SANCTUARY: ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE!

“Having therefore, brothers and sisters, confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,” Hebrews 10:19

ABSTRACT

The Most Holy Place in the sanctuary represents the sacred core of God’s presence and His redemptive plan for humanity, illustrating themes of separation from sin, divine law, mercy, atonement, and heavenly intercession. Unity depends on a vital connection with Christ. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19, KJV). “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). “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men. It concerns every soul living upon the earth. It opens to view the plan of redemption, bringing us down to the very close of time and revealing the triumphant issue of the contest between righteousness and sin. It is of the utmost importance that all should thoroughly investigate these subjects and be able to give an answer to everyone that asketh them a reason of the hope that is in them” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). “I was then bidden to take notice of the two apartments of the heavenly sanctuary. It resembled the one in heaven, and I was told that it was a figure of the heavenly. The furniture of the first apartment of the earthly sanctuary was like that in the first apartment of the heavenly. The veil was lifted, and I looked into the holy of holies. I saw there an ark which had the appearance of being of the finest gold. As a border around the top of the ark, was most beautiful work representing crowns. In the ark were tables of stone containing the ten commandments” (Early Writings, p. 252, 1882). The Most Holy Place serves as a profound reminder of God’s love and our path to redemption.

HOLY PLACE QUEST BEGINS!

Dear Friends, have you ever stopped to think about the deep meaning of the Most Holy Place? This special room is hidden and full of God’s presence. It is not just a place in the earthly sanctuary. It is a spiritual place. It is a part of our faith journey. It is key to understanding God’s plan for us. In this essay, we will travel to the center of the Most Holy Place. We will explore what it represents. We will look at why it is important in the Day of Atonement. We will see how it points to the heavenly sanctuary. In heaven, Jesus Christ, our High Priest, serves for us. We will study the Bible. We will read the helpful words of Ellen G. White. We want to find the lasting truths that matter to all of us. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Hebrews 9:11, KJV). “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV). “The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy” (The Great Controversy, p. 413, 1911). “The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people” (The Great Controversy, p. 423, 1911). Are you ready to go behind the veil with me? Let’s discover God’s amazing presence in the Most Holy Place. But what does this journey reveal about the veil that separates us from divine presence?

VEIL OF SEPARATION UNVEILED!

Imagine the Holy Place inside the sanctuary. It was carefully made as God instructed. Inside, there was a thick veil, like a curtain. “And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.” (Exodus 26:33). This veil was not just for show. It showed that people were separated from God’s immediate presence. Think about Isaiah’s sad words. “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). Sin, like a strong wall, made a barrier. It made us unworthy to be right with God. But Hebrews tells us how to pass through this barrier. “Having therefore, brothers and sisters, confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he has opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,” (Hebrews 10:19-20). Ellen G. White clearly explained, “The most holy place, or second room of the sanctuary, shows God’s presence. In the old service, the high priest went into this room only on the great Day of Atonement. He had to prepare very carefully and seriously. No one but the high priest could see the sacred wonders of the Most Holy Place. It was God’s special home, where His presence was seen.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 343). She also said, “Into the most holy place, the most sacred of all earthly rooms, God’s glory was shown in ways that could be seen.” (The Signs of the Times, December 17, 1885). This glory that could be seen showed how holy God is. Sinful people could not come near without someone to help them. Also, she mentioned, “The veil that separated the holy place from the Most Holy Place was torn in two when Christ died on the cross. This meant that because of Christ’s death, the way into the Most Holy Place is now open.” (Redemption: or the First Advent of Christ, 125). Think about how important this separation is. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building” (Hebrews 9:11, KJV). “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV). “The veil, which separated the holy from the most holy place, is drawn aside, and the subject is made distinct and plain. He has entered into the heavenly sanctuary, where God can hear his petitions in our behalf” (The Review and Herald, June 10, 1852, 1852). “The ministration in the earthly sanctuary was typical of the work that Christ should do in the heavenly sanctuary” (The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1878, 1878). Like a weak flower in hot sun, our sin nature cannot handle God’s full glory. But this separation, shown by the veil, makes us want to be close to God more. It makes us value how Christ made it possible to be friends with God again. The veil is not the end. It reminds us we need someone to help us. We need a bridge over our sin. We need to be led back to God’s presence. But how does the Ark of the Covenant serve as the throne of divine law within this sacred space?

ARK OF DIVINE LAW!

Inside the Most Holy Place was the Ark of the Covenant. It was a box made of special wood covered with gold. It was a holy and very important object. “And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.” (Exodus 25:10). Inside the Ark were two stone tablets. These were the Ten Commandments, God’s Law. Moses remembered God’s order. “And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.” (Deuteronomy 10:2). Psalm 89:14 tells us about God’s throne. “Justice and judgment are the place where your throne is set; mercy and truth go before your face.” (Psalm 89:14). Ellen G. White wrote, “The ark of the covenant, in the most holy place, was like God’s throne. It held the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments. This law is the base of God’s rule.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 343). She also said, “God’s law in the heavenly sanctuary is the first law. The commandments on the stone tablets were a true copy of it.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 363). This law from heaven, truly copied on earth, is the standard for right living that never changes. Furthermore, she noted, “The precious stones of the ark were strong and lasting. They showed that God’s law is also unchanging and lasts forever.” (The Review and Herald, September 29, 1896). “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23, KJV). “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, KJV). “The law of God in the sanctuary in heaven is the great original, of which the precepts inscribed upon the tables of stone, and recorded by Moses in the Pentateuch, were an unerring transcript. Those who arrived at an understanding of this important point, were thus led to see the sacred, unchanging character of the divine law” (The Great Controversy, p. 434, 1911). “The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the propitiation, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). Do we sometimes think the law is just strict rules? Do we see it as a weight, not a gift? The Ark in the Most Holy Place changes this idea. It puts the law not as a limit, but in God’s very presence, on His throne. Think of a country without laws – it would be chaos. God’s law, kept in the Ark, shows His right character. It gives rules for a peaceful world. It is like a picture of who God is, showing His holiness. When we look at the Ark, we remember God’s law is not just random. It is needed, it is divine, and it is the base of His loving rule. It shows us not just what God orders, but who God is. But what grace awaits us at the Mercy Seat above the Ark?

MERCY SEAT THRONE!

Above the Ark, as a golden cover, was the Mercy Seat. It was also called the place of atonement. This was a very holy place. It was where God’s fairness and God’s mercy met. Paul explains Christ’s work of atonement. “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—” (Romans 3:25). Psalm 85:10 beautifully shows how God’s traits work together. “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85:10). Ellen G. White explains, “The mercy seat that covered the ark, was like the throne of grace. It was where God meets sinners who confess their sins. They ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s goodness.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 343). She adds, “Under the mercy seat was the law, which sin had broken. But above the mercy seat was God’s mercy. He was ready to meet the sinner, hear their sadness, and give them forgiveness.” (The Youth’s Instructor, January 1, 1854). God’s love is truly seen at the mercy seat. She also said, “The mercy seat was sprinkled with blood. God’s shining glory was seen above it, with the sweet smell of incense. Here, God would meet with Israel.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 1, 266). “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel” (Exodus 25:22, KJV). “And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat” (Leviticus 16:2, KJV). “The mercy seat upon the ark was an exact similitude of the throne of grace, and typified Christ as our mercy seat, in whom the Father meets the transgressor, and communes with him of his sins. The law that was the foundation of this ark, is the foundation of the throne of Jehovah, and the mercy seat that covers the law shows that mercy claims her own above justice” (The Signs of the Times, June 24, 1880, 1880). “The mercy seat that covered the ark, was like the throne of grace. It was where God meets sinners who confess their sins. They ask for forgiveness through Jesus Christ’s goodness” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 343, 1890). Think about the contrast. Under the Mercy Seat, the law that cannot be changed. Above it, God’s forgiving love. Like dark clouds over dry land, both judgment and mercy were in this holy place. Leviticus describes the Day of Atonement service. “Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat.” (Leviticus 16:15). The blood on the Mercy Seat was not magic. It was a symbol. It showed the sacrifice that could cover sin and satisfy God’s fairness. This powerfully points to Jesus Christ’s great sacrifice. His blood, poured out on the cross, is our real Mercy Seat. It makes peace with God possible. Do we understand how great this exchange is? Our sin for His goodness, our punishment for His forgiveness. All meet at the Mercy Seat because of Christ. But what solemn cleansing occurs on the Day of Atonement?

ATONEMENT DAY CLEANSING!

People did not just walk into the Most Holy Place. Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, could the high priest go behind the veil. He would serve in this holy room. This was not just another service. It was the most important service of the year. It was a day of serious judgment and cleansing. Leviticus 16:30 clearly states the purpose of this day. “For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” (Leviticus 16:30). Daniel saw a picture of this great judgment in heaven. “I watched till thrones were placed and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like wool, pure as snow; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:9-10). Ellen G. White explains, “The most holy place could be entered by the high priest only, and only once a year. This was to cleanse the sanctuary. This old service showed what Jesus, our great High Priest, would do. He would make the final atonement. He would go into the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary to finish saving us.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 344). She also shows how this day applies to each person. “Just as the priest, on the Day of Atonement, took away Israel’s sins from the sanctuary by putting them on the scapegoat, so Christ will finally put all sins on Satan, who started sin, and on all the unsaved…” (The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, 265). This final placing of sin is the complete cleansing. She also pointed out how seriously people prepared. “The tenth day of the seventh month, the Day of Atonement… was a day to be truly sorry before God. All Israelites had to humble themselves. They had to pray honestly and confess their sins. Then their sins could be erased from the sanctuary.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 519). “And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall bear his sin” (Leviticus 24:15, KJV). “And ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD” (Leviticus 23:27, KJV). “The Lord would teach His people that He was their protector, that all power was His, and that it was He who putteth down kings and setteth up kings” (The Review and Herald, May 14, 1895, 1895). “The Day of Atonement is the great day of judgment, and even the host of heaven are in awful suspense, for their own cases are pending” (The Signs of the Times, November 22, 1883, 1883). Think about how much responsibility the high priest had. He went alone into God’s presence to atone for all the sins of the nation. Everything he did had a symbolic meaning. It pointed to the great Day of Atonement to come. This yearly service reminded everyone how serious sin is. It showed how much we need atonement. It was like a shadow of the “final atonement, to be made by Jesus, our great High Priest, when He will enter the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary.” Just like the high priest cleansed the earthly sanctuary, Christ, our High Priest, is now cleansing the heavenly sanctuary. He is finishing the work of saving us. Are we living with this serious truth in mind? Do we know we are in the real Day of Atonement, a time of judgment and cleansing? But what does the heavenly sanctuary reveal about Christ as our High Priest?

HEAVENLY HIGH PRIEST!

The earthly sanctuary, with its Most Holy Place, was only a copy, “figures of the true.” Hebrews 9:24 states, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” We must look beyond the earthly copy to the real place in heaven. We are blessed to have a High Priest who has gone to heaven for us. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14). The Bible stresses how much better Christ’s service and sanctuary are. “But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he went once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12). Hebrews 8:2 calls Christ, “A minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” The real sanctuary is not made by humans. It is set up by God – it is in heaven! Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, has not gone into an earthly Most Holy Place. He has gone into “heaven itself.” Romans 8:34 assures us of His ongoing work. “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34). He is not a priest who serves just once a year. He is always interceding for us with God. Imagine the view in Revelation 11:19. “Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.” (Revelation 11:19). Heaven’s temple is open. The Ark of His agreement is visible! This is not a hidden box on earth. It is a heavenly reality. It shows the lasting promise between God and people. “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). “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” (Hebrews 7:25, KJV). “The ark in the tabernacle on earth contained the two tables of stone, upon which were inscribed the precepts of the law of God. The ark was merely a receptacle for the tables of the law, and the presence of these divine precepts gave to it its value and sacredness. When the temple of God was opened in heaven, the ark of His testament was seen. Within the holy of holies, in the sanctuary in heaven, the divine law is sacredly enshrined—the law that was spoken by God Himself amid the thunders of Sinai and written with His own finger on the tables of stone” (The Great Controversy, p. 433, 1911). “The holy law of the ten commandments, written on tables of stone by the finger of God, and placed in the ark, is the standard of righteousness. Before the obedient and the disobedient it will appear in the last great day, and all the wicked will be convicted. They will see that their actions proceeded from a depraved character” (The Review and Herald, May 30, 1899, 1899). Do we truly understand that Christ’s service in the heavenly Most Holy Place is not just a far-off idea? It is real and active now. It touches our lives every day. But how do incense and prayers ascend to the throne in this heavenly realm?

INCENSE AND PRAYERS ASCENDING!

We do not have to wait for one day a year to approach the Most Holy Place. Revelation 8:3-4 shows us something beautiful. “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” (Revelation 8:3-4). Our prayers are like sweet incense. They rise to God’s throne in heaven. This is not just a nice image. It is spiritually true. Psalm 141:2 says poetically, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2). We can reach God through prayer because of Jesus. As Paul said, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Timothy 2:5). 2 Chronicles 30:27 confirms, “And the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.” (2 Chronicles 30:27). Isaiah 57:15 adds more meaning. “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” (Isaiah 57:15). God lives in the highest heaven. But He also lives with those who are humble and sorry for their sins. This is amazing access! Through prayer, we can talk to the Most High God. Like the good smell of incense, our honest prayers, mixed with Christ’s goodness, are accepted by God. Ellen G. White stresses this point, “Incense, going up from golden cups, with the prayers of Israel, shows Christ’s goodness and His work of asking for us. His perfect right living is given to His people through faith. Only this can make sinful people’s worship pleasing to God.” (The Signs of the Times, January 22, 1880). Our prayers work because of Christ’s goodness. She further notes the strength of praying always, “True prayer, given in faith, from a real heart, is like incense that God loves. If we pray to God in Christ’s name, we will surely be answered.” (Prayer, 63). “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5, KJV). “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly” (Matthew 6:6, KJV). “Prayer is a heaven-ordained means of success in the conflict with sin and the development of Christian character. The divine influences that come in answer to the prayer of faith will accomplish in the soul of the suppliant all for which he pleads” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 564, 1911). “Prayer unites us with one another and with God. Prayer brings Jesus to our side, and gives to the fainting, perplexed soul new strength to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. Prayer turns aside the attacks of Satan” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 250, 1900). Are we using this great gift? Do we pray often and with passion? Are our prayers rising like incense to the heavenly sanctuary, reaching God’s throne of grace? But how does the Most Holy Place reflect God’s love in profound ways?

LOVE IN THE HOLY REFLECTED!

Think about the detailed plan of the Most Holy Place and its services. It might seem hard to understand. But at its heart, it is full of God’s love. The veil, while it separates, also shows God’s care for us. He gently prepares us for His full glory. The law inside the Ark, though it asks for right living, is really for our good. It is like safety rails on a high road, keeping us safe and guiding us to life. The Mercy Seat, covered in blood from sacrifices, is the greatest sign of God’s love. God Himself made the atonement. He paid the price to save us. Like a loving parent who suffers to save their child, God gave His Son, Jesus. Jesus bridges the gap of sin and brings us back to God. Ellen G. White wrote, “The throne of mercy is always surrounded by the rainbow of promise. We can come to this throne knowing we will be accepted.” (The Faith I Live By, 160). This knowing, this promise, this open way to God’s mercy – isn’t it love in the deepest and most real way? She also states, “The whole plan of the old system was a symbol of God’s love for people. It taught about God’s mercy and truth.” (The Signs of the Times, December 17, 1885). Every part of the sanctuary points to God’s loving nature. Also, she shows how personal this love is. “Our Father in heaven is not a hard, bossy ruler. He is a loving helper. What He asks is not too hard. ‘His yoke is easy, and His burden is light.’” (The Review and Herald, March 18, 1890). “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” (John 3:16, KJV). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). “The ministration in the earthly sanctuary was typical of the work that Christ should do in the heavenly sanctuary. The earthly was a shadow of the heavenly. There is a sanctuary in heaven. In it Christ ministers in 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 Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise, it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time, or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). The Most Holy Place is not a place of judgment but proof of God’s strong, giving love. It invites us to be friends with Him again. It offers forgiveness and new life freely through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Now that we know how holy the Most Holy Place is, and how much love it shows, how should we act toward God?

DUTY TO DIVINE REVEALED!

We must always be humble and respectful. Just as the high priest got ready with “careful and serious preparation” to enter the Most Holy Place, we too should come to God with hearts ready through repentance and humility. Also, we are called to live holy lives. We should reflect God’s law that is kept in the Ark. 1 Kings 8:9 reminds us, “There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone.” (1 Kings 8:9). Our lives should show God’s law in action. Not to earn salvation, but to thank Him for His grace and to show His character in us. More than just obeying rules, we are invited to be close to Him. Like incense rising, our prayers and worship should always go up to His throne. We should seek His leading, thank Him, and give our lives to Him. Ellen G. White said, “The closer you get to Jesus, the clearer you will see that you are a sinner. Your spiritual sight will get sharper. You will see your flaws clearly when compared to His perfect nature.” (Steps to Christ, 64). She further explains our duty. “We should not only believe in Christ, but live by His rules. We should honor God by showing the world lives that are holy and right.” (Reflecting Christ, 153). What we do must match what we believe. Moreover, she advises, “Give yourself to God in the morning; make this the first thing you do. Let your prayer be, ‘Lord, take me fully as Yours. I put all my plans at Your feet. Use me today to serve You. Stay with me, and let all my work be done in You.’” (Steps to Christ, 70). “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation” (1 Peter 1:15, KJV). “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13, KJV). “The work of saving people is for the whole world. It is not just to bring people back to God, but to give people back what they lost—to be like God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 15, 1902). “The law of God is the foundation of reformation. It is the standard of character, the detector of sin. By the law is the knowledge of sin. Not one of us can afford to do without this light, which shows us under a glass where we may critically examine the motives, thoughts, words, and actions of life” (The Review and Herald, March 8, 1887, 1887). This daily giving of ourselves is key to doing what we should for God. Seeing our flaws more clearly should not push us away from God. It should pull us closer to Him. We should know we always need His grace. And we should live lives that honor His sacrifice and show His holy character. If the Most Holy Place shows God’s love and calls us to holy living, how does this affect what we should do for others?

NEIGHBORLY LOVE DUTY!

The act of atonement, shown by the Mercy Seat, makes us want to help others find peace. Just as Christ’s sacrifice made peace between people and God, we are called to make peace between people and groups. We should be people who bring peace, showing God’s mercy to everyone. 2 Chronicles 30:27 tells us, “Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.” (2 Chronicles 30:27). Our prayers and blessings for others are a key part of our service. Also, the law in the Ark, the Ten Commandments, guides not only our link with God, but also how we treat each other. These rules, summed up as love for God and love for neighbor, are not just ideas. They are real ways to live peacefully with others. Ellen G. White wrote, “The work of saving people is for the whole world. It is not just to bring people back to God, but to give people back what they lost – to be like God.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, 15). She adds to this work of making people whole again, “Everyone Christ has saved is called to work for Him to save those who are lost… As we have been given freely, we must give freely.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, 298). Our help to others comes from the grace we have been given. Furthermore, she says, “Christ’s way is the only way to truly reach people. The Savior mixed with people as someone who wanted to help them. He showed He cared, helped them with their needs, and won their trust. Then He said, ‘Follow Me.’” (The Ministry of Healing, 143). “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3, KJV). “We may do a noble work for God if we will. Woman does not know her power for God. . . . There is a higher purpose for woman, a grander destiny. She should develop and cultivate her powers, for God can employ them in the great work of saving souls from eternal ruin” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 642, 1875). “The Lord has a work for women as well as men to do. They may accomplish a good work for God if they will first learn in the school of Christ the precious, all-important lesson of meekness. They must not only bear the name of Christ, but possess His Spirit. They must walk even as He walked, purifying their souls from everything that defiles. Then they will be able to benefit others by presenting the all-sufficiency of Jesus” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 135, 1882). Our duty to our neighbor goes beyond just being nice or polite. It is a call to take part in making them whole. We should show them God’s image, offer forgiveness, be kind, and work for fairness and peace in a broken world. This is just like Christ’s work of making peace in the heavenly sanctuary. But how do we reflect on these sacred truths in our daily lives?

REFLECTIVE REVELATIONS!

We stand at the door of the Most Holy Place. We invite others to join us on this holy trip. The ideas we have looked at are not old stories. They are living truths that shape our faith and guide our work. Understanding the Most Holy Place helps us preach the gospel deeply and with certainty. It is not just a message to be saved. It is a call to enter God’s very presence. We can now see the sanctuary service in a new way. It is not a strange set of acts. It is a full picture of God’s plan to save us. It all ends in Christ’s service in the heavenly sanctuary. We can value the law. It is not just rules to limit us. It is a picture of God’s holy character. It is a guide to a happy life. And we can embrace prayer deeply. It is not just a habit. It is a powerful way to talk to the King of the universe. Our requests rise like incense to His throne. Let’s make this journey personal. Where are we in understanding the Most Holy Place? Are we staying outside, or have we come closer to the veil? Are we letting the truths of atonement and intercession change our lives and drive our work? “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). “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). “We are living in the most solemn period of this world’s history. The destiny of earth’s teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment” (The Great Controversy, p. 601, 1911). “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). These are questions we must all think about and pray over. But what final truths does the Most Holy Place unveil about God’s saving plan?

FINAL HOLY TRUTHS!

Finally, the Most Holy Place is more than just a room in an old temple. It is a door to understanding God’s saving plan. It shows us the separation sin caused. It shows the holiness of God’s law. It shows the great mercy offered through Christ’s sacrifice. It shows the ongoing work of our High Priest in heaven. It calls us to be humble, holy, and to truly connect with God. It helps us be people of peace, showing God’s love and mercy to a world that really needs it. As we finish this study, let’s remember this great truth. Because of Christ, the veil is torn. The way into the Most Holy Place is open to all who believe in Him. May our lives show this wonderful reality. Let’s work to share this message of hope and peace with everyone. So, let us boldly enter the Most Holy Place because of Jesus’ blood. Amen. “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” (John 3:16, KJV). “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). “The ministration in the earthly sanctuary was typical of the work that Christ should do in the heavenly sanctuary” (The Signs of the Times, November 14, 1878, 1878). “The subject of the sanctuary was the key which unlocked the mystery of the disappointment of 1844. It opened to view a complete system of truth, connected and harmonious, showing that God’s hand had directed the great advent movement and revealing present duty as it brought to light the position and work of His people” (The Great Controversy, p. 423, 1911).

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

SANCTUARY: ENTER THE MOST HOLY PLACE!

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