The Sanctuary and Its Services From Revelation Seminars: Lesson # 14

Simple diagrammatic view of the Hebrew sanctuary

The Sanctuary consisted of three parts: 1.The Courtyard (Exodus 27:9-13) 2. The Holy Place and 3. The Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33)

The Courtyard In the courtyard was the ALTAR OF BURNT OFFERINGS (Exodus 27:1-8) ; the LAVER (for washing, Exo. 30:18-21); and the sanctuary building itself. The courtyard fence was made of white linen supported by 60 pillars (Exo. 27:9)

The Holy Place Inside the Holy Place were: 1.”Table of Shewbread” (Ex. 25:23-30) = Jesus, “The bread of life” (1 Cor. 11:24,25) represents our dependence on God for physical and spiritual food.

The Holy Place Inside the Holy Place were: 2. “Candlestick” (Ex. 25:31-40) = Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12).

“Light” also represents the Word of God The Holy Place Note: “Light” also represents the Word of God (Psalm 119:105).

“Oil” represents the Holy Spirit The Holy Place Note: “Oil” represents the Holy Spirit (Rev. 4:5,6 & Zech. 4:1-6).

The Holy Place Inside the Holy Place were: 3.Altar of Incense (Ex. 30:1-9).

Note: Incense represents the prayers of God’s people (Rev Note: Incense represents the prayers of God’s people (Rev. 5:8; 8:3,4 & Ps. 141:2).

In the Most Holy Place there was one piece of furniture only, the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:10-22). The Most Holy Place

The Most Holy Place The ark was a chest overlaid with gold. The cover was called the Mercy Seat (Ex. 25:17-22). On it were carved angels of gold. Between the angels dwelt the presence of God.

The Most Holy Place Inside the ark were the 10 commandments, written on tables of stone (Deut. 10:4,5). The ark demonstrated both mercy & law. The law must be kept, but God promises mercy for His people who break it.

24. CHRIST’S MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle which the Lord set up and not man. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and began His intercessory ministry at the time of His ascension.

The Heavenly Sanctuary In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days (Daniel 8:14), He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement.

CHRIST’S MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY CONT’D. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection.

CHRIST’S MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY CONT’D. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

Scriptural References Please read: (Heb. 8:1-5; 4:14-16; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 1:3; 2:16, 17; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Num. 14:34; Eze. 4:6; Lev. 16; Rev. 14:6, 7; 20:12; 14:12; 22:12.)