His Way is in the Sanctuary

LESSON 5

You are welcome to another edition of Insights from God's Word, a Bible study programme that is committed to sharing God's Word by allowing the Bible to speak for itself.

In this edition, we continue with our series on His Way is in the Sanctuary. The topic for this study is the same as the topic for the entire series: His Way is in the Sanctuary. From Psalm 77:13, we read from Asaph the following inspired words: "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" It was from this text that our key topic: "His Way is in the Sanctuary" was carved out.

Friends, from our previous lessons, we have noted that the sanctuary and everything about it were symbols or types that were pointing forward to the Great Antitype, Jesus Christ. In this lesson, I want us to consider in a special way how the articles of furniture in the sanctuary portrayed the beautiful plan of salvation that was born in the very heart of God. We will first consider the articles of furniture at the court, and then the main tabernacle:

1) THE COURT

The court was the outer part of the sanctuary. It contained two articles of furniture: the brazen altar of sacrifice and the laver. Before we look at these two articles of furniture, I want us to consider the door of the court.

A) THE DOOR

The court had only one door through which the people could enter into the sanctuary (see Exodus 27:16). This door represented Jesus Christ, the only One through whom mankind could come unto the Father (John 14:6). From John 10:9, we read the following clear words of Christ: "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture". As we will see later in this study on the sanctuary, Christ is not only the Door, but also the only Way through which mankind can approach unto the Father (see John 14:6). After the door, specific articles of furniture that one encountered at the outer court of the tabernacle included the brazen altar of sacrifice and the laver.

B) THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE

The altar of sacrifice was the first article of furniture one encountered at the court. At the altar of sacrifice, both animals and grain were offered as sacrificial offerings to the Lord (Exodus 27:1-8; Leviticus 17:11). It is very clear from Scripture that the animals that were being sacrificed at this altar represented Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (see John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:18-21; Revelation 7:14; Revelation 13:8). In the salvific plan of God, the altar of sacrifice represented the atonement of Christ for the human race. All those who will be welcomed back into the family of God must accept the sacrifice of the Son of God on their behalf. This point is vividly captured in the following timeless words of Christ: "16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:16-18). C) THE LAVER

The laver was the second article of furniture one encountered at the court. It came after the altar of sacrifice and before the entrance to the tabernacle. It was a washing basin made of solid bronze and set on a bronze stand. The laver was filled with water for the priests to wash their hands and feet before they could handle the animal sacrifices brought by the people or enter the tabernacle to serve (Exodus 30:18-21). The laver first represented Christ, who is the Water of Life (see Jeremiah 17:13). It also represented Christian baptism - "the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). In the salvific plan of God, all those who come to believe in the sacrifice of Christ at the bronze altar must also pass through the symbolism of the laver. They must be baptised as a public declaration of their faith in the only begotten Son of God. This point is vividly captured in the following parting command from Christ to the disciples: "15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that BELIEVETH and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16; Capital Emphasis Added).COURT CONCEPT: From the articles of furniture at the court, we learn about the biblical concept of JUSTIFICATION. All the sons and daughters of Adam are justified through the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The apostle Paul captures this point in His letter to the Romans as follows: "23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24).

2) THE TABERNACLE

Just in front of the court was the actual tabernacle of the sanctuary. This tabernacle was divided into two apartments: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The articles of furniture in these two apartments provide us with beautiful insights in relation to God's salvific plan for mankind. We will first consider the articles of furniture in the Holy Place.

i) THE HOLY PLACE

The Holy Place had three articles of furniture. These were the table of showbread, the golden candlestick and the altar of incense.

A) THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD

This table was located on the north side of the Holy Place and was directly opposite the golden candlestick. 12 loaves of unleavened bread (separated into 2 rows of six) were placed on the table continually before the Lord by the priests. The twelve loaves of bread represented the 12 tribes of Israel. It is likely that offerings of wine were also placed on the table of showbread (see Exodus 25:23-30; Exodus 26:35; Exodus 37:10-16; Leviticus 24:5-9; Numbers 28:7).

The bread was first a symbol of Jesus Christ. In fact, Christ referred to Himself as the Bread of Life (see John 6:35). The bread was also a symbol of the Scripture, which is the written Word of God. From Matthew 4:4, we read that "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God".

In the salvific plan of God, all those who come to believe in the sacrificial death of Christ at the altar of sacrifice, and go through the ordinance of baptism, must enter into the Holy Place and eat of the Bread of Life (see John 6:48-58). They must also partake of the spiritual food of the Scriptures so they can grow into the image of the Son of God (see Matthew 4:4).

B) THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK

This candlestick was located on the south part of the Holy Place, and was directly opposite the table of showbread. The menorah had six branches with a central shaft or trunk. Thus, it is usually referred to as the seven-branched candlestick. The menorah used pure olive oil as fuel. Each morning and evening, the high priest trimmed the wicks and supplied the needed oil so the menorah will provide a constant source of light at the Holy Place (see Exodus 25:31-39; Exodus 37:17-24; Exodus 26:35; Exodus 30:7-8; Leviticus 24:1-4).

The candlestick was first a symbol of Jesus Christ. Christ referred to Himself as the Light of the world (John 8:12). The candlestick was also a symbol of the believer's witness about Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. From Matthew 5:14-16, we read the following: "14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16). In the salvific plan of God, all those who come to believe in Jesus must continually behold Him as the Light of the world so they do not fall into darkness. As smaller lights, believers must also become witnesses of the salvation that is found only through Christ. As they witness about Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, they will grow from grace to grace into the image of their Saviour and Lord.

C) THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE

The altar of incense was located on the west side of the Holy Place, immediately before the veil which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This altar contained a brass pot with hot coals from the brazen altar of sacrifice. On this altar, the high priest burned a special incense (every morning and evening) which generated a sweet smelling fragrance before the Lord in the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:1-10; Exodus 37:25-29).

The altar of incense represented the prayers of the people of God. The sweet incense was actually a symbol of the perfect character of Christ; the only medium through which mankind can approach the Father in prayer. From the book of Revelation, we read the following in relation to the altar of incense: "3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, 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. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand" (Revelation 8:3-4; see also Revelation 5:8). In the salvific plan of God, all those who come to believe in Jesus must also learn to embrace the important Christian practice of prayer. As believers pray, their faith will take hold of the promises of God and they will grow into the image of the Son of God.

HOLY PLACE CONCEPT: From the articles of furniture at the Holy Place, we learn about the biblical concept of SANCTIFICATION. In the salvific plan of God, believers who become justified by accepting the merits of Christ on their behalf must enter by faith into the Holy Place to pursue the character of godliness. It is not for nothing that the first apartment of the tabernacle is called the Holy Place. It is at this place that the believer in Christ is sanctified. As the believer focusses on the beautiful character of Christ, he or she receives Divine strength to will and to do of His good pleasure (see 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 2:13). It is important to note that the sanctification of the believer is a daily process of growth into the image of the spotless Son of God. This growth process is enhanced as the believer utilises the spiritual tools of Bible study, witnessing and prayer as depicted in the Holy Place of the sanctuary.

ii) THE MOST HOLY PLACE

The Most Holy Place is the second apartment of the tabernacle. It had only one article of furniture called the Ark of the Covenant. Before we look at the ark, I want us to consider the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

A) THE VEIL

The veil was a thick curtain which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. It covered the Shekina glory of God in the Most Holy Place. It was only the high priest who could enter through the veil once in a year, on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 26:31-33; Exodus 36:35; Leviticus 16:2; 2 Chronicles 3:14; Hebrews 9:6-7).

Even though not an article of furniture, the veil had great significance as far as the temple services were concerned. In fact, the veil represented the body of Jesus. From the book of Hebrews, we read the following: "10 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, THROUGH THE VEIL, THAT IS TO SAY, HIS FLESH" (Hebrews 10:19-20; Capital Emphasis Added).Beloved, when Christ died on the cross, the veil, which represented His body, was also torn by an Unseen Hand from top to button. This Divine action brought an end to the earthly sanctuary service, and gave believers complete access to the Father in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary (see Matthew 27:50-51; 1 Timothy 2:5).

B) THE ARK OF THE COVENANT

The Ark of the Covenant was the only article of furniture at the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary. The ark contained the two tablets of stone which bore the Ten Commandments. Later on Moses was commanded to place inside the ark a pot of manna and Aaron's rod that budded. The lid that covered the ark was made of solid gold, and was called the MERCY SEAT. Two cherubs were engraved at each end of the lid. They were positioned towards each other with their faces toward the mercy seat, and their wings also spread out to cover the mercy seat (see Exodus 25:10-22; Exodus 37:1-9; Exodus 16:32-34; Numbers 17:1-10; Hebrews 9:1-5).

When our first parents transgressed against the law of God, the penalty was eternal death (see Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 6:23). The justice of God which the law required had to be met. In the light of this sordid truth, it is encouraging to learn that the lid which covered the ark containing the law was referred to as the MERCY SEAT. From the symbolism of the ark, we learn that even though our disobedience of the law required nothing short of eternal death, the Lord provided a way for our reconciliation unto Himself through the merciful surrender of His only begotten Son. In the symbolism of the ark, the justice and mercy of a loving God are clearly revealed (see Psalm 85:10; John 3:16).

MOST HOLY PLACE CONCEPT: From the one article of furniture at the Most Holy Place, we learn about the biblical concept of PERFECTION. In the salvific plan of God, believers who are justified through the merits of Christ on their behalf must not only enter by faith into the Holy Place to pursue the process of sanctification; they must also enter by faith into the Most Holy Place to attain perfection. It is not for nothing that the second apartment of the tabernacle is called the Most Holy Place. It is at this place that the believer in Christ attains the requirement of perfection that God expects from His children (see Matthew 5:48). At this stage, it is important for us to note that the believer's spiritual progress from the court to the Most Holy Place is not attained by any works of self-righteousness (see Titus 3:5). On the contrary, it is achieved as believers daily behold the spotless Lamb of the sanctuary, and are little by little transformed by the Spirit into His image until such a time when the law of God at the Most Holy Place is inscribed in their hearts and on their minds (see 2 Corinthians 3:18; Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16). It is in such a condition of purity that the people of God will be glorified at the second coming of Christ (see Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 12:14).

3) HIS WAY IS IN THE SANCTUARY

From what we have gone through above, it is clear that the sanctuary message provides the blueprint that God has decided to utilise for the salvation of mankind. At this point in our study, I want us to quickly summarise this blueprint of salvation as revealed by the beautiful path of the sanctuary. Now friends, as we take a walk through the sanctuary from the court to the Most Holy Place, it becomes clear that the ordinances that were performed at the various articles of furniture were designed by God to lead mankind unto Himself.

Beginning at the altar of sacrifice, the sinner must first believe in the atoning sacrifice of Christ for himself or herself. Without believing in this atonement, the sinner cannot be accepted of the Father (see John 1:29; John 3:16-18). Then at the laver, the believer must make a public declaration of his or her faith in Jesus through water baptism; an ordinance without which one cannot enter the kingdom of God (see John 3:5).

To grow as a follower of Christ, the believer must enter by faith into the Holy Place and practice the spiritual ordinances of Bible study, witnessing and prayer. It is sad to note that many of God's people are still babies in the faith because they have not yet entered by faith into the Holy Place to practice the spiritual ordinances therein placed.

To reach the standard of perfection which God requires from His children (review Matthew 5:48; Hebrews 12:14), believers must not be content in staying at the Holy Place; they must follow Christ into the Most Holy Place, where the Spirit of God inscribes the law (which is the express character of God) in their hearts and on their minds (review Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16). Beloved, it is important to note that everyone who will be saved in the end will have to walk the path of the sanctuary from the court to the Most Holy Place. It is for the sake of the penitent who (because of their unique circumstances) are unable to fulfill some particular stages of the sanctuary's process of salvation that Christ fulfilled all righteousness (see Matthew 3:13-15).

4) CRUEL PICTURES OF SALVATION

Besides showing the process of salvation, the articles of furniture in the sanctuary also highlights two cruel pictures about the plan of salvation for mankind. These two pictures foretold the way in which the Lamb of God will die, and actually endorsed Christ in the process of time as the long awaited Redeemer of the human race.

A) The first picture I want us to consider is in relation to the manner in which Christ was killed. It is amazing to learn that the manner of the Saviour's death was typified in the sanctuary. You see friends, if we trace around the outer edges of the articles of furniture in the sanctuary, we obtain a CROSS. What this tells us is that for several centuries before Christ's first advent, the sanctuary prophesied that the Lamb of God will one day die on a cross. It was through an awareness of this fact that Christ made the following statement: "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32).

B) The second picture I want us to consider is in relation to the wounds that were inflicted on Christ during His trial, crucifixion and death. Amazingly, this is also typified in the sanctuary. At this point, I want you to focus on the cross, and then the sanctuary. Now, consider the points on the cross where Christ received various wounds from His murderers. Beloved, it is fascinating to learn that at any place where an article of furniture was positioned in the sanctuary, on that spot Christ received a wound in His body. Consider the following imagery in relation to the sanctuary and the cross:

i) THE ARK OF THE COVENANT - Wounds on HEAD as a result of a crown of thorns that was forced on Him (see Matthew 27:29).

ii) THE ALTAR OF INCENSE - Wounds from a BROKEN HEART because of the enormity of the sins of mankind (see Psalm 69:20-21; Matthew 27:45-46, 50). From the pen of inspiration, we read the following: "To satisfy the priests, they pierced His side. Had not life been already extinct, this wound would have caused instant death. But it was not the spear thrust, it was not the pain of the cross, that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered with a loud voice (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46), at the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that HE DIED OF A BROKEN HEART. HIS HEART WAS BROKEN BY MENTAL ANGUISH. HE WAS SLAIN BY THE SIN OF THE WORLD" (Desire of Ages, page 772; Capital Emphasis Added). iii) THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD - Nail wounds in His LEFT HAND (see John 20:24-29).

iv) THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK - Nail wounds in His RIGHT HAND (see John 20:24-29).

v) THE LAVER - A pierced wound on His SIDE (see John 19:31-37; John 20:24-29).

vi) THE ALTAR OF SACRIFICE - Nail wounds in His legs (compare Psalm 22:16-18 with John 19:23-24).

Friends, as the sanctuary typified concerning Christ, it also came to pass. One sunny Friday afternoon, the Creator of the entire cosmos hanged on Calvary's cross. As the sanctuary typified, He received wicked wounds on His head, His heart, His two hands, His side and His feet because of our sins. Beloved, look at Calvary and behold the Creator of the universe scourged, wounded, spat upon and mocked. Look at Calvary and behold the Creator writhing in pain. Oh! The cup He had to drink was so full of the wrath of God that He dreaded to even sip it (see Mathew 26:36-46). From the pen of inspiration, we read that "The Saviour could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror, or tell Him of the Father's acceptance of the sacrifice. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which the sinner will feel when mercy shall no longer plead for the guilty race. It was the sense of sin, bringing the Father's wrath upon Him as man's substitute, that made the cup He drank so bitter, and broke the heart of the Son of God" (Desire of Ages, page 753). Beloved, Christ went through all these so you and I could be saved. And what's more, throughout all eternity, our Saviour is going to bear the cruel wounds that we inflicted upon His body (see Habakkuk 3:4; The Great Controversy, page 674). With all this sacrifice that He has borne for us, will we not walk the pathway of the sanctuary that He has revealed so clearly unto us today? Oh! How can you and I neglect so great a salvation such as this? We will have only ourselves to blame in the end if we do! I gave my life to the loving Jesus some years ago, and I have never regretted in pursuing the beautiful pathway of the sanctuary.

Beloved friend, even as I bring this study to a close, I want to ask you the following important question: Where are you now in the pathway of the sanctuary of God? Are you yet to believe in Jesus? If your answer to this question is yes, I want to assure you that it is not too late to do so. Please give your heart to Jesus today and begin your walk in the sanctuary of God. Soon, the probation of all mankind will close and the blood of Christ will no longer plead for the guilty (see 2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:15; Revelation 22:11).

Perhaps you have come to believe in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus but you are dragging your feet from baptism. Dear friend, God's Word makes it clear that without baptism, one cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven (see John 3:5). What are you waiting for? Give yourself up for baptism today. Declare publicly to the world that you are in the side of Christ, and begin to call upon the name of the Lord.

Maybe you have come to believe in Christ and have been baptised, yet you have experienced no growth in your Christian walk. On the contrary, you find yourself dabbling in your old sinful ways of life. If this is your condition, then it is likely you have not followed Christ into the Holy Place of the sanctuary. Please I urge you to enter the Holy Place by faith, and begin to perform the spiritual ordinances therein placed. Devote time for Bible study, witnessing and prayer; and your life will never be the same.

Beloved, if you have entered by faith into the Holy Place, don't let it end there. Continue the spiritual journey of the sanctuary by entering the Most Holy Place by faith. And as you behold daily the perfect character of Christ, and contemplate on His current work of atonement for the penitent, the Holy Spirit will inscribe the law of Jehovah in your heart and on your mind (review Hebrews 8:10; Hebrews 10:16).

Dear friend, it does not matter where you are now in the pathway of the sanctuary. If you will only take the hand of Jesus today, He will help you to travel all the way into the Most Holy Place. If it is your wish now to follow Christ throughout the pathway of the sanctuary, why don't you whisper a prayer to God for strength to do that right now? You can go on your knees, or stand or just whisper a prayer at this moment even if you are in a crowded place.

Now, for those of you who have just accepted the atoning sacrifice of Christ on your behalf, the next stage in the sanctuary journey is baptism. If you want to be baptised and press on with the spiritual journey of the sanctuary, please send the word BAPTISM to the following WhatsApp numbers: +233243105287 or +233 50 983 4815. WTM will link you up with a local pastor who will take you through the important ordinance of baptism, and also help you to travel the rest of the pathway of the sanctuary.

Exhortation: The words of the prophet Isaiah describes in a remarkable detail the sacrifice that the Son of God went through in order to save us from the wretchedness of sin: "53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

53:4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

53:10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

53:12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

(Isaiah 53:1-12)In our next study, we will consider the topic: Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary. The Bible study references for this study are Exodus 25:8-9, 40; Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 8:1-2, 5; and Hebrews 9:24. Please do well to go through these passages before the next study is released.

Stay blessed and keep shining for King Jesus.

Maranatha!

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