“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth… and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17, KJV).

ABSTRACT

The plan of salvation, revealed through the sanctuary’s sacred furniture, mirrors the seven days of creation, guiding humanity from sin’s darkness to divine communion. Each creation day parallels a sanctuary element, illustrating redemption’s steps: light separates from darkness at the altar, cleansing waters prepare the soul, provision sustains, light guides, prayers ascend, humanity reflects God’s image, and the Sabbath seals the covenant. This article explores these profound connections, showing how God’s creative acts align with His redemptive purpose, inviting all to enter His rest. Supporting this, the KJV declares, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth… and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17, KJV), encapsulating the unity of creation and salvation.

DAY ONE DYNAMO!

The first act of creation unlocks the plan of salvation, corresponding to the Altar of Burnt Offering in the sanctuary’s outer court. The divine record states, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night…” (Genesis 1:3-5, KJV). This act mirrors the spiritual function of the Altar, where the darkness of sin is judged and the light of Christ’s life dawns in the penitent soul. The light and its separation from darkness are the principles at work at the altar, where the fire of judgment and the blood of atonement begin the sinner’s journey back to God. Scripture supports this with “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6, KJV) and “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14, KJV). Sr. White confirms this typology: “The light shining in darkness represents Christ, the great Light of the world… In the outer court of the sanctuary, the altar of burnt offering was the first object the penitent saw, teaching that the sinner must begin with Christ’s sacrifice” (The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1081, 1953). She further states, “Through the light of the cross, darkness is separated from light in the soul” (Steps to Christ, p. 33, 1892). Additionally, “This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11, KJV) and “But 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” (1 John 1:7, KJV) affirm this truth. Sr. White adds, “Christ is the source of every right impulse. He is the only one who can implant in the heart enmity against sin” (Steps to Christ, p. 26, 1892). She also notes, “The cross of Christ is the pledge of our fellowship with God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 83, 1898). Thus, the first day establishes the gospel’s foundation: redemption begins at the altar, where Christ’s light confronts our darkness. How does a cleansing separation unfold?

DAY TWO DAZZLE!

The second day of creation aligns with the Laver, the second article in the outer court, symbolizing cleansing and preparation. The Genesis account describes, “And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament…” (Genesis 1:6-8, KJV). The separation of waters by the firmament symbolizes the Laver’s purpose, where water cleanses the priest for God’s presence. The water and firmament represent the cleansing agent and the prepared space for divine access. Scripture reinforces this with “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil” (Isaiah 1:16, KJV) and “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22, KJV). Sr. White affirms, “The washing at the laver was a figure of the spiritual cleansing that must take place before God’s servants can be accepted in His presence” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). She further links creation to sanctification: “The earth was without form, and void; but the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Here is the symbol of regeneration and sanctification” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 1081, 1953). Additionally, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7, KJV) and “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you” (Ezekiel 36:25, KJV) support this cleansing. Sr. White elaborates, “The work of cleansing the soul-temple from sin must be carried forward with dispatch” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 573, 1889). She also states, “By the washing of regeneration, the soul is prepared for communion with God” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 565, 1911). Therefore, the second day reveals the next step: after atonement, cleansing at the Laver prepares our hearts for God. How does the earth bring forth sustenance?

DAY THREE THRILL!

The third day of creation corresponds to the Table of Shewbread, symbolizing God’s provision. The text records, “And God said, Let the dry land appear… Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit…” (Genesis 1:9-11, KJV). This act of producing vegetation parallels the spiritual nourishment of the shewbread, pointing to Christ, the Bread of Life. The dry land and fruit-bearing plants are the foundation for the bread on the holy table. Scripture supports this with “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth” (Psalm 104:14, KJV) and “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever” (John 6:51, KJV). Sr. White states, “As God gave the earth to yield its fruit, so in the sanctuary He placed the shewbread to represent His constant care for His people’s needs” (The Faith I Live By, p. 197, 1958). She clarifies, “The shewbread was also a type of the true bread from heaven, even Christ” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 354, 1890). Further, “And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you” (Exodus 16:4, KJV) and “The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him” (Psalm 22:26, KJV) affirm God’s provision. Sr. White adds, “God’s care for His people is constant, and His provision is abundant for those who trust Him” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 140, 1900). She also notes, “Christ is the bread of life, satisfying the soul’s deepest hunger” (The Desire of Ages, p. 386, 1898). Thus, the third day invites us into the Holy Place to be sustained by God’s spiritual food. What divine illumination follows?

DAY FOUR FLASH!

The fourth day of creation parallels the Golden Candlestick, providing illumination and order. The Genesis narrative states, “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth…” (Genesis 1:14-15, KJV). These heavenly lights mirror the Menorah’s role in illuminating the sanctuary, symbolizing God’s Spirit and divine order. Scripture supports this with “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130, KJV) and “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light” (Psalm 36:9, KJV). Sr. White confirms, “In the temple in heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is surrounded by the rainbow of promise and the seven lamps of fire” (The Great Controversy, p. 414, 1888). She adds, “The seven lamps on the golden candlestick shed their light upon the table and the altar, representing the light of the Holy Spirit shining upon the church” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 348, 1890). Additionally, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily” (Isaiah 58:8, KJV) and “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee” (Isaiah 60:1, KJV) highlight divine guidance. Sr. White elaborates, “The Holy Spirit illuminates the mind and guides into all truth” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 52, 1911). She further states, “God’s word is the light that directs our path to eternal life” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 38, 1900). Thus, the fourth day teaches us to walk in God’s light for guidance and clarity. When do prayers take flight?

DAY FIVE SURGE!

The fifth day, introducing living creatures, corresponds to the Altar of Incense, where prayers ascend. The account states, “And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth… And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply…” (Genesis 1:20-22, KJV). The breath of life and God’s blessing symbolize the vitality of prayer and praise. Scripture affirms this with “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15, KJV) and “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2, KJV). Sr. White illustrates, “As the priests offered incense before the Lord, the fragrance filled the temple, and the prayers of the saints ascended as a sweet savor to God” (The Great Controversy, p. 414, 1888). She adds, “The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 353, 1890). Further, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV) and “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” (Revelation 8:3, KJV) support this. Sr. White states, “Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse” (Steps to Christ, p. 94, 1892). She also notes, “The prayers of the saints, mingled with Christ’s merits, ascend to God as a sweet fragrance” (The Desire of Ages, p. 667, 1898). Thus, the fifth day signifies prayer and praise, bringing us to the Most Holy Place’s threshold. Where does divinity meet humanity?

DAY SIX SPECTACLE!

The sixth day, creating humanity in God’s image, aligns with the Mercy Seat, God’s throne. The scripture declares, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion… And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:26, 31, KJV). This reflects the Mercy Seat’s purpose, where God’s presence dwelt, and the dominion given to humanity mirrors the law beneath it. Scripture supports this with “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:4-5, KJV) and “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24, KJV). Sr. White confirms, “Man was to bear God’s image, both in outward resemblance and in character” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 45, 1890). She adds, “The law of God in the ark represented His character. The covering mercy seat, sprinkled with blood, represented Christ’s work of mercy for fallen man” (The Great Controversy, p. 415, 1888). Additionally, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, KJV) and “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Ephesians 2:10, KJV) affirm this. Sr. White states, “God designed that man should reflect His glory in character and conduct” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 341, 1900). She further notes, “Through Christ, humanity is restored to favor with God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 37, 1898). Thus, the sixth day reveals salvation’s goal: restoring God’s image in us for communion with Him. What crowns the creation week?

DAY SEVEN SHOWDOWN!

The seventh day, blessed and sanctified, corresponds to the Ark of the Covenant, containing God’s testimony. The scripture says, “And on the seventh day God ended his work… and he rested… And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it…” (Genesis 2:2-3, KJV). The Ark’s items—the Ten Commandments, manna, and Aaron’s rod—point to the Sabbath’s meaning. Scripture affirms this with “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable” (Isaiah 58:13, KJV) and “And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the Lord your God” (Ezekiel 20:20, KJV). Sr. White summarizes, “In the ark was the golden pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant. All were evidences of God’s care, authority, and power. The Sabbath, enshrined in the heart of the law, pointed to Him as Creator” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). The Sabbath is an experience of entering the Most Holy Place, communing with God. Further, “Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it” (Isaiah 56:2, KJV) and “For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant” (Isaiah 56:4, KJV) affirm this rest. Sr. White adds, “The Sabbath is a golden clasp that unites God and His people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 351, 1901). She also states, “The Sabbath points to Christ as the Creator and Redeemer” (The Desire of Ages, p. 281, 1898). Thus, the Sabbath seals the covenant, uniting us with God’s finished work, law, and provision.

CLOSING COVENANT!

The plan of salvation, mirrored in creation and the sanctuary, guides humanity from sin’s darkness to divine communion. Each creation day aligns with a sanctuary element, revealing redemption’s steps: light overcomes darkness, cleansing purifies, provision sustains, illumination guides, prayers ascend, humanity reflects God’s image, and the Sabbath seals the covenant. Scripture affirms, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth… and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16-17, KJV), and “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV). Sr. White states, “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1888). She further notes, “The plan of redemption… reveals the justice and mercy of God” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 162, 1900). Thus, creation and the sanctuary unveil God’s redemptive love, inviting all to rest in His eternal covenant.

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