“MERCY AND TRUTH ARE MET TOGETHER; RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE HAVE KISSED EACH OTHER.” (PSALM 85:10, KJV)

ABSTRACT

The sanctuary service, a divine blueprint, reveals God’s plan to reconcile humanity through Christ’s atonement. This article explores the cosmic conflict, the sanctuary’s symbolic lessons, and the believer’s call to faith and service, culminating in the final judgment. Through biblical and prophetic insights, it unveils how God’s justice and mercy harmonize to redeem sinners and vindicate His character before the universe.

THE PATH TO ATONEMENT

The dust of the Sinai wilderness, fine as milled flour, clings to Elnathan’s sandals and the hem of his robe. It’s a familiar feeling, this grit, a constant reminder of their long sojourn. But today, another weight presses on him, heavier than the desert sun. It is the palpable burden of his own transgression, a secret shame that has shadowed his steps and soured the taste of the morning’s manna. In his arms, he carries not a tool for the day’s labor, but a life. The young lamb, flawless and unblemished, shifts against his chest, its warmth a stark contrast to the cold knot of guilt in his own heart. He walks the well-worn path toward the center of the camp, toward the one place where heaven and earth have been appointed to meet: the Tabernacle of the congregation. God’s justice demands a price for sin, as Romans 6:23 declares, “For the wages of sin is death.” Elnathan’s act of transferring guilt to the lamb mirrors Leviticus 1:4: “And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him” (KJV). The sanctuary service answers the question of how a just God extends mercy. Further scriptures affirm this truth: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22, KJV). “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The plan of redemption was an expression of God’s love for man” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 17, 1900). She adds, “The atonement for sin was to be made by Christ, who was to give His life a ransom for many” (The Story of Redemption, p. 42, 1947). The sanctuary, a divine object lesson, reveals God’s unchanging plan to redeem sinners through sacrifice. How does this cosmic conflict unfold to vindicate God’s character?

COSMIC CONFLICT REVEALED

Elnathan’s personal struggle in the wilderness courtyard is but a microcosm of a far greater conflict, a great controversy between truth and error that began not on the dusty plains of Earth, but in the pristine courts of heaven. This cosmic war, the one great spectacle engaging the attention of all worlds, is the context for every sacrifice, every prayer, and every act of redemption. The issue at stake is nothing less than the character of God Himself and the integrity of His universal government. The law of God, a perfect transcript of His character, is founded upon the eternal principle of love. It is not an arbitrary set of rules but the very constitution of life, the source of harmony and joy for all created beings. Lucifer’s rebellion challenged this law, claiming God’s justice and mercy were incompatible. God’s response, as Sr. White notes, relies on love: “Rebellion was not to be overcome by force. Compelling power is found only under Satan’s government. The Lord’s principles are not of this order. His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the presentation of these principles is the means to be used. God’s government is moral, and truth and love are to be the prevailing power” (The Desire of Ages, p. 759, 1898). The universe needed to witness Satan’s principles: “Time was given for the working of Satan’s principles, that they might be seen by the heavenly universe” (The Desire of Ages, p. 759, 1898). Scriptures reinforce this: “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Hebrews 1:9, KJV). “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works” (Psalm 145:17, KJV). Sr. White further states, “Satan’s rebellion was to be a lesson to the universe through all coming ages” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 42, 1890). She adds, “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy” (The Great Controversy, p. 503, 1911). This planet became the stage to prove God’s law is perfect and His character is love. How does the sanctuary illustrate this redemptive plan?

SYMBOLS OF SALVATION

In response to the crisis of sin, God did not leave humanity in darkness. He instituted the sanctuary service, an elaborate system of types and symbols designed to teach the great truths of redemption. Every detail of the tabernacle, from its floor plan to its furnishings, was a divine sermon in architecture, a tangible gospel for a people who needed to see and touch the realities of salvation. The journey of the repentant sinner through the sanctuary courtyard illustrates the foundational steps of this process, centering on two crucial articles of furniture: the brazen altar and the brazen laver. Their distinct functions and sequential placement reveal that justification and sanctification are two separate but inseparable works in the life of every believer. The altar signifies atonement, as Leviticus 17:11 states: “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (KJV). The laver represents cleansing, per Exodus 30:19-20: “For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not” (KJV). Additional verses affirm this: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7, KJV). “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 6:11, KJV). Sr. White explains, “The death of Christ was to make a way of escape for the sinner” (The Story of Redemption, p. 226, 1947). She adds, “Sanctification is the work of a lifetime” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 65, 1900). The sanctuary’s design teaches that atonement and cleansing are God’s provision for sinners. How does Christ fulfill these symbols?

THE BRAZEN ALTAR: SIN’S COST

Upon entering the courtyard gate, the first object to confront the worshiper was the brazen altar of burnt offering. There was no way to approach God, no path to the tabernacle door, that did not first pass by this place of blood and fire. This placement was a deliberate theological statement: the first and most fundamental need of the sinner is atonement for sin. The altar stood as a constant, solemn reminder of the law’s unyielding demand. God’s justice, as Sr. White writes, requires execution: “Justice demands that sin be not merely pardoned, but the death penalty must be executed. God, in the gift of His only-begotten Son, met both these requirements. By dying in man’s stead, Christ exhausted the penalty and provided a pardon” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 340, 1958). Scriptures confirm this: “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13, KJV). “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more” (Hebrews 8:12, KJV). Sr. White further states, “Christ’s death was the great sacrificial offering” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 69, 1890). She adds, “The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 190, 1980). The altar typifies Christ’s sacrifice, satisfying divine justice. How does the laver complete this process?

THE BRAZEN LAVER: PURIFIED FOR SERVICE

After the sacrifice at the altar, the priest—and by extension, the believer he represents—was not yet prepared to enter the holy place. Between the altar of atonement and the door of the tabernacle stood the brazen laver, filled with pure water for cleansing. The divine command was strict and carried the gravest of consequences: “For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD” (Exodus 30:19-20, KJV). This sacred requirement teaches a profound spiritual lesson. While the altar dealt with the guilt of sin, providing legal justification, the laver dealt with the defilement of sin, providing the moral and spiritual cleansing necessary for communion and service. Scriptures affirm this: “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). “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9, KJV). Sr. White writes, “The washing was a symbol of the cleansing from sin” (The Story of Redemption, p. 184, 1947). She adds, “The Word of God is the fountain of living water” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 249, 1885). The laver symbolizes sanctification, preparing believers for God’s service. How does Christ embody this ultimate sacrifice?

CHRIST, THE LAMB OF GOD

For centuries, the blood of lambs and bullocks flowed from the brazen altar, each sacrifice a promissory note pointing to a future payment. Each drop was a shadow of the true substance, a type of the one perfect offering that could truly atone for sin. That substance, that reality, was revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. At the cross of Calvary, the symbolism of the sanctuary met its glorious fulfillment. Here, the great principles of God’s government, which Satan had declared to be in irreconcilable conflict, were displayed in perfect, breathtaking harmony. The Psalmist, looking forward in prophetic vision, captured the scene: “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other” (Psalm 85:10, KJV). Christ’s sacrifice satisfied justice, as Isaiah 53:11 declares: “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” (KJV). Additional verses confirm this: “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” (Isaiah 53:5, KJV). “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24, KJV). Sr. White states, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). She adds, “Not until the death of Christ was the character of Satan clearly revealed to the angels or to the unfallen worlds” (The Desire of Ages, p. 758, 1898). The cross vindicates God’s character, proving His justice and mercy. How does this atonement become personal?

JUSTIFIED BY FAITH

The atonement accomplished at the cross was infinite in its scope, sufficient to cover the sins of the entire world. Yet its saving efficacy is not automatically applied. The question remains for every individual soul: How does this grand, objective, historical event become a personal, subjective reality? The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy provide a clear and beautiful answer: justification by faith. This is the divine act of God’s grace whereby He accounts the repentant, believing sinner as righteous. It is not a declaration based on any merit in the individual, but solely on the merit of Christ’s perfect life and atoning death. Sr. White explains, “If you give yourself to Christ, and accept Him as your Saviour, then, sinful as your life may have been, for His sake you are accounted righteous. Christ’s character stands in place of your character, and you are accepted before God just as if you had not sinned” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). Scriptures affirm this: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1, KJV). “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe” (Romans 3:22, KJV). Sr. White further states, “To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ is to receive Him as a personal Saviour, believing that He forgives our sins, and that we are complete in Him” (The Desire of Ages, p. 389, 1898). She adds, “The words, ‘A new heart will I give you,’ mean, A new mind will I give you” (The Review and Herald, November 10, 1904). Justification by faith transforms the believer, initiating a life of obedience. How does this lead to a life of service?

A LIFE OF SERVICE

The grace of God that brings salvation does not lead to a life of passive ease, but to one of active, loving service. Having been justified by Christ’s blood at the altar and cleansed by His Spirit at the laver, the believer is now qualified to enter into the work of the sanctuary—a life of communion with God and mission to the world. This twofold responsibility, upward toward God and outward toward our neighbor, is not a burdensome requirement to maintain salvation, but the natural, joyful outflow of a heart transformed by love. It is the very condition of spiritual life and growth; as Sr. White writes, “He who does nothing but pray will soon cease to pray” (Steps to Christ, p. 101, 1892). The Holy Place illustrates this, with the Table of Shewbread (John 6:51, KJV: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven”) and the Golden Candlestick (Matthew 5:14, KJV: “Ye are the light of the world”). Additional verses affirm this: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over” (Luke 6:38, KJV). Sr. White states, “The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character” (Steps to Christ, p. 80, 1892). She adds, “The work of reformation that is needed must begin in the home” (The Review and Herald, November 10, 1904). This life of service reflects God’s love to the world. How does this prepare us for the final judgment?

THE FINAL JUDGMENT

The sanctuary service, which began in the courtyard with a sacrifice for sin, finds its ultimate consummation in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary. Here, behind the second veil, Christ, our great High Priest, ministers before the very throne of God. He is not pleading to change the Father’s mind, but is applying the infinite merits of His own perfect sacrifice to the cases of all who have ever claimed His name. This final work of atonement, the blotting out of the sins of the righteous from the books of record, is the great antitypical Day of Atonement, the investigative judgment that must be completed before He returns in glory. Sr. White writes, “Those who are living upon the earth when the intercession of Christ shall cease in the sanctuary above are to stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator. Their robes must be spotless, their characters must be purified from sin by the blood of sprinkling” (The Great Controversy, p. 425, 1911). Scriptures affirm this: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV). “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28, KJV). Sr. White further states, “At the time appointed for the judgment—the close of the 2300 days, in 1844—began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins” (The Faith I Live By, p. 210, 1958). She adds, “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 63, 1901). The sanctuary truths prepare us for Christ’s return, proclaiming His salvation.

“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10, KJV).

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