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The Sanctuary Message

Compartments and Articles, Study No. 1

Amen

28 — Study No. 1 — The Sanctuary Message


Who is like unto thee,
Thy way, O LORD, among the gods?
O God, who is like thee,
is in the sanctuary: glorious in holiness,
who is so great a God fearful in praises,
as our God? doing wonders?
Psalm 77:13 Exodus 15:11

2 — Study No. 1 27 — The Sanctuary Message


Table of Contents

If we confess our sins,


he is faithful and just A Journey to God ...................................................................................4
to forgive us our sins, The Courtyard ........................................................................................4
Alter of Sacrifice ....................................................................................5
and to cleanse us Bronze Laver .........................................................................................7
Tabernacle .............................................................................................9
from all unrighteousness. The Holy Place ......................................................................................10
1 John 1:9 Golden Candlestick .............................................................................11
Table of Shewbread .............................................................................12
Alter of Incense ....................................................................................14
The Veil................................................................................................17
The Most Holy Place ...........................................................................18
Ark of the Covenant .............................................................................18
Mercy Seat ..................................................................................21
Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire ...............................................21
How it All Works .................................................................................22
The Courtyard Ministry.....................................................................22
The Holy Place Ministry.....................................................................23
The Most Holy Place Ministry ..........................................................23
Jesus is the Sanctuary .........................................................................24

26 — Study No. 1 3 — The Sanctuary Message


A Journey to God
Let’s begin with a brief tour through the Sanctuary and learn a few basic les-
sons before examining the deeper meanings of the sanctuary system.
The sanctuary consisted of three principal areas: the Courtyard, the Holy
Place, and the Most Holy Place. These three divisions represent the three pri-
mary steps in the process of salvation known as justification, sanctification,
and glorification. These areas correspond with three phases of Christ's minis-
try: the substitutionary sacrifice, the priestly mediation, and the final judg-
ment.

The holy of holies or Most Holy Place, the tabernacle's most sacred spot, repre-
sents the presence of God. The walls around the Courtyard and the Sanctuary
itself vividly illustrate man’s separation from God. “But your iniquities have
separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from
you, that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). All of the sanctuary services represent
a sinner’s journey back to God. In the first three chapters of the Bible, sin en-
ters the world and man is evicted from the Garden of Eden. In the last three
chapters, sin is eradicated and man is restored to the garden and communion
with God.

Please keep in mind as we venture onto this holy ground that we are gathering
only a few gems of truth. Volumes could be written on the sanctuary and its
symbols without exhausting the subject.

Compartments of the Sanctuary and their purpose

THE COURTYARD
The entire edifice of the sanctuary was surrounded by a courtyard made of
linen curtains set up in a very specific orientation. It was twice as long as it
was wide and was to be set up with the one opening facing east. That arrange-
ment ensured that the worshipers and priests who stood at the door had their
backs to the rising sun, instead of facing it like the pagan sun-worshiping relig-
ions of the day. God's people worship the Creator instead of the creation. The
Courtyard is where justification transpired. God sacrificed all the firstborn of
Egypt, representing those who will pay for their own sins. But the Israelites
were allowed to substitute the blood of the Passover lamb for their firstborn
child, representing those who accept Jesus' payment. After the sacrifice came
the cleansing.

Gate (Door) of the Court –


The first thing we notice as we approach the sanctuary is that there is only one
door. Remember Jesus' words: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he
shall be saved" (John 10:9).
4 — Study No. 1 25 — The Sanctuary Message
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.

A person would first enter the Gate of the Court to offer a sacrifice for sin or
thanksgiving.

Physical description:

• Hanging curtains (blue, purple, scarlet, white)


• Four pillars of brass.
• Sockets of bronze (brass).
• Hooks and fillets (clasps) of sliver on the tops of the pillars
• 20 cubits wide x 5 cubits high (30 ft. x 7.5 ft.)

Jesus Is the Sanctuary Court Fence


After passing through the gate, the person would come into the court. The court
fence was made of a long piece of linen held up by posts that surrounded the
This study could go on for hundreds of pages, but ultimately the central theme Tabernacle. Only priests from the tribe (family) of Levi were allowed to touch
of the whole sanctuary system is Jesus. Jesus is the Door, the spotless Lamb, the Tabernacle, so the fence protected people from coming too close accidentally.
and our High Priest. He is the Light of the World and the Bread of Life. He is
the Living Water in the laver and the Rock upon which is written the law of Physical description:
God in the ark. His love is the gold shimmering throughout the Holy Place. It • Linen curtains.
is His blood that makes it possible for us to approach the Father. Indeed, Jesus • Pillars, sockets, hooks, and fillets (tops and rods).
is the essence of the temple, for He said, "Destroy this temple, and in three • Pins of bronze held the linen curtains in place.
days I will raise it up. ...But he spake of the temple of his body" (John • 100 cubits long x 50 cubits wide x 5 cubits high (150 ft. x 75 ft. x 7.5 ft.)
2:19,21).
Articles of Furniture in the Courtyard

Altar of Sacrifice (Altar of Burnt-Offering, Brazen Altar) - (Ex. 27:1-8)

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 por-
tion to human works and the brass to
Christ's work. Without the brass, the
wooden frame would have been con-
sumed 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 self.

24 — Study No. 1 5 — The Sanctuary Message


The Holy Place Ministry
Physical application
• Made of acacia (shittim) wood and covered with bronze. In the Holy Place the smoke of the incense rising from the altar represented the
• Four corners had horns. intercession of the Holy Spirit in Jesus' name, making our prayers of confes-
• Bronze shovels, basins, fleshhooks (forks), and fire pans were used to col- sion acceptable to the Father (Romans 8:26, 27). Each day the blood, bearing
lect ashes. the guilt, was sprinkled before the veil, thus transferring the guilt from the sin-
• A bronze grate with a ring in each corner was put under the brazen altar. ner to the tabernacle. There the guilt of the repentant sinners accumulated
• Carrying poles made of acacia wood covered with bronze were used to throughout the year until the Day of Atonement.
carry the altar.
• 5 cubits long x 5 cubits wide x 3 cubits high (7.5ft long x 7.5ft wide x 4.5 The Most Holy Place Ministry
ft wide)
Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest took two perfect kid
• Offerings at the altar: bulls, sheep, goats, doves, pigeons, grain offering of
goats, and lots were cast over them to determine which one would be the
cakes or wafers of fine flour.
Lord's goat and which would be the scapegoat (called Azazel in Hebrew). Af-
• Priest caught the blood in a pan and took it into the Holy Place of the tent
ter confessing his own sins and those of his family upon a bull, the high priest
sanctuary.
placed his hands on the Lord's goat and confessed the sins of the entire congre-
gation which had accumulated in the Holy Place during the year. Then the
Spiritual application
Lord's goat was slain, and the blood was taken by the high priest into the Most
• Brass was a symbol of victory thru suffering. Holy Place and offered before the mercy seat of the ark where the presence of
• The lamb bound to the altar was a symbol of Jesus and his death on the God dwelt (Leviticus 16).
cross for our sins.
The Ark of the Covenant contains some of the most beautiful and significant
Personal application symbolism of God's entire plan of salvation. Inside the ark, between the
Today the brazen altar represents surrender, death to self, and death to all sin golden bowl of manna, symbolizing God's providence, and Aaron's rod that
(1Cor. 15:31; Rom: 12-1-2; James 4:15) Note: Early in our day and in our budded, symbolizing God's authority and discipline, were the two tables of
prayer we are to examine ourselves or ask God to examine and show us if there stone on which God's finger inscribed the law that has been violated by all men
is any sin remaining in us that will be a barrier to his complete infilling. (Psalm (Romans 3:23). The breaking of that law is sin (1 John 3:4) and the penalty for
139:23-24; Psalm 26:2; 2Cor 13:5; Heb 9:14). sin is death (Romans 6:23).
Summary Between the law which condemns us to death and the all-consuming presence
The sanctuary helps us to understand how God gets rid of sin. Although, we of God is the mercy seat, or the lid of the ark. This arrangement illustrates that
don’t have altars now, Jesus is our lamb that died for us. Whenever we ask only Jesus' mercy saves us from being consumed by the fiery presence and
him to forgive our sins we think of the pain he suffered when he died on the justice of God. But Jesus' mercy isn't cheap. He bought it with His own
cross for us. When we disobey it hurts Jesus and God is telling us that sin kills. blood. He paid the wages of sin so He could offer mercy to all who will accept
The lamb died as Jesus died in place of the sinner, so that the sinner would not it.
have to die. Therefore, Jesus is the only way to get rid of sin.
Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He Next, representing Christ as Mediator, the high priest transferred the sins that
was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justi- had polluted the sanctuary to the live goat, Azazel, which was then led away
fied by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death from the camp of Israelites. This symbolically removed the sins of the people
which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. "With His stripes and readied the sanctuary for another year of ministry. Thus, all things were
we are healed." {DA 25.2} right between God and His people once again and we are thus glorified, reflect-
ing Christ Jesus and His character.

6 — Study No. 1 23 — The Sanctuary Message


How it All Works Bronze Laver - (Exodus 38:8; Exodus 30:18-21)

The sanctuary shows how God deals with sin. Sin cannot be ignored. Its
wages are death (Roman 6:23). The law can't be changed to make sinners not
guilty. Sin's wages must be paid, either by the sinner in receiving eternal death Between the altar of burnt offerings and the en-
or by Christ on the cross. Let's follow a sin as it is confessed, and then proc- trance to the Holy Place stood the laver. It was
essed through the sanctuary. also made of brass and was filled with water for
the cleansing of the priests.
The Courtyard Ministry

When a sinner became convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit and wanted to con-
fess, he came to the door of the courtyard with a spotless animal (usually a Physical application
lamb) to sacrifice. He laid his hands on the head of the innocent victim and
confessed his sin. This symbolically transferred his sin and its penalty to the • Made from brass mirrors donated by the women.
lamb. Then with his own hand he had to slay the animal and shed its blood. • After making the sacrifice, the priest washed his hands and feet at the
This was to impress upon the repentant sinner that his sins would ultimately bronze laver.
require the death of the spotless Lamb of God. • The washing purified the priest and prepared him to enter the Holy Place.
• If the priest did not wash his hands and feet, the Lord said he would die.
This was the part of the sinner in the sanctuary service. The priests, who repre- • Nothing was ever washed in the laver or in its “foot” (another name for
sented the mediation of Christ between the guilty sinner and his God, did the base or pedal. (found in the following scriptures: Ex 30:17-21, 28; 31:9;
rest. 35:16; 40:7, 11, 30; Lev 8:11) The Laver and its foot were strictly reser-
voirs from which water was obtained.
After confessing his sin and slaying the lamb, the sinner went away forgiven,
his sin covered by the shed blood of the victim. Of course the lamb's blood Spiritual application
didn't cover the sin, but it represented the blood of Christ, "the Lamb of God • The Laver represents Jesus who cleanses us from sin and who keeps us
which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). clean. He lives in our thoughts so we don’t want to sin again.
• The Old Testament services of the Laver typified the New Testament Bap-
After some of the blood was caught by the priest, the rest was poured out on
tism.
the ground at the base of the altar and the animal was burnt on the altar. The
• The Laver also depicts the foot washing ceremony which is considered a
altar symbolized the cross where Jesus was sacrificed for the sins of the
miniature baptism where it represents us being cleansed from our sins.
world. His blood was spilt on the ground at the foot of the cross when the cen-
turion pierced His side (John 19:34). • The Laver also shows the Lord’s desire to provide cleansing water for all
of our needs.
The blood of the lamb, symbolically bearing the guilt of the sinner, was then • The Laver depicts our need to be “washed… sanctified… and justified.” (1
taken by the priest and transferred to the Holy Place of the sanctuary. How- Corinthians 6:11).
ever, the priest never went into the sanctuary without first cleansing himself at • A mirror is a symbol of God’s law and illustrates the actual function of the
the laver. This washing is symbolic of baptism and is listed as one of the sym- law (James 1:23-25; 2 Cor 3:17, 18). It is the revealer of sin. Outward
bols for salvation (Acts 2:38). The Israelites had to cross the Red Sea before beauty cannot satisfy divine ideals (1 Sam 16:7).
they were free from the bondage of Egypt. "And were all baptized unto Moses • The humanity of Jesus reflects both God’s Ideal for mankind and the con-
in the cloud and in the sea" (1 Corinthians 10:2). dition in which we really are.
So in the courtyard we pass through the fire and water. Jesus said, "Except a • The function of the mirror (the law) is to convict of sin so that the Spirit
man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of can create in the heart a longing for change and cleansing, that what
God" (John 3:5). seemed to be a law of bondage will now seem to him a law of liberty
(James 2:12).
• The mirror (the law) can NOT cleanse. It ONLY exposes the sinful heart
and need for forgiveness. (Romans 3:20; 7:7-13)
22 — Study No. 1 7 — The Sanctuary Message
• The water used to fill the Laver was drawn from the Rock that was smitten
by Moses. The true Holy water (Num 5:17). The Rock is Christ Jesus When at last He leads His ransomed hosts through the pearly gates into the
who cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). golden city, the seat of His government will become the throne of glory. There
will then be no more death, and so the resurrected rod, with its hope and prom-
Personal Application ise, will no longer be needed. The redeemed ones will hunger no longer, and
so the manna, without further ministry, will forever cease to be. In like man-
Today surrender and cleansing are the preparations needed to fit us for partak- ner, when Israel ate “the corn of the land,” they did not need the manna any
ing and sharing the blessings offered in the Holy Place (Ps 24:3, 4; Isa 1:16; longer (Josh 5:121). For eternity the message of the rod and manna will hence-
Eph 5:26, 27; Ps 51:7). Here is where God will pull sin out by the very roots forth focus exclusively on Jesus Himself.
so we do not have a continued desire for it, thus falling into it over and over
again (Heb 10:22; 12:15; Luke 3:9). Mercy Seat
Physical application
Summary • The Mercy seat was made of pure gold. It was beaten or hammered from
one solid peace of gold.
The mirror-laver and its foot represents the power of the Saviour, first to ex- • Two winged cherubs face each other with their wings outreached towards
pose human need for those who gaze into His life, and then to provide the wa-
each other were on top of the mercy seat.
ter to wash away the guilt of every sin reflected on its shimmering face. For all
• God spoke to the High Priest above the Mercy Seat – the area where the
who chose to dip and bathe in the waters of the laver and its foot God gave
winged cherubim face each other.
cleansing. These rituals pointed to Christ, Who one day would become the
• Annually, the High Priest would sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat to atone
refreshing Pool of Peace for all who long for pardon and purity.
for the sins of all the people. Then the friendship between God and his
people was restored. God reached out and made it possible for people to
Observations:
know him.
Twin Streams of Blood (the Alter) and Water (the Laver) flowed from Jesus’
side when the soldier pierced Him on the cross, confirming that He was indeed
in the Courtyard of the Sanctuary during His Crucifixion. The linkage between Pillar of Cloud and Pillar of Fire
the laver’s cleansing water, the altar’s redeeming blood and purifying fire must
never be overlooked. These three ministries for the sinner are now being per- Physical application
formed by our High Priest in the heavenly Sanctuary, and reach down to each
one of us through His Spirit. • The cloud or pillar of fire would rest above the Tabernacle, directly above
the Mercy seat.
Wherever there are sinners longing for the defilement of their lives to be • The Lord manifested His presence with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire
washed away (by water), and the redemptive power (through the blood) to live by night
the new life of faith, these gracious provisions are ever available from the • When the cloud or pillar of fire moved, the children of Israel followed it.
heavenly Sanctuary. To teach these thrilling facts to ancient Israel, the laver Wherever it stopped, they camped there until it moved again.
and the alter worked side by side pointing to the Great Sacrifice of Jesus at the • 2 cubits long x 1.5 cubits wide x 1.5 cubits high (45 in. x 27 in. x 27 in.)
Cross.
The contents of the Ark included:
The Courtyard The picture of the sinner's justification became clear in the • The stone tablets with the Ten Commandments (“the Testimony”) given
courtyard. Before God gave the Israelites His law on tables of stone, He saved by God. Spiritual application: The Law given by God reminded the peo-
them from slavery in Egypt by virtue of their faith in the Passover Lamb ple that God would protect them if they were obedient to him
(symbolized by the altar) and baptized them in the sea (represented by the • A jar of manna Spiritual application: It reminded the people that God
laver). God takes us just as we are and forgives our sins. When we accept constantly provided for them.
Christ, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, our heavenly record of sin is • Aaron’s rod, which budded and bore fruit, proved that Aaron was chosen
covered by Jesus' blood. Then we are to be baptized. by God. Spiritual application: The rod reminded the people that God has
the power to bring life from death.

8 — Study No. 1 21 — The Sanctuary Message


Personal Application for the Ark
• Today we are to come “boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16-22)
but in deep humility. On the Day of Atonement (judgment), Aaron laid
aside his gorgeous, high priestly robes and dressed humbly in plain, white
linen garments (Lev 16:4, 23, 32) and entered into the very Presence of
God. He was a sinner as we are (Heb 9:7). But Christ, who knew no sin
(2 Corinthians 5:21) is now clothed in His High Priestly garments during
this day of investigation of the professed children of God in judgment,
atoning for our sins and interceding in our behalf.
• In His Presence in the Most Holy Place He will mercifully reveal secrets
to us – deep, harbored, cherished sin. It will be burned out as we go thru
the previous steps in a Daily experience with Him so that we can remain in
His Presence and not be consumed by the brightness of His coming (Ex
12:7, 12, 13; Rev 6:15, 16; Luke 23:30; Heb 12:29). Then we shall see
Him Face to Face!
• The mercy seat covers the law of justice. We see it first which gives us
strength and courage as we gaze into His perfect law of liberty (James
1:25; 2:12). This law is what shows us our sins (Rom 3:20; 7:7). As we
recognize sin (1 John 3:4) and overcome by the “blood of the Lamb” (Rev
12:11) we are Set Free from the Bondage of Sin (Rom 8:15, 21; Gal 5:1;
Heb 2:15) and the death penalty (Rom 6:23).

Summary Tabernacle (The Tent of Meeting) - (Exodus 25 – 26).


The Ark was the central figure of the entire sanctuary. The broken law con-
tained in the Ark was the only reason for all the sacrificial services, both typi- The actual tabernacle stood in the west half of the courtyard. It was divided
cal and antitypical. When the Lord gave directions for making the sanctuary, into two compartments, or rooms. While the width of the two rooms was the
His first instruction regarded the Ark, “They shall make an Ark of shittim same, the length of the first room, the Holy Place, was twice as long as that of
(acacia) wood…” (Ex 25:10). the Most Holy Place. The walls of the central structure were made of acacia
boards overlaid with gold and connected with silver hardware (Exodus 26).
Through John’s vision of the symbolic Ark at the heart of the Sanctuary, God
directed His people to focus on the celestial realities which it had sketched in The Tabernacle was a moveable “tent of meeting” that God commanded Moses
the Sanctuary and Temple on earth. to build. God wanted to dwell among his people, the Israelites. He wanted to
have fellowship with them and be able to communicate with them.
The Ark and its contents are symbols of the consummation of God’s plan of
salvation, and represent His throne. The redeemed are one day to sit with The tabernacle and its courtyard were constructed according to a pattern set by
Christ upon His throne, blameless in his sight. This throne of grace and mercy God, not by Moses. We study the Tabernacle to understand the steps the Lord
is supported upon the eternal law which holds before the universe unchanging laid out for a sinful people to approach a Holy God.
principles of God’s government. In order to take their stand upon it, the re-
deemed will need to have experienced the new, born-again life of the Spirit, The Tabernacle was built approximately 1440 B.C. and was the place where
typified by the resurrected rod. They will need to have been nourished by the God dwelt with his people for 400 years. It was used from the time of the Exo-
manna during their pilgrimage. It is a symbol of the Word inspired and incar- dus until the time of King Solomon, when the Temple was built. The Taberna-
nate, and also of the taught word of the Spirit. Surrounded by the glory of the cle was the center of the Israelite camp.
Father, and with the cherubim standing with them, this triumphant throng will
witness in light to the universe of the glory of transforming grace and the The 12 tribes of Israel camped around the Tabernacle in a special arrangement.
power of the blood of Christ. (Study of the camp will be discusses later)

20 — Study No. 1 9 — The Sanctuary Message


The priest entered the Tabernacle through the curtains at the entrance. The nah (which literally means "the dwelling"), radiating between two cherubs, or
Tabernacle was divided into two sections – the Holy Place and the Most Holy angels, on either end of the ark. This was a symbol of the throne of God and
Place (Holy of Holies) – which were made of: 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
• Goats’ hair covering with linen covering beneath. surround the person of God in heaven (1 Kings 6:29).
• Ramskin covering dyed red.
• Badger, porpoise, or sea cow skin covering. Physical application
• 48 boards. • The Ark was made of acacia wood.
• 100 sockets (96 silver sockets for the boards, four under the pillars of the • It was overlaid with gold, with a crown or molding around the edge.
veil) • Carrying poles were placed through the four gold rings.
• Bars • The poles were wood overlaid with gold.
• Pillars, hooks • The Ark was the only piece of furniture in the Most Holy Place.
• Curtains at the entrance • The Mercy seat was placed on the top of the Ark.
• 30 cubits long x 10 cubits wide x 10 cubits high (45 ft. x 15 ft. x 15 ft.)
Spiritual application for the Ark itself
• The Ark was a symbol of God’s throne.
THE HOLY PLACE • The Ark, with its cover representing the throne of justice and mercy, was
designed to be moved forward at God’s discretion. The Lord of glory lo-
cates His throne among the tents of men wherever He chooses; living
where they live and serving where needs are greatest.
• Consistently, the Ark led God’s people against every enemy to a joyous
triumph.
• The Ark was seen by the eye of faith only. The sacred Ark was never to
be looked upon by curious eyes. The Hebrews remember that even the
priests who prepared for its travels walked backward when shrouding it
with the innermost veil. As the symbol of the government of Christ the
King and Judge, the Ark was displayed only in outline when carried out-
side the tabernacle, its meaning appreciated only by the reverent eye of
faith. Natural man would perish were he to look directly at this represen-
tative of Deity. Only the seekers for truth lovingly and prayerfully passes
through the outward layers of word and symbol recorded in the Bible can,
Holy Place. All who entered the Holy Place to minister saw themselves re- by faith, perceive the preciousness of the Saviour.
flected in the golden walls on every side, reminding them that the eyes of the • The mercy seat was representative of the throne of God. It symbolized the
Lord see all. "And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and place where mercy and justice meet (Ps 85:10; 97:2; 103:6-12, 17, 18; Pr
a covering of badgers' skins above that" (Exodus 36:19). The priests could 20:28).
look up and see that they served under a red skin. Likewise, Christians are a • The blood soaked mercy seat was the central throne of the Shekinah, or
nation of priests that serve Jesus under His blood. presence of the gracious and merciful God, and the goal and focus of His
saving activity. Jehovah presided over the mercy seat. All this is fulfilled
This is where sanctification took place. This daily progress in character build- by Jesus Christ.
ing is the process of sanctification. But what is the end result of sanctifica- • Whenever the cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night rose higher and
tion? Eventually we come to the place where we would rather die than dis- higher above the Tabernacle, Israel knew that it was time to move. Keep-
honor our Savior by sinning. That is when the new covenant is fulfilled in ing their eyes on the moving cloud, the priests trudged forward and the
us. "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; people followed in the order the Lord demanded.
After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and
write it in their hearts; and will be their God, they shall be my peo-

10 — Study No. 1 19 — The Sanctuary Message


THE MOST HOLY PLACE ple" (Jeremiah 31:33). When God's law is our delight and pleasure and sin has
no more power over us, then the process of sanctification is complete.

Every day the priests entered into the Holy Place to serve the Lord. Inside were
the table of showbread, the seven-branched golden lampstand, and the altar of
incense in front of a veil that separated the Holy Place from the smaller area,
the Most Holy Place. 10 cubits wide x 20 cubits long (15 ft. x 30 ft.)

Articles of Furniture in the Holy Place

Golden Candlestick (Golden Lampstand) – (Exodus 25: 31-40)

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
• The Most Holy Place. The length of the Most Holy Place equaled its source of light for the Holy Place. Jesus said, "I am the
width so that it formed a square. It was also as high as it was wide and light of the world" (John 8:12).
long, making it a perfect cube - just like the New Jerusalem will be (see
Revelation 21:16). The apartment contained only one piece of furniture. He also said, "Ye are the light of the world" (Matthew
• The High Priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year, the Day of 5:14). The Olive oil in the lamps symbolized the Holy
Atonement. The focus was the Ark of the Covenant. The glory of God Spirit that illuminates the church. The lamp is a symbol
rested upon the lid of the Ark (Mercy Seat). The high priest entered to of the Word, as well (Psalm 119:105).
sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat to atone for his sins and the people’s
sins. Physical application
• 10 cubits long x 10 cubits wide (15 ft. x 15 ft.) • Made from a single piece of gold.
• It had a central shaft with six branches, three on each side, making it a
Article of furniture in the Most Holy Place seven-branched lampstand.
• Each branch had knobs, flowers, and an almond-shaped bowl to hold pure
Ark of the Covenant olive oil.
• The priests trimmed the wicks to keep them burning brightly.
Inside the Most Holy Place, or "Holy of • It provided light in the dark room.
Holies," was one piece of furniture - the
Ark of the Covenant. This sacred box, Spiritual application
also constructed of acacia wood and cov- • The light of the Candlestick showed the Way into the Most Holy Place
ered with gold, contained the tables of where the pilgrim’s journey will end at God’s throne of mercy.
stone upon which God had written the • The lamp of life is Christ, man’s only and complete and everlasting Light
Ten Commandments. Later it also con- (John 1:9).
tained Aaron's rod that had budded and a • The Candlestick was made of gold depicting Jesus Who is more precious
small pot of manna. than gold (Isa 13:12) and Whose life holds up the flame of ageless truth.
• “The gold mentioned by Christ, the True Witness, which all must have has
The lid of the ark was called the "mercy been shown me to be faith and love combined, and love takes the prece-
seat" (Exodus 25:17), and above it was dence of faith” (2T 36; 7BC 965).
the shining glory of the Lord, of Sheki-
18 — Study No. 1 11 — The Sanctuary Message
• Jesus was disciplined by the Goldsmith’s hammer (Heb 5:8; Matt 27:26; Isa The Veil
53:5), to form God’s Lampstand, the body through which the Light of the
world shines forth (Ex 25:31). This veil, or curtain, separating the holy and the Most Holy Places of the sanc-
• The gold of the Candlestick was hammered, beaten gold (Ex 25:31). But tuary has a great significance, because it was this veil that tore at the very mo-
hammered metal grows brittle and must be annealed (treated with heat) in ment Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). His
the flame. So, the Lord regulates the fiery trials which soften the hardened death symbolized the end of the need for the exclusive Levitical priesthood to
mind, and subdues the obstinate will, that faith’s gold might again, and yet mediate between man and God.
again be battered into shape.
• As the gold was beaten, so was Christ. The followers of Christ “shall suffer
persecution” (2 Tim 3:12; 2:12; Ph 1:29) so that they too shall come forth as
“pure gold” (Job 23:10; 1 Pet 1:7; Mal 3:3; Zach 13:9; Isa 13:12).
• The oil represents the Holy Spirit who causes the lamps to send forth the
light of God (Zach 4:1-6; Rev 4:5; 5:6). We are given a special portion of
oil which will enable us to be an effective witness for the Lord (Acts 1:8).
He knows the measure we have need of each day.
• Jesus lived the most radiant life of any being that ever existed. His life dis-
plays His undying love driven by His unshakable faith.

Personal Application
Every morning the wicks were trimmed (Ex 30:7, 8) so the light would continue
to put forth a bright, steady glow. This represents the need of having our wicks The veil represents the body of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19,20). It was only by pass-
trimmed, for even when we do good for the Lord we may be tempted to take ing through this veil that access was possible to the Most Holy Place (Hebrews
glory to ourselves so that we become proud and self-righteous. The trimming 4:16). The tearing of the veil symbolized the death of the Lamb of God, which
keeps us humble and faithful, so we give all credit for any good done to Whom it now permits the believer in His atonement immediate access to the Most Holy
belongs. Place through the new High Priest - Jesus Christ - the one and only Mediator
between man and God
The Lord has promised to send the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit. He will
convict us of personal sin, guide us into all truth, and help us discern between Physical application
righteousness and sin, truth and error (John 16:7-13; 14:26). • The veil was a divider between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place
where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
Daily we need to be praying for preparation to receive the fruit of the Spirit of • It was a barrier between God and man.
Galations 5:22-23 and once we receive the fruit, we need to pray to receive the • Only the High Priest would enter into the Most Holy Place.
latter rain promised in Joel 2:23 so that we might help to give the messages of the • The veil was made of heavy woven cloth. There was no separation in the
angels in Revelation 14:6-12 and 18:1-4. middle. The High Priest had to go around the side.
• A woven veil of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, with designs of cherubim
Summary embroidered on it, was hung on four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with
The lamps in the earthly sanctuary were to burn continually. So the Christian is gold.
ever to let the Spirit of God rule in his life, and thus shed its light abroad. • Four gold hooks were put in four sockets of silver.
• 10 cubits x 10 cubits (15 ft. x 15 ft.)
Table of Showbread (Shewbread) – (Exodus 25:23-40; Hebrews 9:2)
Spiritual application
Opposite the lamp was the table of showbread on the north side. It was con- • Later when the Temple was constructed, it followed a similar design. The
structed of acacia wood and covered with gold (Exodus 25:23-30). On it were thick veil of the Temple tore from top to bottom when Jesus died. This
kept 12 loaves of unleavened bread (Leviticus 24:5-9). These loaves were sym- symbolizes the ability to every believer, not just a High Priest, to approach
bolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The number 12 signified the God through the death of Jesus.
12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus who were to feed God's people with
12 — Study No. 1 17 — The Sanctuary Message
• When ministering at this alter the priest moved nearest to God’s throne. the bread of life - which is also a symbol of the
The priests of Israel considered this ministry (at the Altar of Incense) the Bible (Matthew 4:4).
choicest ever performed, because they came closest to the Shekinah. As
their numbers increased, it became customary to wait until the others in Physical application
the course had enjoyed an opportunity, before repeating this service. As • The table was made of acacia wood.
gospel priests our greatest privilege and dearest work should be to help • It was overlaid with gold and had a crown or
others through intercessory prayer. There is no limit to the times we may frame of gold around it.
petition God’s throne. Pray always… everywhere.” • Gold carrying poles were put through rings on
the corners of the table.
Personal Application • There were gold dishes, pans, pitchers and bowls on the table.
• 2 cubits long x 1 cubit wide x 1.5 cubits high (36 in. x 18 in. x 27 in.)
Our prayers at the Alter of Incense should be more for others than for ourselves • The priests placed twelve loaves of bread made from fine flour, represent-
(1 John 5:14-16; James 5:16; Matthew 5:44). This is the place for us to make ing the 12 tribes of Israel.
unselfish intercession for family, friends and enemies. (Prayers for self took • The bread was eaten by Aaron and his sons and was replaced every week
place back at the Alter of Burnt Offerings). And when we are heavy with sor- on Sabbath.
row and cannot pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. He translates our needs
• The shelf enclosed by the lower border or molding provided a place for the
to the Saviour (Romans 8:26, 27).
wine & golden dishes which were “upon the table” (Ex 25:29; 37:11, 12,
16).
Then let us never forget, prayer must ALWAYS be “according to HIS
will” (James 4:15; 1 John 5:14; Matthew 26:39).
Spiritual application
• The loaves were a continual reminder of the everlasting promises between
In the future life, the mysteries that here have annoyed and disappointed us will
God and the children of Israel, and a memorial of God’s provision of food.
be made plain. We shall see that our seemingly unanswered prayers and disap-
pointed hopes have been among our greatest blessings. • The Lord made eating and drinking the basis of His oft-repeated covenant
with His sons and daughters. But turning from the banquet which their
Father had placed before them, our first parents chose “the table of de-
Summary
As there was no other part of the daily ministration that brought the priest so mons” (1 Cor 10:21). Most of their descendants gradually lost all desire to
directly into the presence of God as the offering of incense; so there is no part “partake of the table of the Lord,” and strayed from covenant fellowship
of our religious service that brings us so close to the Master as the pouring out with Him.
of our souls in earnest prayer. Anciently, as in the antitype, the prayer of faith • Adam’s heaven-born children, however, in every generation have cried for
entered the “holy dwelling-place” of God in heaven. their Creator’s table (1 Peter 2:2, 3). In these last days, the Divine Host
urges His guests, “Come, for all things are ready” (Luke 14:17). He prom-
The Holy Place represents the process of sanctification. This corresponds to ises that “if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to
the wilderness wanderings of Israel. The pillar of fire was their menorah, and him, and will sup with him, and he with Me” (Rev 3:20).
the manna was their showbread. The pillar of cloud was their cloud of incense. • To keep these ideas before His people, the Lord spread His communion
Sanctification is the process in the Christian's life of learning to obey. It is table with bread and wine in the palace of His Sanctuary.
made up of a series of justifications. Each time we sin we ask for forgiveness, • The Table of Shewbread proclaims that the altar of Calvary is the founda-
and we are justified again. However, God offers more than forgiveness when tion of earthly fellowship and heavenly glory.
we confess. In 1 John 1:9, He promises us that, "If we confess our sins, he is • The Table is a Symbol of Christ’s Throne. It represents the throne of the
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- triple-crowned Saviour in the Holy Place. Wherever a king takes his seat
ness." there is his throne. Jesus presides as the Divine Host at His banquet of
Shewbread in His heavenly Sanctuary (Luke 14:15-24). This covenant
It is that "cleansing from unrighteousness" that constitutes sanctification. The meal is part of His “continual” ministry.
key ingredients in our sanctification are a devotional life in the Word, prayer, • The bread represented the “Continual Presence” of the Lord with His chil-
and witnessing. The sanctuary's bread, incense, and lamp represent these ele- dren (Ex 25:30). Christ was that Bread which came down from heaven
ments. (John 6:53-56) and was broken for us (Mark 14:22).
16 — Study No. 1 13 — The Sanctuary Message
• The fresh, unfermented wine represented the shedding of His pure, spot-
less blood (Mark 14:23, 24) for our sins. Physical application
• Because bread and wine were present in the Sanctuary at all times, God’s • The High Priest burned incense on the altar every morning and evening.
people were comforted by the realization that heaven’s sustenance would • The four corners of the altar each had a horn; and a crown, or molding, on
never fail. the edge.
• The Saviour explained that the “living bread” is His “flesh, which [He] • Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the horns of the altar were sprin-
will give for the life of the world” (John 6:48-58). The showbread (Lev kled with the blood of the sin offering.
24:5-9) represented His life-style. As “the bread of life” it is to be ab- • A special sweet incense, a mixture of spices was burning constantly on the
sorbed by His disciples. Satan lures with dainty delights, but those who altar as required by the Lord.
partake of them eat to die. Self feeds upon itself, and none ever gains re- • God specifically required this special recipe for the sweet incense and
freshment from this blighted table. none other was to be burned on the altar. It was a matter of life and death.
• Hanging on one of the four horns was the golden censer, used once a year
Personal Application on the Day of Atonement.
Daily we are to go to the “table of the Lord” to partake of the nourishment God • The Alter of Incense was in the Holy Place, centered in front of the second
has set before us (Ps 23:5; 37:3; Matt 6:11) so we might live His life and not veil, nearer the Mercy Seat and Shekinah Glory of the Most Holy Place
die in our sins (Ps 119:9-11). Here we are to eat the Bread of Life by hearing than any other article of furniture (Ex 40:26).
and study of His Word (Joh 6:32-58) and thus be filled with His faith (Rom • NOTHING but sacred fire and the prescribed incense was ever to be
10:17). placed on this alter during the year. However, on the Day of Atonement,
the High Priest would also touch the horns with blood as a part of the
At this table we can also learn how to care for our physical body so that it will sanctuary cleansing ceremony (Ex 30:9,10).
be a fit dwelling place for the Holy Spirit (1 Co 6:19-20; 3:16-17; 2 Cor 6:16). • Morning and evening, while the congregation gathered and knelt in prayer
Then our Lord promises that He will surely feed us with the heritage of Jacob, outside the gate of the courtyard (Lk 1:10), the High Priest offered the
our father (Isa 58:14; Rev 22:14; Galations 3:29). sweet-smelling incense (Ex 30:34-38) with the prayers of the people (Ps
141:2).
Summary
• 1 cubit long x 1 cubit wide x 2 cubits high (1.5 ft. x 1.5 ft. x 3 ft.)
There is a heavenly lesson for us in the antitype of the showbread. It was a
Spiritual application
continual offering ever before the Lord. It taught that man was wholly depend-
• Christ today, as our heavenly High Priest and Intercessor, presents our
ent upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that both alike come to
prayers to God the Father (Hebrews 7:25; 9:24; 1 John 2:1; Rev 5:8; 8:3,
us through the One who “ever liveth to make intercession” for us before the
4). He offers His merits continually in our behalf, as sweet incense before
Father.
God and God has pledged to answer every request of His Son (John 16:23;
Matthew 7:7).
Altar of Incense (Golden Alter of Prayer)– (Exodus 30:1-37, Hebrews 9:2)
• The special incense represented The Righteousness of Christ which makes
The altar of incense was located directly across from prayer acceptable and effectual (James 5:16) and was to burn perpetually
the door standing against the ornate veil that separated or continually upon the alter (Ex 30:6-8). Just as air is continually needed
the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. Like several to bring physical life to our being, so is prayer the breath of life to the
other items in the sanctuary, it was also made of acacia soul.
wood and covered with gold (Exodus 30:1-3). It was • Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). Always be in the attitude and spirit
much smaller than the altar in the courtyard and con- of prayer.
tained a brass pot that held hot coals from the brazen • The priests transported the golden alter wherever the cloud of fire might
altar of burnt offerings. It was here that the priest lead the tribes of God. This portability of the alter reveals that place can-
burned a very special blend of incense which filled the not prison prayer. God is not bound to place. Whenever two or three are
sanctuary with a sweet-smelling cloud, representing the gathered in His name He comes to listen and to bless. There is no im-
prayers of intercession and confession of the believers proper place in which to pray.
sweetened by the Holy Spirit (Exodus 30:8). • Prayer brings the saint into contact with Heaven.
14 — Study No. 1 15 — The Sanctuary Message

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