not be in our time today, but it applies to us to understand it for the credibility of Scripture by the fulfillment of Prophecy, and also of the ministry that Christ is engaged in for us in our current day.

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 3

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 3

Significance of the articles of the Sanctuary, and the Ceremonies.

The apparel of the priests.

“In accordance with their office, a special dress was appointed for the priests. “Thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty,” was the divine direction to Moses. The robe of the common priest was of white linen, and woven in one piece. It extended nearly to the feet and was confined about the waist by a white linen girdle embroidered in blue, purple, and red. A linen turban, or miter, completed his outer costume. Moses at the burning bush was directed to put off his sandals, for the ground whereon he stood was holy. So the priests were not to enter the sanctuary with shoes upon their feet. Particles of dust cleaving to them would desecrate the holy place. They were to leave their shoes in the court before entering the sanctuary, and also to wash both their hands and their feet before ministering in the tabernacle or at the altar of burnt offering. Thus was constantly taught the lesson that all defilement must be put away from those who would approach into the presence of God. {PP 350.2}

The garments of the high priest were of costly material and beautiful workmanship, befitting his exalted station. In addition to the linen dress of the common priest, he wore a robe of blue, also woven in one piece. Around the skirt it was ornamented with golden bells, and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet. Outside of this was the ephod, a shorter garment of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white. It was confined by a girdle of the same colors, beautifully wrought. The ephod was sleeveless, and on its gold-embroidered shoulder pieces were set two onyx stones, bearing the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. {PP 350.3}”

The breastplate:

“Over the ephod was the breastplate, the most sacred of the priestly vestments. This was of the same material as the ephod. It was in the form of a square, measuring a span, and was suspended from the shoulders by a cord of blue from golden rings. The border was formed of a variety of precious stones, the same that form the twelve foundations of the City of God. Within the border were twelve stones set in gold, arranged in rows of four, and, like those in the shoulder pieces, engraved with the names of the tribes. The Lord’s direction was, “Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.” Exodus 28:29. So Christ, the great High Priest, pleading His blood before the Father in the sinner’s behalf, bears upon His heart the name of every repentant, believing soul. Says the psalmist, “I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me.” Psalm 40:17. {PP 351.1}”

“At the right and left of the breastplate were two large stones of great brilliancy. These were known as the Urim and Thummim. By them the will of God was made known through the high priest. When questions were brought for decision before the Lord, a halo of light encircling the precious stone at the right was a token of the divine consent or approval, while a cloud shadowing the stone at the left was an evidence of denial or disapprobation. {PP 351.2}”

The Miter upon the Priest’s head:

The miter of the high priest consisted of the white linen turban, having attached to it by a lace of blue, a gold plate bearing the inscription, “Holiness to Jehovah.” Everything connected with the apparel and deportment of the priests was to be such as to impress the beholder with a sense of the holiness of God, the sacredness of His worship, and the purity required of those who came into His presence. {PP 351.3}

The purpose for the all the apparel of the priest’s and of the Sanctuary were all purposed to point the beholder to Humbleness and reverence to God.

What was the ministration of the priests to serve unto the example and pattern of?

Hebrews 8:5
Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

“Not only the sanctuary itself, but the ministration of the priests, was to “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.” Hebrews 8:5. Thus it was of great importance; and the Lord, through Moses, gave the most definite and explicit instruction concerning every point of this typical service. The ministration of the sanctuary consisted of two divisions, a daily and a yearly service. The daily service was performed at the altar of burnt offering in the court of the tabernacle and in the holy place; while the yearly service was in the most holy. {PP 351.4}”

What do the articles of the Sanctuary represent?

The first thing we notice as we approach the sanctuary is that there is only one door. Not even a fire exit! Remember Jesus' words: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9).
All that are saved are redeemed by Jesus alone. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The only way to God is through Christ, the only door.

               The wood wrapped in gold represents the human nature covered by the pure nature of Christ.

The walls of the Tabernacle were decorated with palm branches and open flowers (palm branches were used for Jesus returning to Jerusalem) (The palm branch is a symbol of victory, triumph, peace and eternal life).

Altar of burnt offerings

Immediately upon entering the door of the courtyard sat the brazen altar of burnt offerings. The altar was actually made of acacia wood and overlaid with brass. Some have likened the wood portion to human works and the brass to Christ's work. Without the brass, the wooden frame would have been consumed by the fire during the burning of the offerings, just as we will be consumed by the lake of fire if we do not believe that Jesus' grace must eclipse our good works.

The Laver

Between the altar of burnt offerings and the tabernacle itself stood the laver. It was also made of brass and was filled with water for the cleansing of the priests.
The picture of sinners' justification became clear in the courtyard. Before God gave the Israelites His Law on tables of stone, He saved them from slavery in Egypt by virtue of their faith in the Passover Lamb (symbolized by the altar) and baptized them in the sea (represented by the laver). God takes us just as we are and forgives our sins. When we accept Christ, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, our heavenly record of sin is covered by Jesus' blood.

Candle sticks

Just inside the holy place on the left (south) side, stood the golden menorah that had seven candlestick branches (see Exodus 25:31-40). They were not wax candles as we know them, but lamps fueled by pure olive oil. The priests trimmed the wicks daily, and refilled the bowls with oil so that the menorah would constantly be a source of light for the holy place. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12).
He also said, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14). The olive oil in the lamps symbolized the Holy Spirit that illuminates the church. The lamp is a symbol of the Word, as well (Psalm 119:105).
The oil in the Candle sticks represent the holy Spirt (Like with the ten virgins)

Shewbread
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

The shewbread, being stacked in 2 sets of 6, (66) can represent the books of the bible, the Spiritual food.

“The showbread was kept ever before the Lord as a perpetual offering. Thus it was a part of the daily sacrifice. It was called showbread, or “bread of the presence,” because it was ever before the face of the Lord. It was an acknowledgment of man’s dependence upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that it is received only through the mediation of Christ. God had fed Israel in the wilderness with bread from heaven, and they were still dependent upon His bounty, both for temporal food and spiritual blessings. Both the manna and the showbread pointed to Christ, the living Bread, who is ever in the presence of God for us. He Himself said, “I am the living Bread which came down from heaven.” John 6:48-51. Frankincense was placed upon the loaves. When the bread was removed every Sabbath, to be replaced by fresh loaves, the frankincense was burned upon the altar as a memorial before God. {PP 354.1}”

Altar of Incense
Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The altar of incense was located directly across from the door standing against the ornate veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place. Like several other items in the sanctuary, it was also made of acacia wood and covered with gold (Exodus 30:1-3). It was much smaller than the altar in the courtyard and contained a brass pot that held hot coals from the brazen altar of burnt offerings. It was here that the priest burned a very special blend of incense which filled the sanctuary with a sweet-smelling cloud, representing the prayers of intercession and confession of the believers sweetened by the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:8).

Note: the fire on the Altar of Incense was lit by holy fire from God. It was kept burning by Him. The Altar was located directly before the Curtain, and, as it represents prayer, signifies the approach to the Mercy seat and throne of God. When we pray, we are approaching the Throne of God, and thus we must do so with a humble heart in sincerity and utter respect unto God.

Sanctification is the process in the Christian's life of learning to obey. It is made up of a series of justifications. Each time we sin we ask for forgiveness, and we are justified again. However, God offers more than forgiveness when we confess. In 1 John 1:9, He promises us that, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
It is that "cleansing from unrighteousness" that constitutes sanctification. The key ingredients in our sanctification are a devotional life in the Word, prayer, and witnessing. The sanctuary's bread, incense, and lamp represent these elements.

 The veil

This veil, or curtain, separating the holy and the most holy places of the sanctuary has great significance, because it was this veil that tore at the very moment Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). His death symbolized the end of the need for the exclusive Levitical priesthood to mediate between man and God.
The veil represents the body of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19, 20). It was only by passing through this veil that access was possible to the most holy place (Hebrews 4:16). The tearing of the veil symbolized the death of the Lamb of God, which now permits the believer in His atonement immediate access to the most holy place through the new High Priest-Jesus Christ-the one and only Mediator between man and God.

Ark of the Covenant, Mercy seat

Inside the most holy place, or "holy of holies," was one piece of furniture-the ark of the covenant. This sacred box, also constructed of acacia wood and covered with gold, contained the tables of stone upon which God had written the Ten Commandments. Later it also contained Aaron's rod that had budded and a small pot of manna.
The lid of the ark was called the "mercy seat" (Exodus 25:17), and above it was the shining glory of the Lord, or Shekinah (which literally means "the dwelling"), radiating between two covering cherubs, or angels, on either end of the ark. This was a symbol of the throne of God and the presence of the Almighty in heaven. The walls of the most holy place were engraved with many angels, representing the clouds of living angels that surround the person of God in heaven (1 Kings 6:29).

Conclusion

The Tabernacle, as we have seen, was built to signify many things. The wood covered in Gold representing the nature of man being covered by the Nature of Christ; the Altar of Burnt offering signifying repentance and confession of sin, and forgiveness of sin; the Laver representing Baptism and Purification; the candlesticks representing the holy Spirit and the light of truth; the table of shew bread representing the word of God as spiritual food and the Holy Spirit; the altar of incense represents prayer (located just before the veil before the Mercy seat); then in the Most Holy place is the Ark of the covenant which enclosed the Two stones where the Law of God was written upon with His finger, representing the throne of God being the place of unchanging Judgement and mercy; the mercy seat as the throne where God abode among His people. All of these things, Patterned after the design of the Heavenly Sanctuary, all pointed forward to when Jesus Christ would shed His blood to wash the sins of the sinners away. What an Amazing God who would give so much to us who are so unworthy. 

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 2

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 2

Tabernacle of Israel

Purpose of the Tabernacle

Did God dwell in the Camp of Israel before the Sanctuary was built?

               You might recall that when the Israelites had finally been released from the bondage of Egypt by the Might of God, God accompanied Israel in their journeys. He was described as a cloud in the day and as a Pillar of fire at night (Ex 13:21). When Israel was about to cross the red sea, and the Egyptian army pursued after them, the Pillar came between Israel and the Egyptian army. From the beginning of the trek from Egypt, God was continually with His people, guiding and protecting them. When Israel was brought to Sinai, the people had to prepare themselves for seven days before they could receive the Instructions from the Lord. Even at this, only certain of the Elders, Moses and Aaron were allowed to go near the mountain, then Moses alone was allowed to go into the Cloud with the Lord. This was due to the sins of the people, and the Consuming fire of the Lord. Sin cannot exist in the Presence of God, for His glory would consume and destroy the sin and anyone who was part with it.

               God was not able to abide in the Midst of the people because of their sins, they would have been consumed. Therefore the Sanctuary was built so that God could abide in the midst of His people, like the government of them. That there would be a veil to separate the Holy one from man, a veil of mercy so man would not be consumed.

Where did the Sacrificial Ceremonies start?

Genesis 3:21
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

The First sacrifice was made right after the first Covenant was made. (Read verse 15 also). So, here we see that God established His covenant with Adam and Eve, then put forth the Conditions to Meet (Obedience) and gave the means to meet those conditions (The Plan of Salvation through the system of Sacrifices ordained by God.) The Sacrificial system was started in Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. That ceremony of shedding innocent blood to wash away sin was a representation of the innocent blood of the Lamb of God which was to be slain for the redemption of man.

What purpose did the Tabernacle serve?

               The purpose of the Tabernacle was to establish unto the children of Israel, in an orderly manner, the plan of salvation to sinful man. The Tabernacle was built for the practice of the sacrificial offerings, and for the sins of the repentant to be carried into the sanctuary, to be forgiven. Proper and reasonable order is part of the Will of God. The ceremonies and sacrifices as practiced by Adam, Cain, Abraham, Isaac and down until they were lost in Egypt, were part of the set order that God has made for the Salvation of man. The Sanctuary given to the Israelites to build is a clear foreshadowing of the cross on Calvary. Each article, detail, sacrifice, and ceremony of the tabernacle directly pointed forward to the work that Christ was going to accomplish as the ultimate sacrifice to save erring man.

The Tabernacle, directly designed after the Sanctuary in heaven, was also the dwelling place of God. It is the sanctuary, a sacred place. The mercy seat (Ark of the Covenant) was located in the second room of the tabernacle, the seat of God where He sat among Israel. We will go in more detail later in the studies.

So, therefore, the purpose of the Tabernacle in Israel was to be the House of God, so He could be among His chosen people, and that it gave to Israel the access to the plan of Salvation.

(Note) Notice that the Sacrificial system that was instructed to Adam and his descendants, was carried down from generation to generation and preserved all the way to, and even through, the time that God’s people became lost in Egypt, and down unto the time of Christ. Multiple times Lucifer tried to make God’s people lose sight of the Plan of Salvation to be left in darkness, but God set up faithful men to carry it through – Adam to his sons, Seth, after Able had been slain, Noah, through the flood, Joseph, into Egypt, and then reminded unto Moses in the Wilderness, which in turn was instructed also unto Israel in Egypt. The truth of God’s salvation has been continually guided and protected throughout world’s history. From days of old, through the days of the reformation and the Waldensians, and carried through from 1844, to Now – The truth has been and will be preserved unto the end of this world and beyond. The Lord is continually merciful.

Construction of the Sanctuary

(This section is based on Exodus 36-39).

“For the building of the sanctuary great and expensive preparations were necessary; a large amount of the most precious and costly material was required; yet the Lord accepted only freewill offerings. “Of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering” was the divine command repeated by Moses to the congregation. Devotion to God and a spirit of sacrifice were the first requisites in preparing a dwelling place for the Most High. {PP 343.3}”

This same Spirit of Giving is looked for among God's people today. God wishes to see the desire of man to prepare a way to commune with Him.

He desires to see us engage in the work to prepare ourselves and others to spend eternity with Him in the new earth.

“The tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken apart and borne with the Israelites in all their journeying’s. It was therefore small, being not more than fifty-five feet in length, and eighteen in breadth and height. Yet it was a magnificent structure. The wood employed for the building and its furniture was that of the acacia tree, which was less subject to decay than any other to be obtained at Sinai. The walls consisted of upright boards, set in silver sockets, and held firm by pillars and connecting bars; and all were overlaid with gold, giving to the building the appearance of solid gold. The roof was formed of four sets of curtains, the innermost of “fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work;” the other three respectively were of goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, so arranged as to afford complete protection. {PP 347.1}”

The building was not huge, and not made to be a bragging token of Israel, but it was made to be neat, orderly, and magnificent as it was the house of God.
Likewise our churches of modern day do not need to be of show and popularity, many times the people of God waste great sums of money in creating a showing church, when those funds could have been put into the better work for God. Our Churches need to be appropriate, humble, neat and orderly, as they are also consecrated to be the House of God.


What are the furnishings of the Tabernacle?

               (Outer court)

·        The Altar of Burnt Offering (Ex 38:1-7)

·        The Laver (Ex 38:8)

(Holy Place)

·        The table of shewbread (Ex 37:10-16)

·        The candle stick, which has seven upon it (Ex 37:17-24)

·        Alter of Incense (Ex 37:25-28)

Then the Veil which separates the Holy Place from the (Holy of Holies).

·        The Ark of the Covenant (Ex 37:1-9)

·        And the mercy seat upon the ark.

“The building was divided into two apartments by a rich and beautiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars; and a similar veil closed the entrance of the first apartment. These, like the inner covering, which formed the ceiling, were of the most gorgeous colors, blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged, while inwrought with threads of gold and silver were cherubim to represent the angelic host who are connected with the work of the heavenly sanctuary and who are ministering spirits to the people of God on earth. {PP 347.2}
The sacred tent was enclosed in an open space called the court, which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen, suspended from pillars of brass. The entrance to this enclosure was at the eastern end. It was closed by curtains of costly material and beautiful workmanship, though inferior to those of the sanctuary. The hangings of the court being only about half as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the building could be plainly seen by the people without. In the court, and nearest the entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. Upon this altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the altar and the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also of brass, made from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and their feet whenever they went into the sacred apartments, or approached the altar to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord. {PP 347.3}
In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread, the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to place twelve cakes, arranged in two piles, and sprinkled with frankincense. The loaves that were removed, being accounted holy, were to be eaten by the priests. On the south was the seven-branched candlestick, with its seven lamps. Its branches were ornamented with exquisitely wrought flowers, resembling lilies, and the whole was made from one solid piece of gold. There being no windows in the tabernacle, the lamps were never all extinguished at one time, but shed their light by day and by night. Just before the veil separating the holy place from the most holy and the immediate presence of God, stood the golden altar of incense. Upon this altar the priest was to burn incense every morning and evening; its horns were touched with the blood of the sin offering, and it was sprinkled with blood upon the great Day of Atonement. The fire upon this altar was kindled by God Himself and was sacredly cherished. Day and night the holy incense diffused its fragrance throughout the sacred apartments, and without, far around the tabernacle. {PP 348.1}
Beyond the inner veil was the holy of holies, where centered the symbolic service of atonement and intercession, and which formed the connecting link between heaven and earth. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God Himself had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God’s testament, or the Ark of the Covenant, since the Ten Commandments were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel. {PP 348.2}

(note) Remember, folks, in previous studies how we have seen the importance of the Ten Commandments in Salvation? Mercy and Justice are the Throne of God. And in the Holy of Holies, within the Mercy seat of God, was where the Ten Commandments were kept. By the Ten Commandments is holy Judgement made by God.

The cover of the sacred chest was called the mercy seat. This was wrought of one solid piece of gold, and was surmounted by golden cherubim, one standing on each end. One wing of each angel was stretched forth on high, while the other was folded over the body (see Ezekiel 1:11) in token of reverence and humility. The position of the cherubim, with their faces turned toward each other, and looking reverently downward toward the ark, represented the reverence with which the heavenly host regard the law of God and their interest in the plan of redemption. {PP 348.3}
Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine Presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will. Divine messages were sometimes communicated to the high priest by a voice from the cloud. Sometimes a light fell upon the angel at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or cloud rested upon the one at the left to reveal disapproval or rejection. {PP 349.1}
The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service, “mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10. {PP 349.2} “

“No language can describe the glory of the scene presented within the sanctuary—the gold-plated walls reflecting the light from the golden candlestick, the brilliant hues of the richly embroidered curtains with their shining angels, the table, and the altar of incense, glittering with gold; beyond the second veil the sacred ark, with its mystic cherubim, and above it the holy Shekinah, the visible manifestation of Jehovah’s presence; all but a dim reflection of the glories of the temple of God in heaven, the great center of the work for man’s redemption. {PP 349.3}

A period of about half a year was occupied in the building of the tabernacle. When it was completed, Moses examined all the work of the builders, comparing it with the pattern shown him in the mount and the directions he had received from God. “As the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.” With eager interest the multitudes of Israel crowded around to look upon the sacred structure. While they were contemplating the scene with reverent satisfaction, the pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary and, descending, enveloped it. “And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” There was a revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time even Moses could not enter. With deep emotion the people beheld the token that the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud demonstrations of rejoicing. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they murmured low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended to abide with them. {PP 349.4}”

Conclusions

The Sanctuary was built by God's commandment so that God could abide in the Midst of His people. He wanted to be among His chosen people to be near them and to give them the way to Salvation. All through the specific constructions and instructions given concerning the Sanctuary serve for a specific purpose. By studying the Sanctuary we can see that it Foreshadows the cross and the sacrifice that Christ gave for the Salvation of Man. All through the progression of the sanctuary can be found the Steps to Christ.
 The Sanctuary was patterned after the design of the Heavenly Sanctuary. The ceremonies can be found With Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob and Esau and all through the history down into Israel. The Sanctuary was built to make a way of escape from the captivity of Sin.
 The sanctuary holds importance to us as it sets a foundation that pointed to the Cavalry, foundation to the Judgement, and a foundation to the atonement for our sins. Not many are aware of the Actual importance of the Sanctuary to current day Christians. May we study and learn to know the Will of God.

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 1

Bible study of the Sanctuary -- Part 1

The beginning of the Sanctuary

What is the Sanctuary?

A Sanctuary is a sacred place, or a place of refuge.

Exodus 25:8
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

The Most common meaning of the word Sanctuary is as a sacred place, a place where God’s presence is.
The purpose of the Sanctuary in Israel was known as the House of God. Not a place to disrespect or profane. Likewise today, in Church we refer to the place where we worship God as the Sanctuary. It is a place where His presence is, and it should be treated with distinction and humble reverence.
 The House of God is also referred to as a temple.

In Scripture, how many Sanctuaries or temples of importance are there? (Excluding all pagan and false ones)

The heavenly Sanctuary

Hebrews 8:1-5
1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.

3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.

4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

The earthly Tabernacle (Designed after the heavenly)

Exodus 25:8, 9.
8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

9 According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Patriarchs and Prophets 356, 357:
“As has been stated, the earthly sanctuary was built by Moses according to the pattern shown him in the mount. It was “a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices;” its two holy places were “patterns of things in the heavens;” Christ, our great High Priest, is “a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:2. As in vision the apostle John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven, he beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet was permitted to behold the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil, upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament” (Revelation 11:19), represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God. {PP 356.1}

Moses made the earthly sanctuary, “according to the fashion that he had seen.” Paul declares that “the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry,” when completed, were “the patterns of things in the heavens.” Acts 7:44; Hebrews 9:21, 23. And John says that he saw the sanctuary in heaven. That sanctuary, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy. {PP 357.1}”

The temple of the body
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
16Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

17If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 cor. 6:19-20

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

               The Body is the one temple that is most desecrated and unsanctified. As we look around us in this world, we see the foul characters of men and women and even children all around. Sin and disease has corrupted and destroyed the Image of God of whom we were created in. The body which, was created for to do good and the perfect will of God, to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, has been brought down to the level of beasts by the indulgences of selfishness and sin, and by the indwelling of satanic influences. The minds of men are becoming only continually evil; the fruits of their labors are of destruction and wickedness. The greatest troubles of this world are caused by the wickedness of mankind. This course of destructive behavior could change, but only by the influence of the Holy Spirit dwelling within.
               The actions of the hands and feet are the products of our hearts and minds; what we expose our hearts and minds to is what the fruits of our labors, and the words of our mouth are patterned after. If we allow for the sinful and worldly influences to enter into the ports of our minds (ears, eyes, mouth), our fruits will become patterned and follow after those influences. Do we allow that which is only pure, and holy, and acceptable enter into us, or that of sin and wickedness? Are our bodies the temple of God, or are they the dwelling place of worldliness and sin? Let us remember what our bodies were designed after, and what our bodies truly are. May we only let that which is acceptable unto the Lord dwell within.

Conclusion

So far we have distinguished the three temples that are the Lords, we have seen that the Tabernacle sanctuary of Israel, and all its ordinances and ceremonies, were patterned and designed after the one in heaven, not built by the hands of men, and that the third Temple, which is our bodies, is made to be the dwelling place of the holy Spirit. Each article of the Tabernacle of Israel and all of its ceremonies are a foreshadowing of things that were to come and be fulfilled. In further studies that we will be doing of the Sanctuary, we will address in detail the Tabernacle Sanctuary, and all of its ordinances and what they represent, and what they point to, and how they pertain to us in this current day.