THE ISRAELITE SANCTUARY
INTERACTIVE BIBLE STUDY

The Sanctuary outlines God's remedy for sin. It shows us how God saves us from the destructive consequences of sin and brings about an end of suffering. It is also a key to understanding prophecy and Jesus' actions through the ages. Much of prophecy is given in the language of the earthly sanctuary. For example, in Daniel 8, the little horn power takes away the daily sacrifice, and casts down the sanctuary. In Revelation 1, Jesus is seen standing in the midst of the seven candlesticks and wearing priest's clothing. In Revelation 11, the temple of God was opened in heaven and the ark of his testament is seen. These images are mysterious at first, but after studying the sanctuary that God instructed the Israelites to build here on earth, the prophetic symbols become clear.

"A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Hebrews 8:2).

Start Studying To begin, click on the "Start" button. Use the "Next" and "Back" buttons to navigate through the study.




A Copy of the Real Thing

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"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" (Ex. 25:8-9).
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The earthly sanctuary was made after the "pattern of the tabernacle", indicating it was fashioned after another original tabernacle already in existence. In the New Testament, we learn more of this original...called the "true" tabernacle.
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"Who 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" (Heb. 8:5).
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The earthly sanctuary was a "shadow", which is something that can only exist because of the real thing. It is always inferior to the real thing.
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"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" (Heb. 8:1-2).
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The real "true" tabernacle is in heaven, where Jesus, after offering His life as a sacrifice, ministers as high priest on behalf of sinners. The many things Jesus is doing there are part of the plan of salvation, and can be better understood by studying the earthly sanctuary itself and its many ceremonies.




The Earthly Sanctuary 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... And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat" (Heb. 9:2-5).
There were specific objects in the earthly sanctuary. Everything was made exactly as outlined. There were also specific ceremonies performed. All these things illustrate different aspects and phases in the plan of salvation. In the next screens we will examine each of these phases in more detail.




Phase 1: Calling (the Outer Court) - Recognition of Sin

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"...if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned" (Lev. 4:28).
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The first phase of the earthly sanctuary service involved the recognition of sin. Once an Israelite realized he had sinned, he would bring a sin offering (lamb, goat, etc.) to the sanctuary.
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"...he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle" (Lev. 1:3)
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It is important to note that the sinner had to come of his own free will. It was a deliberate, conscious act.

Phase 1: Calling (the Outer Court) - Admitting sin

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"...if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment" (Jn. 16:7-8).
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As we study, it quickly becomes apparent that Jesus was symbolized in everything and makes each step possible. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to convince us of sin. So, the knowledge of right and wrong comes from Jesus, and even the desire to repent, comes from Him.
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"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31).
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But, as humans created with the freedom of choice, we get to decide whether or not to admit that something is sin, and then whether or not to admit that we need help.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Outer Court

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the Delusion of Sin

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - Inside The Courtyard

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"And he shall lay his hand upon the head of the sin offering, and slay the sin offering in the place of the burnt offering. And the priest shall take of the blood... and put it upon the horns of the altar... and shall take away all the fat thereof... and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him." (Lev. 4:29-31).
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The second phase took place in the courtyard and involved the sinners participation in slaying the sacrifice and the priest's work to apply the blood, clean certain parts, dispose of the fat and burn parts appropriately. The fire burning on the altar was to never go out (Lev. 6:13).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Courtyard

HEAVENLY REALITY: Full pardon and new life

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - The Gate: Accept the Solution

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"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved” (John 10:9).

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim. 2:5).

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (Jn 14:6).

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
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In the heavenly reality of this phase #2, the sinner approaches the heavenly courtyard, having been convicted of sin and realizing that he is lost without a savior.

The sinner enters through the "gate", which symbolizes Christ and that it is only because of Christ that salvation is possible. Upon entering through the door, the sinner signals his acceptance of Christ's work in his behalf.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Gate

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ makes salvation possible

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - The Altar: Confession

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"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities... and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" (Is. 53:5-6).

"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (1 Tim. 2:6).
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Upon accepting Christ (entering the gate), the sinner proceeds to the altar and confesses his sins, believing in the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ in his place (he participates in slaying the animal sacrifice).

Jesus takes the sins upon himself, freeing the sinner from the penalty of sin -- death (the priest caught the blood and sometimes ate of the meat, thus symbolically transferred the sins to himself and then to the sanctuary).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Altar

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's death paid the penalty for our sin

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - The Laver: Rebirth

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"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).
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Jesus forgives the sinner and "cleanses" him so he doesn't have to experience the penalty of sin (death).
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"...now hath he reconciled: In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith..." (Col. 1:21-23).
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Jesus "washes" the sinner, making him into a new creation who can then be molded to have a Christlike character in the next phase (the priest washed in the Laver before entering the sanctuary).
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"...he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25).
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Christ continues to justify unceasingly as long as the sinner proceeds in a faith relationship (the fire on the altar never went out), which is necessary because the sinner will still make mistakes. You are now right with God, thanks to Christ!
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Laver

HEAVENLY REALITY: Spiritual rebirth

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - Baptism: A Symbol of Phase #2

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"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4).

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
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The Conversion stage of salvation is symbolized by the act of being baptized with water. It is the public declaration that you believe in Christ’s power to save you and are now part of His kingdom. It symbolizes the death of your old self as you are put under the water (Christ went down into the grave), the washing away of your sins (Christ lived a perfect life), and your birth as a new creature as you come up out of the water (Christ rose again).

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - The Sin Bearer

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"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" (Heb. 9:28).
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After the sinner accepts Christ and confesses his sins, Christ pays the penalty for the sins. He then bears those forgiven sins into the heavenly sanctuary. The word "bear" in the text means to take up, bring or offer up.

So, the sins are removed from the individual, but do not disappear right away. They are taken to the Sanctuary where they remain until phase #4. But, before we learn what happens to them, let's first take a look at Phase #3.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Courtyard

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the Penalty of Sin

Phase 2: Conversion (the Courtyard) - Summary of Phase #2

SUMMARY OF PHASE #2:

A) The Gate = Accept Christ

B) The Altar = Repent and confess your sins

C) The Laver = Emerge clean and resolute to live life in a new direction
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Courtyard

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the Penalty of Sin




Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Inside The Holy Place...

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"The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread, The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light, And the incense altar, and his staves, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the door at the entering in of the tabernacle" (Ex. 35:13-15).
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The third phase involved the priest's activities inside the sanctuary in the first compartment, the Holy Place. They would sprinkle the blood from the sacrifice before the veil (Lev. 4:6), ensure bread was continually on the table (Num. 4:7), dress and light lamps, and burn incense every morning (Ex. 30:7). This is where they would receive instructions from God, who was behind the veil in the Most Holy Place.

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Overcoming Sin

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“...through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:2)
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This third phase is referred to as Overcoming. When we are converted in phase #2, we are also sanctified, which means purification and to make holy. Sanctification means that Christ is working in us, taking away our impurities, and making our character in harmony with His.
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"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Heb. 9:14)
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Just like the priests in the earthly sanctuary would sprinkle the blood of animals on things to cleanse them (Heb. 9:19-23), Christ symbolically “sprinkles His blood" in the heavenly sanctuary in order to cleanse things, including our consciences. His blood here represents His perfection that He infuses into us, changing our hearts and substituting His likeness for our evil thoughts.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Holy Place

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the Power of Sin

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Sprinkling the Blood

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“Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience [to understand, see, moral consciousness]... For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb. 9:9-14).

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus...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) (see also 1 Pet. 1:2).
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This work of "sprinkling" that Jesus does for us in the Holy Place is what changes our lives from the inside out. It is His work in this compartment that enables us to overcome the power of sin, changing our motives and desires. As a divine infinite being, He has a never-ending supply of good things to give us. The next few screens explore the items in the Holy Place that represent the different methods Jesus uses to help us.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Sprinkling of the Blood

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's work to purify our character

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Table of Shewbread: Jesus, the Word of God

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"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).
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Twelve loaves of unleavened bread were kept on the table of shewbread inside the first compartment of the sanctuary (Lev. 24:5-9). The loaves were symbolic of Jesus, who is the Bread of Life and of His word, the Scriptures. Our mind is where the “eating” is done. This means to study, believe, apply and share His words. The Holy Spirit guides our mind into the truth as we study (John 16:13).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Table of Shewbread

HEAVENLY REALITY: Assimilating Christ's life into your life

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - The Lampstand: Christ's Church & Witnessing

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"...the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches" (Rev. 1:20).

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16).
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The golden lampstand with the seven candlesticks (Ex. 25:31-40) represent Christ's church. The oil in the lamps symbolizes the Holy Spirit and the light produced represents Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are sanctified, their characters transformed and they are equipped to witness about Jesus to the world.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Lampstand, Oil & Light

HEAVENLY REALITY: Spreading the Knowledge of Christ to the World

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Incense: Jesus' Intercession With Our Prayers

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"Another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne (Rev. 8:3).

"...for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Romans 8:26)
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The Altar of Incense was used to continually burn a special blend of incense, filling the sanctuary with a sweet-smelling aroma. The incense represents Christ's intercession mingled with the prayers of God’s people, which are inspired by the Holy Spirit and presented to God on our behalf (Ex. 30:7-8).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Altar of Incense

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's intercession that makes our prayers acceptable

Phase 3: Overcoming (The Holy Place) - Summary of Phase #3

SUMMARY OF PHASE #3:

A) Table of Shewbread = Christ's words changing lives.

B) Golden Lampstand = Christ's Church reflecting His character.

C) Altar of Incense = Christ's merits mingled with His people's Prayers
Christ sends the Holy Spirit to work through the Scriptures, the church and prayer to transform our characters. These blessings are continually available as life-changing agents for those who accept Christ.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Holy Place

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the Power of Sin




Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The Second Veil: Our Connection to God

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"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" (Heb. 10:19-20).
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The second veil separated the two compartments of the sanctuary. The veil is a symbol of Christ. Humanity is able to approach God because of the humanity of Christ that connects us on the one side, combined with His divinity that connects us to God on the other side. This opens the way for believers to access God. Now we're ready to take a look into that Most Holy Place.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Second Veil

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's Humanity and Divinity

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Ark of the Covenant: A Union of Justice and Mercy

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"And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give 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" (Ex. 25:21-22).
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The ark of the covenant was the only piece of furniture within the Most Holy Place. The ark contained the 10 commandments and was covered with the mercy seat. There were two cherubims above the ark and above the seat was the Shekinah, which was the shining Glory of God’s presence.

The cherubims represent the tens of thousands of angels serving God at His throne in heaven who respect and desire to better understand the plan of salvation (Rev. 5:11, Heb. 12:22, 1 Pet. 1:10-12).

The ark was a symbol of the divine presence to the Israelites. This represents Christ's presence in the hearts of His followers. The union of justice (Law of God) and mercy (mercy seat) in Christ, makes human restoration possible (2 Cor. 5:18-21, Rom. 3:25-26).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Ark of the Covenant

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's presence in the heart of His followers

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Law of God: The Foundation of God's Government

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"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts" (Heb. 8:10).
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God instructed the Israelites to place the 10 commandments inside the ark. They represent His character, which is the foundation of His government. His law expresses His will and authority and is as unchangeable as God Himself (Mal. 3:6). The 10 commandments were written in stone, which represents the writing of them in hearts. This means that the believer's motives and desires are changed so that the desire to keep God's law becomes natural. Christ's presence (the ark) in our lives, makes it possible to receive a character like Christ's to keep His law (10 commandments) and receive pardon (mercy seat) because all have broken the law.
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"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart" (2 Cor. 3:3).
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The 10 commandments were not changed or done away with at the cross. The ordinances that pointed to Christ's death were done away (see presentation on the Law of God). Christs' death reaffirms the unchanging nature of God's law because if the law could have been changed, He would not have had to die for the sins of those who had broken that law.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The 10 Commandments

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ's Character

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Mercy Seat: Punishment Redirected

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"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy" (Heb. 4:16).

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5).
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Between the law (which condemns us to death) and God’s presence is the mercy seat. This represents Jesus. It is only Jesus’ mercy and substitution that saves us from the just penalty of our sins and being consumed by the fiery presence of God.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Mercy Seat

HEAVENLY REALITY: Christ taking the sinner's punishment

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Faith in Mercy Produces Law Keeping

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"And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God..." (Rev. 12:17).

"...here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Rev. 14:12).

"By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:2-3).
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Prophecies show that the union of justice and mercy and the importance of God's law is especially understood by God's people in the last days during the final phase of earth's history. The believer is saved by Christ's mercy, which produces in them a desire to follow God's law. During this fourth phase, keeping the law of God as a result of faith is especially studied, understood, and upheld before the world.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - A Dual Application

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"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: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself" (Heb. 9:24-26). (See also Heb. 10:10-14)
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Before proceeding it is helpful to take note that the four phases of the plan of salvation have a dual application. The first applies to the process that occurs within each believer during their lifetime, as they acknowledge sin, accept Christ, are converted, given power to overcome and their character authenticated. The second applies to the actual work that Christ does once, throughout earth's history in order to make the application of these things possible for each believer.
For example, Christ died on the cross once. However, because of this, believers who live today (and throughout all time) experience the benefit of it during their lifetime at the moment they accept Christ. After He rose, He entered the Holy Place in heaven, in which He performed His ministry there once for each person, unlike the earthly priests who repeated all the ceremonies over and over. When through in the Holy Place, He moved into the Most Holy Place to complete His ministry there, once for all. All of the phases of His ministry, though He does them only once, benefit all people throughout all time at just the time they need it. The chart on the next screen illustrates this concept.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - A Dual Application





Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Day of Atonement, A Solemn Event

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"...in the seventh month, on the tenth day...he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary... and the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and... for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation... for all their sins once a year" (Lev. 16:29-34).
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The fourth phase includes the Day of Atonement, which was only done once a year and was a complete cleansing of the sanctuary and everything involved in the sanctuary services from all of the accumulated sins for the year. The priest washed himself thoroughly and was sure to wear the correct garments during this phase.

This was a solemn time for the Israelites because the sins that had accumulated in the sanctuary during the year were now to be finally removed. They were to afflict their souls and make sure their hearts were right.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Day of Atonement

HEAVENLY REALITY: Testing characters and vindication of righteousness

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Participants in the Day of Atonement

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“But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people” (Heb. 9:7).

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Pet. 4:17).
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In the earthly sanctuary service, only those who had come before God in repentance and whose sins had been transferred to the sanctuary via the blood of the sacrificial animal, had a part in the services on the Day of Atonement. Only on this day, the high priest went into the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary, and he never went in without blood. In the same way, only those who profess faith in Christ are part of Christ’s ministration in the Most Holy Place on the heavenly Day of Atonement.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - A Time of Examination and Verdict

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“...the judgment was set, and the books were opened" (Dan. 7:10).

“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness" (Acts 17:31).

“And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment..." (Matt. 22:11).
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This was a time of judgment and cleansing for the Jews. So, in the heavenly Day of Atonement, the final testing and judgment of the righteous takes place. This time period is portrayed as a court scene in prophecy and entails an examination/investigation of the soul and a decision/verdict regarding its eternal destiny. Those who have professed faith in Christ will be examined to see if they are wearing Christ’s robe of righteousness.
Only God knows the heart. So, the transformation of character in Christ's followers has to be shown visibly to the rest of the universe. Thus, the court scene is portrayed where onlookers can see the true character revealed and see beyond a shadow of a doubt that Christ is able to reflect His character in His followers.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Some Are Vindicated, Some Are Condemned

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“For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people” (Lev. 23:29).

“When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness... all his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned” (Eze. 18:24).

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life” (Rev. 3:5)
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The investigation results in some, who have accepted Christ in the past, being lost.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Sins Are Blotted Out

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“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:19).

"I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins" (Is. 43:25).

“In those days...the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none" (Jer. 50:20).
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On the earthly Day of Atonement, the high priest would first make atonement through sprinkling of blood for himself and for his household. Then, he would not only make atonement for the people, but also for the sanctuary itself. This was necessary because throughout the year, confessed sins were transferred symbolically to the sanctuary. Now, full atonement would be made and the sins removed completely. This represents the process in the heavenly day of atonement when the record and remembrance of the sins of the righteous are removed.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Sprinkling of Blood

HEAVENLY REALITY: Removal of the record of sin for God's people

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Right is Restored, God's Law is Vindicated

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“...then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (Dan. 8:14).

"...How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" (Rev. 6:10)

“Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal... Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways" (Ez. 18:29-30).
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The Hebrew word for cleansed in Daniel 8:14 is “tsadaq” and is associated with concepts such as judgment, vindication, cleansing, and salvation. It indicates a restoration of the order established by God through a work of cleansing and judgment. The sins of those who have accepted Christ and been forgiven throughout all time are finally forever blotted out at the end of this earth’s history. The righteous principles of God, His law and His people are vindicated. Sin is removed from the record, pardon is written next to the names of the saved, and God is revealed to be totally fair, just and right.
God not only accepted the consequences of sin for each believer, but allowed the blame for it’s existence to be cast at His doorstep until this phase when He is proven just in justifying the sinner.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Cleansing of the Sanctuary

HEAVENLY REALITY: Investigation & vindication of God's law and His people

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Judgment Is Come

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“Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed" (Dan. 8:14).
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The date of 1844 as a prophetic fulfillment of the Day of Atonement is calculated based on prophecies in Daniel 8 and 9. The angel told Daniel that the 2300 days (prophetic years) start with the decree to restore and build Jerusalem. When the 2300 years are added to the starting date of 457 BC (the comprehensive decree to restore and build Jerusalem), we arrive at 1844.
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"Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters (Rev. 14:7).

"And, Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Rev. 22:12).
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This time of judgment is going on right now in heaven. When completed, Christ's ministry in the sanctuary will be over (probation will close) and he will return to this earth with rewards. Learn more about this time prophecy in the presentation on The 2300 Days.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: 2300 Days

HEAVENLY REALITY: 2300 years from 457 BC to 1844 AD

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The Scapegoat is Banished

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“And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel... And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness” (Lev. 16:21-22.
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When the ministration in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary had been completed and the sins of Israel removed from the sanctuary, the high priest went out and confessed over the scapegoat all the sins of the people, putting them on the head of the goat.
2
“...And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, and cast him into the bottomless pit" (Rev. 20:1-3).
2
The symbolizes the time when Satan will be declared guilty of all the evil which he has caused people to commit. And as the scape-goat was sent away into a land not inhabited, so Satan will be banished to the desolate uninhabited earth for 1000 years. Note that blood is NOT involved with the scapegoat and it in no way atones for sins. The scapegoat, Satan, bears the responsibility for sin.

Note: The time when Christ leaves the Most Holy Place and His intercession for sinners ends, is symbolized in other prophecies and studied in future presentations. For example, this event releases the seven last plagues (Rev. 15-16) and the time of trouble (Dan. 12).
EARTHLY SYMBOL: Scapegoat

HEAVENLY REALITY: Satan, the instigator of sin

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The Wicked Are Judged

1
“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them...and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” (Rev. 20:4).

“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world... Know ye not that we shall judge angels? (I Cor. 6:2-3)

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come...” (I Cor. 4:5).
1
While Satan is bound on earth for 1000 years and the wicked are dead, the righteous are busy in heaven. This 1000 years takes place between the first resurrection (of the righteous) and second resurrection (of the wicked), during which time the righteous judge the wicked. This is a time to examine the facts, compare acts and laws, and verify for yourself, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that God is right in all His dealings.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The Second Death

1
"All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more” (Ez. 28:19).

“...and the day that cometh shall burn them up...that it shall leave them neither root nor branch...And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the lord of hosts” (Mal. 4:1-3).
1
This fire that destroys the wicked at the end of time is referred to as the Lake of Fire and the second death. This is also what many refer to as hell. However, it is not a place of eternal burning and torment of the wicked, but rather a one-time final destruction of the wicked by fire.
The results of the destruction/punishment are forever, not the act of punishing. The Lake of Fire is what causes something to cease to exist.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The Eradication of Evil

1
“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14-15).

"...and they shall be as though they had not been” (Obadiah 1:16).

"...he will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time" (Nahum 1:9).
1
The wicked, sin, sinners, death and hell itself will be burned up and completely destroyed. Nothing bad can remain in a perfect universe. The plan of salvation eliminates sin entirely and evil will not rise again.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - The New Earth

1
“...Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people...and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4).

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away” (Rev. 21:1).
1
After evil is eliminated, God creates a new heaven and a new earth. The righteous have been delivered from the presence of sin and the fourth and last phase in the plan of salvation is now complete.

Phase 4: Authentication (The Most Holy Place) - Summary of Phase #4

A) The Second Veil = The humanity and divinity of Christ making reconciliation possible.

B) The Ark of the Covenant = The union of justice and mercy.

C) The 10 commandments = The justice and unchangable foundation of God's government.

D) The Mercy Seat = The intercession available through Christ which allows justice to occur and still restore the sinner.
This last phase shows to the universe that God's law is right, and that God is still just as He saves believing sinners. As a result, the sins of the righteous are removed from the record and the wicked are eliminated. The universe can then live in peace without the presence of sin.
EARTHLY SYMBOL: The Most Holy Place

HEAVENLY REALITY: Deliverance from the presence of sin




A Complete Solution

1
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost [full-ended, entire, thorough] that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Heb. 7:25).

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [fulfill completely, accomplish] it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians. 1:6).
1
We can see from this study that God's plan is a complete solution for sin, and we know that God is capable and willing to achieve all He has promised. Let's review the four phases:
  1. Deliverance from the delusion of sin.
    Believer's Role: Recognize right from wrong and admit need of a saviour.

  2. Deliverance from the penalty of sin.
    Believer's Role: Accept Christ as your Saviour, repent and be baptized.

  3. Deliverance from the power of sin.
    Believer's Role: Cooperate with the Holy Spirit's work to transform your character through Bible study, prayer, church/fellow believers and witnessing.

  4. Deliverance from the presence of sin.
    Believer's Role: Solemnly search your soul for any hidden sin, and rejoice in the blessings of following God.
God's plan is a complete solution!




Rejoice In Salvation

1
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).
1
It becomes apparent from Bible study that the saving of God's people and the removal of sin is a complex and long process, with infinite cost to God. But, we are told that it brings great joy at the same time.
2
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen" (Jude 1:24-25).
2
With an understanding of this marvelous plan, how could one pass by without accepting and cooperating with it? Let us rejoice over this amazing gift!




The Sanctuary: Key to Prophecy

1
"And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man" (Rev. 1:12-13).
1
As mentioned at the beginning of this study, much of prophecy can only be interpreted after understanding the symbolism of the earthly sanctuary. Now that we've studied the earthly sanctuary, let's look at a few examples of how prophecy unfolds in its light.

In this first example in Revelation 1, John is later told that the candlesticks are the seven churches (Rev. 1:20). The image of the earthly priests carefully trimming and caring for the continually burning lamps, shows how Jesus closely works with and cares for His church. He sends the Holy Spirit (oil) to empower the churches (lamps). The candlesticks from the earthly sanctuary provide an illustration of Jesus' activities and continual care for His church from the heavenly sanctuary.
2
"And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened" (Rev. 15:5).
2
Noticing which compartment of the sanctuary is pictured in a prophecy, tells us that timeframe for its interpretation. For example, when John sees the "tabernacle of the testimony" (in Most Holy Place), we know that Jesus has moved into phase #4 of His ministry and the events foretold (plagues) are related to that time period (1844 through the end of the millennium). Note: Other texts and prophecies verify that the plagues occur after Jesus' ministry in the Most Holy Place ends, and just before the second coming. This would make sense, because if Jesus is no longer interceding for humans, then destruction of the wicked would soon follow. The earthly sanctuary provides an illustration of prophecy timelines.
3
“Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down" (Dan. 8:11).
3
The "daily" in this text refers to Jesus' continual ministry in the Holy Place (phase 3). So, we know that the power referred to in this prophecy would somehow detract, supplant or obscure Jesus' priestly ministry. It would seek to offer substitutions or eliminate altogether, personal Bible study, direct prayer to God and the church's true role. We see this very thing happened during the Middle Ages when the church prohibited people from reading the scriptures, instructed them to pray to earthly priests, and redirected focus to human intercessors. The earthly sanctuary provides an illustration of Jesus' activities that ruling earthly powers would try to usurp or destroy.
Prophecies throughout the Bible utilize sanctuary symbols. As you study upcoming presentations, look for sanctuary symbols and think about the reality they help bring to light.




End of Study

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