2 Corinthians 5:19 (KJV): “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
ABSTRACT
This article traces the divine narrative of God’s desire to dwell with humanity, from the earthly tabernacle in Sinai to the ultimate sanctuary in Jesus Christ, and finally to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. It explores the sanctuary’s typological significance, Christ’s high priestly ministry, and the believer’s role as a living temple, culminating in a call to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. Through biblical and prophetic insights, it reveals a harmonious system of truth that defines our present duty and hope.
A DIVINE INVITATION TO DWELL!
It begins, as so many profound stories do, in the dust. Imagine the scene: a vast multitude, recently freed from bondage, encamped at the foot of a mountain that smokes and trembles with the very presence of the Almighty. Here, in the stark, granite-walled wilderness of Sinai, God gives a command that will echo through the corridors of salvation history. It is not a command for conquest, nor a blueprint for a kingdom of earthly grandeur. It is something far more intimate, more revolutionary. He says to Moses, “Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them”. The assertion that God desires to dwell with His people is foundational to the sanctuary narrative. The evidence lies in the Israelites’ response: their freewill offerings of gold, silver, fine linen, and rare skins, given until Moses restrained their generosity, reveal a heart stirred by divine love. This outpouring was not coerced but a voluntary act of devotion, showing their readiness to prepare a place for God. Sr. White writes, “The people brought their gifts with eager devotion, and the work was carried forward with dispatch” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 344, 1890). She further notes, “The liberality of the Israelites in their offerings for the tabernacle… was an expression of their love and gratitude to God” (The Signs of the Times, July 29, 1886). The Bible reinforces this: “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation” (Exodus 35:21, KJV). Additionally, “Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord” (Exodus 35:5, KJV). This voluntary giving established the foundation for God’s presence among His people, a tangible sign of His intimate covenant. What architectural marvel could reflect such a divine plan?
HEAVEN’S BLUEPRINT REVEALED!
The architectural plan for this sanctuary was not conceived in the mind of any man. God Himself was the architect. He gave Moses the exact plan, the divine blueprint, with meticulous directions for its size, form, and every article of furniture it was to contain. This was no mere tent; it was a “miniature representation of the heavenly temple,” the holy places made with hands were to be “figures of the true,” “patterns of things in the heavens” (Hebrews 9:23-24). The apostle Paul confirms this principle, stating that the Levitical priests “serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5). The sanctuary’s divine origin underscores its role as a shadow of heavenly realities. The evidence is in its precise design: acacia wood overlaid with gold, a veil woven with cherubim, and silver sockets, all reflecting God’s holiness. Sr. White affirms, “The tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken apart and borne with the Israelites in all their journeys” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 347, 1890). She adds, “Every article in the sanctuary was significant, representing some feature of the plan of salvation” (The Signs of the Times, June 24, 1880). The Bible supports this: “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it” (Exodus 25:8-9, KJV). Further, “And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount” (Exodus 25:40, KJV). This divine blueprint was a physical manifestation of God’s redemptive plan, teaching humanity about salvation through typology. How did the sanctuary’s services illustrate the path to redemption?
SALVATION’S DAILY DRAMA!
The purpose of the tabernacle was not merely to be a beautiful building; it was an active theater of salvation. Its services were a daily, year-long lesson in the terrible reality of sin and the merciful provision of grace. The daily service, centered around the altar of burnt offering in the outer court and the ministry within the first apartment, involved sacrifices that pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Every morning and evening, a lamb was offered, a constant reminder of Israel’s dependence on atoning blood. When an individual sinned, he brought his offering, laid his hands on the victim’s head, and confessed his sin. In this symbolic act, the sin was transferred to the innocent animal, which was then slain. Its blood was carried by the priest into the Holy Place, thus transferring a record of the sin to the sanctuary itself. The sanctuary services vividly portrayed the process of atonement. The evidence is seen in the daily sacrifices and the annual Day of Atonement, where the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to cleanse the sanctuary with blood. Sr. White explains, “The daily service consisted of the morning and evening burnt offering, and the offering of sweet incense on the golden altar” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 352, 1890). She continues, “The ministration of the sanctuary was the great object lesson to teach Israel the plan of redemption” (The Signs of the Times, June 17, 1880). The Bible confirms, “And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering” (Leviticus 16:5, KJV). Also, “And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of the altar once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements” (Exodus 30:10, KJV). These rituals prefigured Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, embedding the gospel in every act. What happens when the shadow gives way to the substance?
GOD INCARNATE: THE LIVING SANCTUARY!
The Gospel of John opens with one of the most profound statements in all of Scripture: “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). The Greek word translated “dwelt,” skēnoō, literally means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle.” The implication is staggering: in Jesus Christ, God Himself tabernacled among humanity. The Shekinah glory that once filled the Most Holy Place was now veiled in human flesh. Jesus became the living, breathing sanctuary, the true meeting place between a holy God and a sinful race. Christ’s incarnation as the sanctuary redefines God’s dwelling. The evidence is His declaration, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19), referring to His body, as John clarifies (John 2:21). Sr. White states, “In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work” (The Desire of Ages, p. 161, 1898). She adds, “By His death He opened a way into the holiest for all who would come to God through Him” (The Desire of Ages, p. 165, 1898). The Bible supports this: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:14, KJV). Also, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself” (Colossians 1:20, KJV). Christ’s life and death fulfilled the sanctuary’s purpose, becoming the ultimate atonement. What was the significance of the Great Disappointment?
FROM DISAPPOINTMENT TO DAWN!
History is filled with moments of profound confusion that, in retrospect, become points of profound clarity. For the fledgling Adventist movement, no moment was more defining than the Great Disappointment of 1844. It was an experience of crushing sorrow that became the unlikely catalyst for the recovery of one of the most glorious truths of the Bible. It was a story of human error and divine providence, a narrative that had to be lived in order to be understood. The 1844 disappointment revealed a deeper truth about the heavenly sanctuary. The evidence lies in the Millerites’ misinterpretation of Daniel 8:14, believing the sanctuary was the earth, corrected by Hiram Edson’s vision of Christ entering the Most Holy Place. Sr. White writes, “The disappointment was great, but it led to a clearer understanding of the sanctuary truth” (Early Writings, p. 254, 1882). She further notes, “God designed to prove His people, to test their faith and perseverance” (The Great Controversy, p. 412, 1911). The Bible confirms, “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” (Hebrews 8:1, KJV). Also, “For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself” (Hebrews 9:24, KJV). This revelation transformed despair into a renewed mission to proclaim Christ’s heavenly ministry. What is Christ doing in the heavenly sanctuary today?
OUR ADVOCATE IN THE HOLY OF HOLIES!
Since 1844, Christ has been ministering as our High Priest in the second apartment of the heavenly sanctuary. This is the great antitypical Day of Atonement. It is a work of judgment, but not one that should bring terror to the heart of the true believer. For the Christian, this judgment is a process of vindication. As our names come up in review before the Father and the holy angels, Jesus stands as our Advocate (1 John 2:1). He does not plead excuses for our sins; rather, He presents His own shed blood, His perfect life, as the full payment for every confessed and forsaken transgression. Christ’s ongoing ministry is essential to salvation. The evidence is His role as Advocate, applying His blood to blot out sins in the Investigative Judgment. Sr. White declares, “Christ’s intercession for man in the heavenly sanctuary is as vital as His death on the cross” (The Desire of Ages, p. 757, 1898). She adds, “The work of Christ as man’s intercessor is to plead His blood before the Father in our behalf” (The Great Controversy, p. 429, 1911). The Bible supports this: “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). Also, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1, KJV). This ministry ensures the final cleansing of sin, securing salvation for the penitent. How does the sanctuary truth apply to us personally?
YOUR BODY, GOD’S TEMPLE!
The apostle Paul poses a question that should cause every Christian to pause in reverent awe: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). He repeats this concept with even greater personal focus: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our bodies as temples demand a sacred responsibility. The evidence is the call to glorify God in our physical and spiritual lives, aligning with His law. Sr. White states, “The body is to be kept in a condition to do the work of God, and not to be defiled by harmful practices” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 369, 1900). She further writes, “We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 162, 1873). The Bible confirms, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1, KJV). Also, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). Caring for our bodies is a sacred duty, reflecting God’s indwelling presence. What is our role in the ministry of reconciliation?
AMBASSADORS OF RECONCILIATION!
The sanctuary message, in its fullness, does not terminate upon ourselves. It does not lead to a self-absorbed piety, focused only on our own purification. Rather, it propels us outward. Having understood the incredible work of reconciliation being done for us by our High Priest, we are then commissioned to become agents of that same reconciliation in the world.
Our mission mirrors Christ’s heavenly ministry. The evidence is Paul’s charge to be ambassadors, sharing the “word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Sr. White writes, “Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary” (The Desire of Ages, p. 195, 1898). She adds, “The work of God in the earth is to reflect the glory of God in the salvation of souls” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 415, 1900). The Bible supports this: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19, KJV). Also, “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, KJV). Our mission is to extend God’s love, reconciling souls to Him through acts of compassion and truth.
A FINAL SUMMONS TO SHINE!
And so, we have traced the golden thread of sanctuary truth from its first shadow in the desert sands to its glorious reality in the person of Christ; from the solemn work of judgment in the courts above to the sacred temple of our own bodies; and from our personal work of purification to our global mission of reconciliation. This is the message we bear. It is a complete and harmonious system of truth that illuminates the past, defines our present duty, and gives certainty to the glorious future. Let us grasp it in its fullness. Let us live it out in the purity of our lives, demonstrating the power of a cleansed soul temple. And let us proclaim it with love and urgency, calling all to look by faith to our great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, who is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. Let us go and do likewise, reflecting His character and participating in His final, glorious work of reconciliation, until the day He appears as our King and our Deliverer.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5, KJV).
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