The Sanctuary Study Pt. 5
We're continuing our Sanctuary study learning about the various aspects of the Sanctuary, it's services, it's meanings.
Typifying the ulimate sacrifice for our sins, Jesus Christ, the daily morning and evening animal sacrifices were made as well as the yearly Day of Atonement sacrfices. There is a lot to study here and so lets get on with it.
We're using studies from William Grotheer's Thought Paper to help us along, but most of all we're searching the Bible for the answers we need, praying to the Holy Spirit for understanding by the Grace of Jesus.
1981 Jun -- XIV 6(81)
THE GOSPEL IN THE LIGHT OF THE ATONEMENT -- Now having talked about the Atonement - God's atonement with man, and man's atonement with God - what is the Gospel, the good news about our redemption?
In the KJV of the New Testament, the word, atonement, is used only once.
In Romans 5:11, it reads - "And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
The word translated - "atonement" - is the Greek word katallage (katallagh), which means reconciliation. This word is used only by Paul in the New Testament; and by Paul only in Romans, and his letters to the Corinthians.
In II Cor. 5:18-20, Paul sets forth this reconciliation - this atonement, and indicates that God has committed to us "the ministry of reconciliation."
The message to be given is - "Be ye reconciled to God."
God by the Cross has been reconciled to man, but now man must be reconciled to God.
The good news is that God can still be just; and yet the justifier of those who believe on Jesus.
The story of that reconciliation and how it is to be attained on the part of man, and how it will be achieved is to be found in the message of the Sanctuary for the way of God is in the sanctuary. (Ps. 77:13) This, too, is good news - the Gospel. To mitigate it, to deny it, is to preach an incomplete and partial gospel - another gospel.
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1989 Special 1 -- Light From the Throne -- Part 1
...
Since the way of God, the way of holiness, is in the sanctuary, and we are admonished to follow "holiness, without which no man shall see God," it is mandatory that we know and understand the light which came from the Throne of God. (Ps. 77:13; Heb. 12:14)
((((Ps. 77:13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God
as our God?
Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which
no man shall see the Lord)))
"If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (I John 1:7)
Is not this cleansing the promised result of Christ's final atonement? Would not the "fellowship" fulfill the High Priestly prayer which Christ prayed just before entering the Garden of Gethsemane? (John 17:21-23; 18:1) Then let us walk progressively and understandingly in the light from the Throne, and soon we may walk in that light at the Throne.
(((({17:21} That they all
may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that
they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that
thou hast sent me. {17:22} And the glory which thou gavest
me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are
one: {17:23} I in them, and thou in me, that they may be
made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou
hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
{18:1} When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth
with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a
garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.)))
We would suggest that this Commentary, and the one to follow, be read only with the use of the Bible, and that every text cited be carefully checked and studied. It would be well not to read these issues unless one has time to think about what he is reading. In other words, do not read it hurriedly, but meditatively, comparing Scripture with Scripture and conclusion with conclusion. All human work is fallible, and only truth with asolid basis in the revealed Word of God gives a firm foundation. All else is sand. "But the path of the just is as a shining light which shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Prov. 4:18) As we approach that perfect day, we can expect the brilliancy of that light to increase. To ignore or to discard past light - the sanctuary truth - is to take us from the pathway to the Throne, and leave us stumbling on in darkness. God forbid!
Light From the Throne -- Part 1 -- At the John W. 0sborn Lectureship Series held in Riverside, California, October 23-25, 1988, commemorating the historic message given at the 1888 General Conference session, William G. Johnsson, Editor of the Adventist Review, presented a paper on "The Biblical Message of Righteousness by Faith." In this presentation, he said:
We gain insight into the biblical message of righteousness by faith as we look at the language of salvation the biblical models of salvation.
The Bible sets forth a series of models to describe the message of righteousness by faith.
What God has done and, is doing for us in Jesus Christ is too rich to be encompassed by any one term.
Among the many expressions the principal ones are justification, reconciliation, forgiveness, adoption, and sanctification.
While the New Testament does use these illustrations - illustrations drawn from a court of law, financial transactions, human relations, and family ties - the editor omits -other major illustrations, except by allusion - warfare, and the model revealed in the Scriptures for man's redemption, the sanctuary.
The book of Hebrews clearly declares that the saving work of Christ can be understood by the model which the Hebrew sanctuary services revealed. In that book, Jesus Christ is presented as the great High Priest, who at the Throne of Grace ministers, to those who come boldly, the mercy of God. (Heb. 4:14-16)
{4:14} Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our profession. {4:15} For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. {4:16} 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 sum of the whole matter is declared to be that we have an High Priest who is able to save to the uttermost, seated at the right hand of that Throne, "a minister of the sanctuary," even'"the true tabernacle." (Heb. 7: 25; 8:1-2)
{7:25} Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth
to make intercession for them.
{8:1} 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; {8:2}
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not man.
Paul further testifies that the Aaronic priesthood served "unto the example and shadow of heavenly things." (8:5)
{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.
He further writes that when the wilderness tent had been erected, "the priests went daily into the first" apartment "accomplishing the service; but into the second, the high priest alone once every year." (See 9:6-7)
{9:6} Now when these things were thus
ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle,
accomplishing the service of God. {9:7} But into the
second went the high priest alone once every year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the
errors of the people:
It should be thoughtfully noted that it was the Holy Spirit who signified that this dual service was "cast down beside" the heavenly reality that we might understand its ministry (Heb. 9:8-9; see below on parabole).
{9:8} The Holy Ghost this signifying,
that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made
manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
{9:9} Which was a figure for the time then present, in
which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not
make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the
conscience;
The Holy Spirit sent to guide into all truth unequivocally set forth the duality of the Hebrew sanctuary service as the model.
This sanctuary model dominated the Old Testament revelation and became the foundation of Adventist theology. This is not saying that the New Testament illustrations are not found in the Old Testament, nor is it saying that Adventist theology rejects these New Testament illustrations. It is saying that true Adventist theology accepts the dictum of Jesus that "salvation is of the Jews." (John 4:22)
{4:22}
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship:
for salvation is of the Jews.
This dictum must be understood in context. Jesus was conversing with a woman of Samaria. The different places held sacred by the Jews and the Samaritans had been interjected into the conversation. Jesus declared plainly - "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." Basically, the two religions did not differ much at the time of Christ, but Jesus declared the model associated with the temple revealed the way of salvation.
...
The relationship of the earthly sanctuary model to the Heavenly reality is expressed by different words:
1) Hupodeigma. In Hebrews 8:5, it is translated, "example" and in Hebrews 9:23, the word, "patterns," is used. It means: figure, copy, representation, or a delineation of a thing.
2) Skia. In both Hebrews 8:5 and 10:1,
{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.
{10:1} For the law having a shadow of good things to
come, and not the very image of the things, can never with
those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually
make the comers thereunto perfect.
It is accurately translated, "shadow." The language of Hebrews 10:1 is emphatic that skia is the exact opposite of "the very image (eikon). Now eikon transliterated into English is "icon" or an idol. How often we have been guilty of making the "shadow" the very image, and have theologically worshipped the idols thus created by going into great detail, giving significance to every article and symbol of the sanctuary structure beyond the meaning and purpose revealed in Scripture. Whole series of studies have been built around the furniture, curtains, walls, and vestments of the ancient sanctuary layout, neglecting the objective indicated by the Holy Spirit the significance and lessons of the service performed.
3) Tupos. Transliterated this word is "type," but translated "pattern" in Hebrews 8:5.
{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.
It means "the pattern in conformity to which a thing is made."
4) Parabole. This word is translated "figure" in Hebrews 9:9.
{9:9} Which was a figure for the time then present, in
which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not
make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the
conscience;
Transliterated it is our word, "parable," and means literally - "to cast down beside." It is a comparison of one thing with another.
This last concept, that the earthly sanctuary is a figure, a comparison - "symbolic" (NKJV) - needs to be rigidly adhered to; and that in comparing the two, we dare not project onto the reality, the limitations of the "shadow." The prayer of Solomon at the dedication of the Temple needs ever to be kept in mind.
He asked - "But will God in very deed dwell with men on earth?" Then in answering declared - "Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee; how much less this house which I have built!" (II Chron. 6:18)
***
Pausing here for today.
Seriously studying this we find this-
Ps. 77:13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.
I John 1:7 If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.
We need to understand the symbolic aspects of the sanctuary. We can't however bring God down to our level. We have to look up to His level, not that we'll understand fully, but we are in danger when we try to bring God down to us. God will forever be our Creator, Christ our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit our guide, anything that can help us to learn the ways of the the Lord, ways that can guide us and enlighten us are worth studying.
May God continue to bless us as we delve into things even further.
{4:14} Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our profession. {4:15} For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without
sin. {4:16} Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need.
By His Grace.
Amen.
12/18/09
Joh 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
Joh 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
Joh 10:13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
Joh 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
Joh 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Joh 10:17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
Jesus is the good shepherd. We don't have many shepherds around us do we? Not as a rule any way. It's a good guess some people probably don't even know what a shepherd is.
shepherd (shèp´erd) noun
1. One who herds, guards, and tends sheep.
2. One who cares for and guides a group of people, as a minister or teacher.
Guards and tends to. I don't have a shepherd, a physical one. Could we consider parents shepherds? The tend and guard their children. What about teachers, are they symbolic of shepherds? The tend and guard our children. Caregivers watch over adult people in need of supervision. Prison guards are responsible for their prisoners and in a way they do tend and guard them to a certain extent. Do you have a shepherd? Do you have anyone who tends to you and guards you? There are those that do have body guards but the average person walks about daily unguarded, untended by anyone, they are on their own even if they have family members and such it doesn't necessarily mean the other members of the family are guarding or tending to them. We are raised to be independent. In fact I've often said that if I could raise my kids to be independent, able to take care of themselves then I would consider my parenting a success. We strive for independence, to not need anyone for anything, able to do for ourselves. Get a job, provide a service for someone and get paid for it and use that income to buy any and all necessities we might have to live. When someone can't provide for themselves we believe they've become a burden to someone- family, friends, society. In years past women were provided for and men happily provided for them- considering it a source of pride to be able to support his family. Nowadays women or men it doesn't matter each should be able to provide for themselves - no exceptions. Our world today wants us to rely on ourselves- stressing that the weak and the losers are those who don't. Being guarded, being tended to, having a caregiver, a shepherd isn't something that is promoted at all- we should be able to do everything on our own, needing no one.
It's easy to understand that the sheep a shepherd guards do what they're supposed to do. The sheep who are injured or sick are given extra care, but overall the sheep do what they were created to do. Left on their own they would still do what they were created to do, but a shepherd protects them and makes it easier for them to do what they were created to do. A shepherd keeps the sheep safe something the sheep aren't if they are left all alone.
In a world of stressing self-reliance it's not easy for people to get to a place where they understand their need of a shepherd, they're too busy believing they have to do everything on their own.
Just today I was watching tv and a person on a comedy show said to a group of children he was reading a story to- 'Hope is something people believe in when they can't deal with reality.' Or something to that effect. It's a fact that many people claim that people who believe in God are deluded and can't deal with the reality that this is all life is take it or leave it. For people to believe they have a need of a shepherd somehow detracts from them, it makes them vulnerable and weak, unable to live on their own.
Satan wants us to believe that hope is a delusion, that God is a fantasy, that needing a Savior is silly. He wants us to believe that we are weak and losers if we admit we can't live on our own.
How many people truly rely on Christ for life? How many people truly acknowledge the very breath they take is a gift from God?
Christ said He is the Good Shepherd and a Good Shepherd will lay His life down for His sheep. Christ laid His life down for all of us who will acknowledge that we are His to tend to, to guide, to protect. We have to believe in Him and in believing admit that we can't live our lives on our own. We need a Spiritual caregiver, a Spiritual tender, a Spiritual guard and we need to follow our Spiritual Shepherd every single day. Our Spiritual Shepherd protected our Spiritual lives with by giving up His own life. He protected our right to eternal life by defeating all the spiritual forces that would take that right from us. He laid down His life and took it up again- for us.
May we follow our Good Shepherd knowing that our lives no matter how successful or unsuccessful by worldly standards, belong to Him. By the grace of God we live, by the mercy and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior we can claim a future life, an eternal life in Him. Our Good Shepherd will forever protect our eternal lives, our Spiritual lives if we let Him by following Him, listening to Him, admitting we have need of Him now and forever.
Amen.
12/18/10
Pro 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Too often we fear things upon the earth. I know I've spent a lot of my life in fear- fearing one thing or another and the truth is fearing man is a snare. Fearing things of earth, fearing man-made things is a trap of Satan's. Satan loves when we fear because that fear reveals that we do not trust fully in the LORD.
We say it's natural to fear and it is, the natural man does fear and should fear, yet a man who is spiritual must place their trust in the Spiritual- in God.
There is a huge temptation to fear. And it is a temptation to fall into fearing and losing trust in God. A snare, a trap to let fear have a hold on our lives.
We read this…
Luk 21:26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Fear causing men's hearts to fail.
If we live in a world where the worst of the worst has not yet occurred, and we let fear have it's power over us, what will happen when the worst does take place?
Fear brings a snare.
If we fear men, we are likely to be fearful of 'things', yes?
Fear… anxiety, terror.
Dictionary definition-
fear
noun
1.
a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc., whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of being afraid. Synonyms: foreboding, apprehension, consternation, dismay, dread, terror, fright, panic, horror, trepidation, qualm. Antonyms: courage, security, calm, intrepidity.
2.
a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal fear of heights. Synonyms: phobia, aversion; bête noire, bogy, bogey, bugbear. Antonyms: liking, fondness, penchant, predilection.
3.
concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone's safety.
4.
reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God. Synonyms: awe, respect, reverence, veneration.
5.
something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a person is afraid of: Cancer is a common fear.
Pasted from <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fear>
Fear. I think I need to study this more because of the temptation to fear that has ruled my life in so many ways.
May God bless us as we delve into this study more deeply.
By His grace… more tomorrow.
Praise God for His amazing love, His amazing mercy, for the miracle of my great niece being born today.
In His love!
Amen.