SANCTUARY: A DIVINE PLAN FOR US ALL

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; 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 10:19-22 (KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound symbolism of the biblical sanctuary, portraying it as God’s masterful blueprint for salvation and His yearning to dwell among His people. Through detailed exploration of its structure, furnishings, and services, it connects Old Testament types to New Testament fulfillment in Christ, emphasizing themes of forgiveness, holiness, and eternal communion with God while providing practical insights for daily spiritual living and understanding the broader conflict between good and evil.

MOUNT SINAI MIRACLE!

Imagine this: Mount Sinai is covered in smoke and fire. The voice of God sounds like thunder. Moses is afraid. He receives a command. This command will change how Israel relates to God. “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8, KJV). This was not just about building a tent. It was about God showing His plan to save us. It was a clear picture of His desire to be with His people. The tabernacle was built “according to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof” (Exodus 25:40, KJV). It was a lesson from God. It was a way to help people understand how to be saved. Ellen G. White explains this: “The sacrificial offerings were ordained by God to be to man a perpetual reminder and a penitential acknowledgment of his sin and a confession of his faith in the promised Redeemer.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 68, 1890). God gave them a living story. It was a beautiful way to show His great love. “And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you: And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.” (Leviticus 26:11-12, KJV) This verse emphasizes God’s intent to be personally present. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, KJV) This connects the tabernacle’s purpose to Jesus’ incarnation, showing God dwelling among us in human form. “The sanctuary was the center of Israel’s worship. It represented the plan of salvation, and pointed forward to the death of Christ as the sacrifice for sin.” (The Story of Redemption, p. 159, 1947). “God designed that the tabernacle should be a continual reminder to Israel of the exalted character of his law, and the sinfulness of transgression.” (Signs of the Times, August 14, 1879). God’s plan reveals His deep commitment to our redemption, but what specific divisions within this structure illustrate the steps toward that redemption?

SACRED SPACES QUEST!

The sanctuary had three parts. They were the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place (Hebrews 9:1-5, KJV). These verses show the structure: “For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.” Each part showed a step in the journey of faith. It was a path from turning away from sin to being with God. The outer court was where they offered sacrifices. This showed our need for forgiveness. The holy place had daily ceremonies. This showed how we become holy. The most holy place was where God lived. It pointed to when we will be with Him forever. The tabernacle was covered by God’s glory (Exodus 40:34, KJV). “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” It was like a living sermon. It showed God’s presence. “As Jesus died on Calvary, the thick veil of the temple was rent in twain, signifying that the ceremonial system was no longer to be observed.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 165, 1898). This tearing of the veil meant the earthly sanctuary was no longer needed. But its lessons are still important. They remind us of Christ’s sacrifice. “And he that sat on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:5, KJV) This verse connects the sanctuary’s journey to the ultimate renewal in heaven. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2, KJV) This verse reveals that the ultimate goal of the sanctuary’s journey is to be with God in His heavenly dwelling. “The ministration of the earthly sanctuary consisted of two divisions; the priests ministered daily in the holy place, while once a year the high priest performed a special work of atonement in the most holy, for the cleansing of the sanctuary.” (The Great Controversy, p. 418, 1911). “The holy places made with hands were to be ‘figures of the true,’ ‘patterns of things in the heavens’ (Hebrews 9:24, 23)–a miniature representation of the heavenly temple where Christ, our great High Priest, after offering His life as a sacrifice, was to minister in the sinner’s behalf.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357, 1890). These divisions guide us in faith, raising the question of how entry into this sacred path begins through one exclusive portal.

SOLE ENTRY ADVENTURE!

There was only one door to the outer court (Exodus 38:8, KJV). “And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” This is a strong symbol of Christ’s words. He said: “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9, KJV). There were no other doors. There were no other ways to enter. This one door showed that only Christ can save us. It’s as if God put up a sign: “This is the only way.” Sr. White writes about this: “By his humanity, Christ touched humanity; by his divinity, he lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, he gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, he gives us power to obey.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 24, 1898). This door is not just something from the past. It’s a living invitation. It’s a call to accept God’s grace. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6, KJV) This reinforces the exclusivity of Christ as the only path to God. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (John 10:1, KJV) This emphasizes the danger of seeking salvation through any other means. “Christ is the door to the fold of God. Through this gate all His children, from the earliest times to the final close of probation, have entered.” (The Great Controversy, p. 430, 1911). “There is but one entrance to this fold. Through this door all must pass who would find access to the rich pastures of grace.” (Signs of the Times, January 25, 1910). Christ stands as our sole access to salvation, prompting us to consider what initial steps of cleansing await just beyond this entrance.

CLEANSING FIRE FURY!

At the entrance was the bronze altar. Sacrifices were burned there (Exodus 38:1-7, KJV). These verses describe the altar: “And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof. And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass. And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans; all the vessels thereof made he of brass. And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it. And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves. And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass. And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.” “For it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul” (Leviticus 17:11, KJV). Nearby was the laver. It was used for washing (Exodus 30:17-21, KJV). These verses explain the laver and its purpose: “And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: When they go into the tent 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: So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.” The laver showed that we need to be made holy. These two things, the altar and the laver, worked together. They show that we need Christ’s blood and cleansing. Imagine trying to be clean without blood. Or offering blood without washing. “Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 25, 1898). The altar and laver remind us that we come to God through Christ’s sacrifice and cleansing. “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” (Hebrews 9:22, KJV) This verse further emphasizes the essential role of blood sacrifice in atonement. “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) This verse connects the laver’s cleansing to the spiritual cleansing God offers. “Day by day the repentant sinner brought his offering to the door of the tabernacle and, placing his hand upon the victim’s head, confessed his sins, thus in figure transferring them from himself to the innocent sacrifice.” (The Great Controversy, p. 418, 1911). “The blood, representing the forfeited life of the sinner, whose guilt the victim bore, was carried by the priest into the holy place and sprinkled before the veil, behind which was the ark containing the law that the sinner had transgressed.” (The Great Controversy, p. 420, 1911). Sacrifice and purification prepare us for deeper communion, leading us to wonder what treasures of sustenance, illumination, and prayer lie within the next chamber.

INNER CHAMBER THRILLS!

Inside the holy place were three things. They were the table of showbread, the golden candlestick, and the altar of incense (Exodus 37:10-24, KJV). These verses give details about the furniture: “And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof: And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made thereunto a crown of gold round about. Also he made thereunto a border of an handbreadth round about; and made a crown of gold for the border thereof round about. And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings upon the four corners that were in the four feet thereof. Over against the border were the rings, the places for the staves to bear the table. And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold. And he made the candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work made he the candlestick; his shaft, and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, were of the same: And six branches going out of the sides thereof; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side thereof, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side thereof: Three bowls made after the fashion of almonds in one branch, a knop and a flower; and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knop and a flower: so throughout the six branches going out of the candlestick. And in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, his knops, and his flowers: And a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. Their knops and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. And he made his seven lamps, and his snuffers, and his snuffdishes, of pure gold. Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all the vessels thereof.” The table of showbread showed Christ as the Bread of Life (John 6:35, KJV). “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” He feeds our souls. The candlestick gave off light. It showed Christ as the Light of the world (John 8:12, KJV). “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” He lights our way. The altar of incense was where prayers went up. It showed Christ’s work for us. He speaks to God for us. “Through the righteousness of Christ we may stand before God, cleansed and pure.” (Steps to Christ, p. 62, 1892). These things in the holy place give us daily food, light, and help. They show our daily spiritual needs. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4, KJV) This verse emphasizes that spiritual nourishment comes from God’s word, aligning with the showbread. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105, KJV) This verse reinforces the candlestick’s symbolism of Christ’s word guiding us. “The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel, represents the merits and intercession of Christ, His perfect righteousness, which through faith is imputed to His people, and which can alone make the worship of sinful beings acceptable to God.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 356, 1890). “The golden candlestick, with its seven lamps, was a representation of the church of Christ.” (The Review and Herald, December 20, 1898). Daily spiritual sustenance builds our faith, inviting us to explore how law and mercy converge in the innermost chamber.

COVENANT BOX BATTLE!

The most holy place had the Ark of the Covenant. It held God’s law (Hebrews 9:4, KJV). “Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant.” Above it was the mercy seat. Cherubim were over it. It showed God’s presence (Exodus 37:1-9, KJV). “And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it: And he overlaid it with pure gold within and without, and made a crown of gold to it round about. And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set by the four corners of it; even two rings upon the one side of it, and two rings upon the other side of it. And he made staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold. And he put the staves into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half was the length thereof, and one cubit and a half the breadth thereof. And he made two cherubims of gold, beaten out of one piece made he them, on the two ends of the mercy seat; One cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side: out of the mercy seat made he the cherubims on the two ends thereof. And the cherubims spread out their wings on high, and covered with their wings over the mercy seat, with their faces one to another; even to the mercy seatward were the faces of the cherubims.” “The 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 atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). This is where God’s fairness and love meet. It is a perfect picture of the good news. God’s law and His love are joined. The ark is not just a box. It is a symbol of God’s character. He is both fair and loving. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” (Psalm 85:10, KJV) This verse directly connects mercy and truth, mirroring the ark’s symbolism. “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) This verse encapsulates the gospel, showing God’s love and the provision of mercy through Christ. “Above the ark, and forming the cover to the sacred chest, was the mercy seat, a magnificent piece of workmanship, surmounted by two cherubim, one at each end, with their wings spread on high, and their faces turned toward each other, in token that the heavenly angels reverently regard the law of God.” (Education, p. 252, 1903). “The ark of God was a sacred chest, made to be the depository of the ten commandments, which law was the representative of God himself.” (Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, p. 102, 1864). Law and mercy unite in divine harmony, compelling us to behold the magnificent beauty that mirrors heavenly realities.

HEAVENLY GLORY BLAST!

The sanctuary was very beautiful. It had gold walls and decorated curtains (Exodus 36:35-38, KJV). “And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work. And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver. And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework; And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.” “No language can describe the glory of the scene presented within the sanctuary… all but a dim reflection of the glories of the temple of God in heaven.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349, 1890). This earthly sanctuary was a shadow of heaven. It was a look at the greater glory to come. It showed what God is like. The beauty was not just for show. It was a way to teach. It showed the greatness of God’s presence. “And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.” (Revelation 21:23, KJV) This verse paints a picture of the heavenly city’s light source being God’s glory, similar to the shekinah glory in the sanctuary. “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” (Revelation 21:22, KJV) This verse indicates that in the ultimate heavenly dwelling, the need for a temple, as a symbolic representation of God’s presence, will be gone, as God and the Lamb will be the center. “The tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken apart and borne with the Israelites in their journeys. It was therefore small, being not more than fifty-five feet in length, and eighteen in breadth and height. Yet it was a magnificent structure.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 347, 1890). “The building was divided into two apartments by a rich and beautiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars; and a similar veil closed the entrance to the first apartment.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 347, 1890). Splendor reflects eternal truths, urging us to examine how the high priest’s role embodies Christ’s ongoing ministry for us.

PRIESTLY POWER PLAY!

The high priest’s work in the sanctuary shows Christ’s work for us. He works for us in the heavenly sanctuary. The high priest went into the most holy place once a year. This was not just a ceremony. It was a holy act. It showed Christ’s work for us. “Only once a year could the priest enter there, and that after the most careful and solemn preparation. With trembling he went in before God, and the people in reverent silence awaited his return, their hearts uplifted in earnest prayer for the divine blessing.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 352, 1890). This yearly entry into the most holy place was very serious. It was a reminder that sin is serious. It showed we need forgiveness. The high priest took the blood of the sacrifice. He went into God’s presence. He did this for all of Israel. This act showed Christ’s entry into heaven. He did not bring the blood of animals. He brought His own blood. “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” (Hebrews 9:12, KJV). We are called to be part of this work. We do not enter the earthly sanctuary. But we enter the heavenly sanctuary by faith. We do this through prayer and helping others. We are called to be a royal priesthood. We offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9, KJV). “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.” This priesthood is for all who have accepted Christ. It is not just for a few. We must help others. We must pray for them. We must bring their needs to God. Christ does this for us. Our prayers are powerful. They can bring healing and change. We must be like watchmen. We must pray for our families, our churches, and our communities. The high priest did this for Israel. “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) This verse emphasizes Christ’s ongoing intercession for us. “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) This verse clarifies that Christ’s ministry is in the heavenly sanctuary. “Such was the service performed ‘unto the example and shadow of heavenly things.’ And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly sanctuary is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly sanctuary.” (The Great Controversy, p. 420, 1911). “After His ascension, our Saviour was to begin His work as our High Priest.” (Signs of the Times, September 14, 1882). Christ’s ministry calls us to participate, naturally leading to the inquiry of how these sacred lessons apply in our everyday experiences.

DAILY DUTY DRAMA!

The sanctuary’s teachings are not just words. They are for our lives. Think about the table of showbread. It shows Christ, the Bread of Life. In our busy world, we need spiritual food. The priests ate the showbread each Sabbath. We must take in Christ’s word each day. We must let it feed our souls. This means more than reading the Bible. It means thinking about its truths. It means letting them change our thoughts and actions. We are called to “search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39, KJV). The golden candlestick gives off light. It reminds us that we must be lights in the world. The candlestick lit up the holy place. We must shine Christ’s light in our homes, at work, and with our friends. This means living like Christ. It means showing love, kindness, and honesty. We are called to “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). The altar of incense is where prayers go up. It reminds us that prayer is important. The incense filled the sanctuary with a sweet smell. Our prayers go up to God like a pleasing smell. We must pray always. We must talk to God all the time. We must pray for ourselves and for others. We are to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV). These ways to use the sanctuary’s teachings are not just suggestions. They are needed for our spiritual growth. They help us serve God. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, KJV) This verse encourages diligent study of the scriptures. “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, KJV) This verse calls us to imitate God’s love and walk in love as Christ did. “The shewbread was kept ever before the Lord as a perpetual offering…. It was called shewbread, or ‘bread of the presence,’ because it was ever before the face of the Lord.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 354, 1890). “Thus the obligation resting upon Israel to keep the law was constantly brought to mind, and a spirit of reverence and holy awe was cherished.” (Signs of the Times, June 17, 1880). Practical applications transform our routines, yet how does this fit into the larger struggle between Christ and evil forces?

EPIC EVIL CLASH!

The sanctuary helps us see the big picture. It shows the battle between Christ and Satan. This battle is not just about people’s hearts. It is about God’s character. The sanctuary shows God’s law and His mercy. It shows that God is fair and loving. It shows that He wants to save all who come to Him through Christ. Sr. White writes about this: “The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ’s work in behalf of men.” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). This shows how important the sanctuary is in God’s plan. The sanctuary’s teachings show that Satan’s words against God are not true. God is not mean. He is a loving Father. He wants what is best for us. The sanctuary also shows that Satan wants to destroy God’s law. He wants to take away God’s authority. He wants to lead us to fight against God. If we understand the sanctuary’s teachings, we can see Satan’s tricks. We can say no to his temptations. We can stand strong on God’s word. We can know that He is faithful. We must “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, KJV). “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV) This verse clarifies the nature of our struggle against spiritual forces. “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” (Revelation 12:10, KJV) This verse speaks of Satan’s defeat and God’s victory in the great controversy. “In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day the great truths relative to Christ’s death and ministration, and once each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of the universe from sin and sinners.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 358, 1890). “Satan is striving continually to bring in fanciful suppositions in regard to the sanctuary, degrading the wonderful representations of God and the ministry of Christ for our salvation into something that suits the carnal mind.” (The Great Controversy, p. 488, 1911). The conflict unveils God’s ultimate victory, but in what ways does the sanctuary manifest His profound love for humanity?

DIVINE LOVE LEGEND!

The sanctuary showed God’s love in every detail. It had a special design and sacrifices. God’s love is not just a feeling. It is a detailed plan. It is a plan to save us. “The plan of salvation had its foundation in the principles of love, and was the result of a council in which all the heavenly intelligences participated.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Each thing, from the altar to the mercy seat, showed God’s promise to bring us back to Him. This love is not still. It is active. It is working to bring us back. It shows us the way through symbols and actions. “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, KJV) This verse emphasizes the active nature of God’s love in providing 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) This verse highlights that God’s love precedes our love for Him, and He initiated the plan of salvation. “The whole plan of salvation, from the beginning to the end, is a manifestation of God’s love.” (The Signs of the Times, April 28, 1898). “The sanctuary service was designed by God to represent to men the love of God in the gift of his Son, and to lead them to a saving knowledge of the plan of redemption.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 250, 1870). God’s love shines through every element, naturally raising the question of how we respond to such boundless affection.

FAITHFUL OATH QUEST!

We must respond to God’s love with respect and obedience. “By His perfect obedience, He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments.” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312, 1900). We must honor His law. We must accept His forgiveness. We must live a holy life. The sanctuary’s teachings make us look at our hearts. They help us live as God wants. It is a call to do something. It is not just thinking. It is living our faith. “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, KJV) This verse summarizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV) This verse calls us to live our entire lives in a way that honors God. “Our responsibility is to understand the plan of salvation, to accept the sacrifice of Christ, and to live in obedience to God’s law.” (The Review and Herald, June 28, 1898). “The sanctuary teaches us that we are to come to God through Christ, and that we are to live in holiness, reflecting the character of God.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 253, 1870). Obedience honors divine love, but how does this extend to our interactions with those around us?

BROTHERLY BOND BLAST!

If Christ is our High Priest, then we must be His helpers. We must show His love and grace to others. “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian.” (Ministry of Healing, p. 470, 1905). Our actions should show God’s mercy and fairness. We must treat others with the same kindness Christ showed us. We must be like living sanctuaries. We must show God’s love to the world. We must show them the way to Christ. “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39, KJV) This verse commands love for others as a core principle. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34, KJV) This verse calls us to love others with the same sacrificial love that Christ showed us. “The sanctuary service teaches us that we are to be ministers of mercy and love to those around us, reflecting the compassion of Christ.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 253, 1870). “As Christ ministered in the earthly sanctuary for the people, so we are to minister to our fellow men, showing forth the love of God.” (The Review and Herald, June 28, 1898). Extending love to others fulfills our role, yet what final thoughts tie these truths together for eternal impact?

ULTIMATE VICTORY VOW!

The sanctuary is more than something old. It is a living message about being saved. It is a lesson about God’s love. It is a lesson about our response. We are invited, like the Israelites, to enter this story. We can experience God’s plan. The question is this: Will we enter? Will we take that one step through the door? Will we let the altar and laver make us clean? Will we let the bread and light help us? Will we let the mercy seat protect us? This is not just an invitation. It needs action. It is a decision to be part of God’s work. It is a call to be a living sanctuary. It is a way for God’s love and grace to go into the world. In our lives, we have many chances to show the sanctuary’s lessons. When we have problems, do we go to Christ for help? Do we admit we need His forgiveness? When we struggle with sin, do we let the Holy Spirit make us clean? When we feel lost, do we let Christ light our path? These are not just ideas. They are real ways to use the sanctuary’s teachings. They help us walk with God. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” (Ephesians 5:30, KJV) This verse emphasizes our interconnectedness with Christ and one another. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10, KJV) This verse calls us to use our gifts to serve and help others. “The sanctuary is a school in which we are to learn the lessons of Christ’s love and sacrifice, that we may reflect His character in our lives.” (The Review and Herald, June 28, 1898). “We are to study the sanctuary, that we may understand the plan of salvation and walk in the light of God’s love.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 253, 1870). The sanctuary is a gift from God. It has many symbols and deep teachings. It is a plan for our salvation. It shows God’s love, fairness, and kindness. It invites us to be with Him. It invites us to experience His grace. As we live our lives, let us remember the sanctuary’s lessons. Let them guide us. Let them shape who we are. Let us be faithful to God’s word. Let us obey His rules. Let us be eager to serve Him. Let us be like living sanctuaries. Let us shine Christ’s light. The world is dark. And let us look forward to the day. We will enter the heavenly sanctuary. We will not need faith to see. We will see our Savior face to face. We will be with Him forever. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14, KJV) This verse speaks of the blessedness of obedience and the promise of eternal life. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20, KJV) This verse expresses the longing for Christ’s return and the hope of being with Him in the heavenly sanctuary. “We are to live in the light of the sanctuary, reflecting the love of God to the world.” (The Review and Herald, June 28, 1898). “Let us study the sanctuary, that we may understand the work of Christ, and be prepared to meet Him when He comes.” (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, p. 253, 1870).

“Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2, KJV)

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PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

SANCTUARY: A DIVINE PLAN FOR US ALL

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