God's Ground Plan for Salvation, Part 1 - May 2nd, 2021
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CJ Walker
Holy Land Campaign 2021 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:14:27
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· 79 viewsA look at the Tabernacle of Moses in relation to Jesus Christ.
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Series (3 Parts) Introduction:
Series (3 Parts) Introduction:
The Tabernacle as a Picture of the Garden of Eden
The Tabernacle as a Picture of the Garden of Eden
8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Real Relationship Is Based on Obedience
Real Relationship Is Based on Obedience
God wanted relationship with His people but needed a place to protect His people so His glory would not destroy them.
Communion and Its Brokenness by Sin & Disobedience
Communion and Its Brokenness by Sin & Disobedience
The Garden was where God walked and communed with man, Gen. 3:8a.
Man was in God’s glory or had God’s glory dwelling in him, but when he disobeyed God and sinned, he lost God’s glory and was outside and naked, Gen. 3:7.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Sin Must Be Dealt With for Relationship
Sin Must Be Dealt With for Relationship
The sacrificial system was there to cover the sin of the people. Every time you sin, you must bring a sacrifice to pay for (cover) it. Leviticus chapters 1-8. It was a ‘Life exchange’ so the people wouldn’t die for their sin and could remain alive to be in relationship with God. The Life is in the blood and is given to make atonement for the soul, Lev. 17:11. See also Gen. 9:4; Lev. 3:17; 7:26-27; 19:26; Deut. 12:15-16, 22-24.
11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Life-Exchanged for Life, Substitution
Life-Exchanged for Life, Substitution
God made the 1st sacrifice in the Garden of Eden when He clothed Adam and Eve with tunics of skin, Gen. 3:21.
21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
He shed the blood of the innocent to pay for the sin of the guilty. He instituted the ‘Life exchange’ sacrifice system.
Turn from Idols to the Living and True God
Turn from Idols to the Living and True God
God asked that the Tabernacle be built facing the East, Ex. 27:13-16. Pagans worship their gods while they face the East (the rising sun) and they built their temples facing the East. God said His people need to bring Him their sacrifices to the Tabernacle, Lev. 17:5. Moses, Deut. 30:15-20; and Joshua, Josh. 24:14-25; both challenged the people to choose who they will serve. They had to show their choice and turn their backs on the false gods.
The Choice Is Ours
The Choice Is Ours
Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden towards the East, Gen. 3:23-24.
Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 10:20-21, that we must make the same choice of who to serve, today. You cannot drink the cup of The Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.
The True Way to God Is Guarded
The True Way to God Is Guarded
God asked for golden Cherub angels to be embroidered on the Perochat curtain before the Holy of Holies, Ex. 26:31-33.
The Cherubim
The Cherubim
God set Cherubim East of Eden to guard the way back to the Tree of Life so Adam and Eve couldn’t return and eat of the fruit of the tree and be stuck in sin forever, Gen. 3:22-24.
God’s Deliverance
God’s Deliverance
Egyptian Backstory
Egyptian Backstory
God promised Abraham a Nation, a Land, and a Seed. Abraham’s grandson, Jacob and his family (70 people), went into Egypt. They ended up being slaves for 400 years, as God had told Abraham; and they left 430 years later (as a Nation), to the day that they had entered, Ex. 12:40-41. They also left wealthy as God had promised, Gen. 15:13-16. From there, God led them to the Promised Land. Messiah is The Seed.
The Serpents
The Serpents
At the burning bush, Moses’s rod became a ‘Nachash’ or Snake (later called a serpent), Ex. 3:2-4.
In Pharaoh’s court, Aaron’s rod became a ‘Tanin’ or crocodile (later called a serpent), Ex. 7:9-12.
The Egyptians believed that the crocodile god protected Pharaoh, so when God’s crocodile ate up all Pharaoh’s magicians crocodiles, God was demonstrating that he was greater and was removing Pharaoh’s perceived protection.
The Ten Plagues
The Ten Plagues
God then sent 10 plagues that were in effect, attacks on the most revered Egyptian gods; to show that they were not gods at all, but false images, Deut. 6:22.
22 And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:
It showed that only God was Almighty. (See the extra study notes on this subject). We see the 9th plague was darkness. God turned the sun off (Ra), and instructed Moses to tell the people to go to the Egyptians and ask for gifts, Ex. 3:21-22; 11:2-3; 12:35-36. This is when the nation of Israel gained the wealth promised by God.
Israel’s release from Egypt
Israel’s release from Egypt
Then the 10th plague was the death of the 1st born. Pharaoh was considered the god-in-residence in Egypt and he couldn’t protect his 1st born or those of his people; but God protected His people’s 1st born by the blood of the Passover Lamb. So He told Moses to dedicate the 1st born male of Israel to Him, Ex. 13:2. After this plague Pharaoh released the Children of Israel, Ex. 12:31-32.
The Journey to Mt. Sinai
The Journey to Mt. Sinai
After the Passover meal, the nation was released and God led them to Mt. Sinai. This was about 7 weeks (Passover to Shavuot); in the 3rd month after leaving. At Mt. Sinai, God made a covenant with the people, and they agreed to obey and to listen to Him, Ex. 19.
The Giving of the Law
The Giving of the Law
God called Moses up to Him on the mountain, and there God gave him the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, and all the instructions about the Tabernacle, Ex. 24. Moses was with God 40 days and 40 nights, which is just 6 weeks.
The Breaking of the Covenant
The Breaking of the Covenant
The people, after 6 weeks of waiting at the base of the mountain, thought Moses was dead, so demanded of Aaron to build them gods they could follow, Ex. 32. Aaron went ahead and built a golden calf and altar, and the people broke their covenant with God and returned to pagan idol worship of false gods. God called Sinai His marriage covenant, Jer. 2:2-3, and when it was broken, He called it adultery and prostitution, Jer. 2:4-37; 3:1, 6, 8; 5:7; 9:2; 13:27; 23:10.
The Law Broken and Servers Exchanged
The Law Broken and Servers Exchanged
When Moses returned and saw the sin of the people, he threw down the stone tablets and they broke, Ex. 32:19. After he made the people drink the dust of the idol, Moses called out to ask who would come out to him to stand on behalf of God. The 1st born who were dedicated to God didn’t come, only Moses’s tribe the Levites came, Ex. 32:26.
26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.
So God exchanged the 1st born for the Levites, Nu. 3:12-13, 40-48. The Priests are Levites. Only the Priests and Levites could enter the courtyard, Nu. 3:6-10. Only the Priests and High Priest to the Holy Place, and only the High Priest on Yom Kippur, to the Holy of Holies, Lev. 16.
Building the Tabernacle
Building the Tabernacle
The Spirit of the Lord came upon Bezaleel (“in the shadow of God”) and gave him the talent to build what God asked; and Aholiab (“tent of father”) with talent to teach people, Ex. 31:1-6; 35:30-36:2; 38:22-23. The people brought their treasures and came to build the pieces God had asked for. When all was ready, Moses came and inspected them and they put up the Tabernacle and dedicated it, Ex. 40; Nu. 7. That was around 8-9 months. There at Mt. Sinai they celebrated the 1st anniversary of Passover, Nu. 9:1-14.
The Journey to the Promised Land begins
The Journey to the Promised Land begins
Then God told them to pack and follow Him to the Promised Land. God led by the pillar of cloud by day, and fire by night, Ex. 40:36-38; Nu. 10:34; they only moved when the pillar moved, Nu. 9:15-23.
For 11 days the nation travelled toward the Promised Land. Every time something happened that the people didn’t like, they complained and said, ”why did you bring us here; we’re going to die”, Ex. 5:21; 14:11; 15:24; 16:2-3; 17:3; Nu. 11:1, 5; 14:1-3;16:13-14; 20:3-5; 21:5.
God finally gave them what they kept talking about and that unbelieving generation died in the wilderness and Joshua and Caleb (who believed God), led the Children into the Promised Land 40 years later, Nu. 14:20-35.
The Tabernacle as a Picture of the Messiah
The Tabernacle as a Picture of the Messiah
8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
A Holy God Dwelling among a Sinful Humanity
A Holy God Dwelling among a Sinful Humanity
In the Hebrew language the word for Sanctuary is Mishchan (“place to dwell”), and He couldn’t literally dwell in them as they are still under the temporary covering of the sacrificial animal blood. The Tabernacle in the midst of the tents of the people is a picture of God’s intent to return to live in the creature He created to dwell in, Gen. 2:7.
Be Made One with God through Jesus
Be Made One with God through Jesus
The fulfilment of God’s intent we see in John 17:20-21, when Messiah prays for the disciples and those who believe because of their testimony (that includes us who believe today and in the future),
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
In fact, John 14-17 are full of such statements.
The Tree
The Tree
God told Moses to take what was available to build the Tabernacle, so in the desert are Acacia trees. Very hard wood, twisted and thorny. They hardly get any water.
Most of the wood, after it was joined together and shaped, was covered for service.
Sin Hardens
Sin Hardens
Before we come to God we are out in the spiritual desert and are like the hard, twisted, thorny trees; bitter and unforgiving, but when we come to God and confess our sin and ask for forgiveness, we are then available to Him. He shapes us for His service and He covers us.
The Choice
The Choice
God asked for the Tabernacle to be built facing the East, Ex. 27:13-16 (like all the pagan temples facing the rising sun). The pagans worship towards the East; Adam and Eve were thrown out of Eden toward the East. In Leviticus 17:3-6, 8-9, God says to Moses to tell the people to bring Him their sacrifices. Joshua later also challenges the people, Josh. 24:15,
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
By bringing the sacrifices and offerings to the entrance of the Tabernacle, the people turned their backs to the false gods (in the East).
The Priests had to present the sacrifices on behalf of the people, Lev. 17:6. Anyone else coming close had to die, Nu. 1:51; Nu. 3:10, 38; Nu. 18:4, 7.
The Priests were the mediators between the people and God.
Our Great High Priest, Our Only Mediator
Our Great High Priest, Our Only Mediator
Paul tells us we must make the same choice today, 1 Cor. 10:21,
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
We must choose who to serve.
Messiah is our mediator between us and God, 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
The Consequences
The Consequences
Notice also, those willing to stand for God, Ex. 32:26, and those willing to bring of their treasure, Ex. 25:2-8. God leaves the choice to the people, but warns them they will live with the consequences of their choice; good or bad, Lev. 26; Deut. 28.
God shows us what has to be done, there is no other way, but He will never take slave labor; we must choose and live with the consequences of our choice.
Holy Fire from God
Holy Fire from God
Fire came from God to start the Altar fire, Lev. 9:24, and the Priests had to never let it go out, Lev. 6:9-13. The Lord thy God is a consuming fire, Deut. 4:24.
So God sent it and the Priests had to maintain it; to add wood and keep the fire burning and to take some with them when they moved. Also to add oil to the Lampstand to keep the light burning, Lev. 6:9-13; Ex. 30:7-8.
Only this Holy Fire could enter to the Holy Place, Lev. 16:12.
The Holy Spirit, Our Fire
The Holy Spirit, Our Fire
Yeshua sent the Holy Spirit to us. There are references to Him as Fire, for our God is a consuming Fire, Heb. 12:29. The Holy Spirit appeared as tongues of fire, Acts 2:3-4, as promised in Luke 3:16, with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
We must maintain the relationship (Matt. 25:1-13) just as the Priests had to keep the fire burning.
The Holy Spirit comes to live in us and we become living temples of the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 3:16-17; Eph. 2:21-22.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The Blood Is the Life
The Blood Is the Life
The Life is in the blood and no-one was permitted to eat or drink it, Gen. 9:4; Lev. 3:7; 7:26; 17:12; Deut. 12:16, 23; 15:23; it had to be poured out in atonement for sin, Lev. 17:11, 14.
11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.
The blood of the sacrifices had to be poured out around and sprinkled on the horns of the Altar, Ex. 29:12; Lev. 4:7, 18; 9:9; etc.
Jesus’ Blood, Our Propitiation
Jesus’ Blood, Our Propitiation
The Blood of Yeshua was shed at the cross to atone for our sin, 1 Peter 1:19.
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:
The Passover Lamb
The Passover Lamb
The Passover Lamb had to be a young male up to 1 year old, without spot or blemish. It had to live in your house with you for 4 days; then it was to be declared pure, sacrificed, the blood put on the door posts and the body eaten by everyone, Ex. 12.
Christ, Our Passover
Christ, Our Passover
Messiah (Christ) is our Passover Lamb. He entered Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9; Matt. 21:1-10. He was 4 days teaching and cleaning up the Temple ‘spiritually’; then He was arrested on the 4th evening and taken to trial all night. He was declared pure by Pontius Pilate and King Herod; and then crucified (sacrificed), Matt. 27, and the other gospels.
The Last Supper with the disciples followed the Passover pattern, but after the meal He blessed the wine and told the disciples that it was His blood of the new covenant shed for them and for many; “take, drink”, Matt. 26:26-28. This was the 1st time in scriptures that anyone was told to drink the symbol of blood. Yeshua was declaring that He was The Seed of woman that would crush Satan’s head, Gen. 3:15; He was The Seed promised to Abraham through whom all the nations would be blessed, Gal. 3:16; He was the Messiah who came to take All the sin and give All His Life in return. So every time we celebrate this Communion the bread and wine, we are to remember Him, 1 Cor. 11:24-25.
The Coals from the Altar of Sacrifice
The Coals from the Altar of Sacrifice
The coals from the sacrificial Altar were put outside the camp in a clean place, Lev. 6:10-11.The guilt sin offering, when the blood went in to be poured out at the Altar (along with the fat and the kidneys), the body was carried outside the camp and burnt on the Holy coals, Ex. 29:14; Lev. 4:11-12; etc.
The other sacrifices, permanent whole lamb, peace and thanksgiving; the whole or portion was burnt on the Altar, and the ash became part of the Holy coals.
There was a sacrifice also for unintentional sin, Nu. 15:22-31.
Fulfillment of the Law
Fulfillment of the Law
Messiah came to fulfil the Law and as our sin sacrifice, He was crucified outside the city (outside the camp), Heb. 13:11-13.
11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Yeshua was our whole Lamb sacrifice and our Peace and Thanksgiving sacrifices. He even paid for our unintentional sin. If God revealed all our sin at once, we will not survive. Christ paid and as The Holy Spirit reveals an attitude, behavior, intention, etc., that is not of God; we need to confess, repent and renounce that sin and ask Him to replace it with His attitude, behavior, intent, etc.
Be transformed by the renewing of our minds, Rom. 12:2. Replace our old attributes for those of The Holy Spirit, Gal. 5:22-26, The Fruit of The Holy Spirit.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard
The Courtyard was 50 by 100 cubits. The posts were from Acacia wood and all had Copper bases and Silver tops and white linen all around except for the entrance on the East side, Ex. 27:9-19; 38:9-20.
In here were all the copper items; The Sacrificial Altar covered with copper, Ex. 27:1-8; 38:1-7, and The washbasin made of pure polished copper mirrors, Ex. 30:17-21; 38:8. This is where the sacrificing and cleansing took place.
Redemption
Redemption
The Courtyard was where Redemption takes place. The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, Is. 11:2,
2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and might,
The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;
when we understand we have sinned and need a savior and get wisdom to come to Yeshua. I am redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb, out of the hand of my enemy Satan. If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 Jn. 1:9.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The Altar=The Cross=Judgment/Payment
Washbasin=Word/Water of God=Cleansing
We are in Christ when we are redeemed.
The Holy Place
The Holy Place
The Holy Place internally was 10 by 10 by 20 cubits and had an entrance on the East end, Ex. 26:35-37.
In here were most of the Golden items; The Table of Shewbread covered with gold, Ex. 25:23-30; 37:10-16; The Menorah was solid gold, Ex. 25:31-40; 37:17-24; and The Incense Altar covered with gold, Ex. 30:1-10; 37:25-29.
The High Priest entered to represent the people before God, present the Incense as Prayer, Praise and Worship; the Priests, to keep the Light of God’s presence, eat and replace the bread once a week, Lev. 24:5-9, as a representation of God’s covenant to totally provide for Israel, Ex. 19:3-6.
Sanctification
Sanctification
The Holy Place was where Sanctification takes place. The Spirit of Counsel and Might, Is. 11:2, where we receive God’s advice and His strength.
The bread on the Table=Yeshua, The Bread of Life offered once for all, sanctifies us, Heb. 10:10.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
The Menorah=Holy Spirit. He sanctifies us and our offerings, 1 Cor. 6:11; Rom. 15:16.
11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
The Incense Altar=Prayer, Praise and Worship. Sanctified by the Word of God and prayer, 1 Tim. 4:5.
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
See also; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:21; Heb. 2:11.
2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
The Holy of Holies
The Holy of Holies
The Holy of Holies internally was 10 by 10 by 10 cubits and had an entrance on the East end, Ex. 26:30-34.
In here was The Ark of the Covenant; which was a box of Acacia wood covered in gold and a lid with 2 Cherub angels, all of solid gold, Ex. 25:10-22; 37:1-9.
Inside were the Stone Tablets of The Law, Deut. 10:1-5 (the Book of the Law was beside the Ark, Deut. 31:26); and outside in front, The Golden Bowl of Manna, Ex. 16:33-34; and Aaron’s Rod that Flowered and Fruited with ripe Almonds, Nu. 17:10.
Almond is the first to flower and the last to set its fruit.
Glorification
Glorification
The Holy of Holies is where Glorification takes place. The Spirit of Intimacy and Reverence (Fear of the Lord), Is. 11:2, where we are in Awe of God and in Intimate relationship with Him. Hebrews is the only book in the Bible that places all the items inside The Ark, Heb. 9:4, as the writer is talking about Christ as the fulfilment, and these all represent Messiah.
4 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;
The Ark where God is enthroned between the Cherubim and holding the symbols of The Messiah;
The Word of God, Jn. 1:14;
14 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.
The Bread from Heaven, Jn. 6:48-51;
48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Resurrection and The Life, Jn. 11:25; The Alpha and Omega, Rev. 21:6.
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
We are being transformed into the same image (of the Lord) from glory to glory…, 2 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 9:23; 1 Cor. 2:7.
18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
Pure Metals Used
Pure Metals Used
The Pure Metals used in The Tabernacle:
Copper [Brass]: soft and pliable, able to be beaten and molded into shape but not melted until super-heated to 1085oC.
Gold: soft and pliable, able to be beaten and molded into shape but not melted until super-heated to 1065oC.
Silver: soft and pliable, able to be beaten and molded into shape but melts at 961oC.
Notice God asked for Copper and Gold to cover the wood of the 2 Altars respectively; so the wood, sealed in these metals so oxygen doesn’t get in, would be protected from the fire.
Metals, a Representation
Metals, a Representation
In ancient cultures and in some still today, the metals represent:
Copper = Judgment
Gold = Righteousness
Silver = Redemption
God warns against using mixes, Lev. 19:19, so let us look at Brass and Bronze.
Brass (Cu 65%, Zn 15%) melts at 900oC Bronze (Cu 90%, Sn 10%) melts at 850oC
So Brass or Bronze would eventually buckle and crack with a constant fire; air gets in so the wood would burn and the Altar collapse.
Colors Used
Colors Used
The Colors used in The Tabernacle:
Fine twisted Linen = White
Blue Yarn
Purple Yarn
Scarlet Yarn
To be used in:
Covering curtains, Ex. 26:1
1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
Courtyard Entrance curtain, Ex. 27:16
16 And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.
Holy Place Entrance curtain, Ex. 26:36
36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
Holy of Holies Entrance curtain, Ex. 26:31 (with golden Cherubim)
31 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
Fine Linen to make the Courtyard (surrounding) curtains.
Conclusion of Part One
Conclusion of Part One
Colors, a Picture
Colors, a Picture
In most cultures today:
White = Purity
Blue = Heaven
Purple = King (Royalty)
Scarlet = Blood
If we mix Blue and Red (Scarlet), we get Purple every time. So it is a representation of The Messiah, our King, who is fully God, from Heaven, and fully man, from Earth. Earth-Adama-Adam-Dam (blood).
Covering: we are In Christ, Jn. 15:5; 17:21; Gal. 3:27.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Entrance: He Is The Way, Jn. 14:6; He is The Truth, Jn. 1:17; He is The Life, Heb. 9:7-8; Gen. 3:24.
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
7 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: 8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
Surrounding: He will never leave us (surrounds and protects us), Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:6.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
End Part 1: We have considered how the Tabernacle is a picture of the Garden, as well as of the Messiah. Now let us move inward...
Introduction to Part Two
Introduction to Part Two
In the Courtyard
In the Courtyard
The Brazen Altar
The Brazen Altar
The Altar:
5 by 5 by 3 cubits high.
Acacia wood covered with Copper. It had no steps but a ramp so the Priests could work modestly without exposing themselves (also pagan altars have steps, usually with gods painted or carved on them). It had rods so the Levites could hand-carry it when they moved, Ex. 27:1-8; 38:1-7.
Copper = Judgment
The blood poured out at the Altar was to atone (pay) for the sin of the people.
The Cross:
The Cross:
Where the sin of the world was judged; and where the Blood of Messiah was poured out to pay for our sin, Heb. 9:14-15, 28.
14 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?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
28 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.
The Laver
The Laver
The Washbasin:
No measurements and no wood as a basis. No rods but a frame to put under when it was needed to be carried (presumably like the Lampstand), Nu. 4:10.
It was built from pure polished copper mirrors, Ex. 30:18; 38:8; 40:30.
The Levites had to constantly bring Living water from a spring to keep filling the basin (the Levites were to assist the Priests, Nu. 3:6-9; Lev. 8:22-26), as the Priests took water out to wash their hands and feet before every offering and before going to minister in The Holy, Ex. 30:19-22; 40:31-32.
God’s Word is like water that cleanses, Ps. 51:2, 7; 119:9; Eph. 5:26.
2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean:
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
9 BETH.
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?
By taking heed thereto according to thy word.
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
God put no limits on the water; we can’t limit God’s Word.
The Living Water/Word:
The Living Water/Word:
Yeshua is The Word of God, Jn. 1:14, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He called out in the Temple,
37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
He said to the woman at the well in Samaria,
10 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.
13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.
Yeshua gives unlimited cleansing.
God’s Word is like a mirror, James 1:22-25.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
Building Up of the Body
Building Up of the Body
The Building:
48 panels, 10 by 1 1⁄2 cubits each.
Acacia wood covered with beaten gold (righteousness); 20 on each side, 6 across the back and 1 extra on each corner at the back. Each panel had 2 solid silver (redemption) bases to stand in.
Each side had 5 rods to hold it together; 1 rod through the middle of the wood of the panels, and 4 on the outside which were held in place by rings attached to the panels.
It made a strong building but easy to dismantle and pack onto 6 ox carts, along with all the courtyard pieces, to be transported, Ex. 26:15-30; 36:20-34.
There were 8,580 Levite men from age 30-50 who were responsible for packing, moving, and reconstructing the Tabernacle, Nu. 4:47-49. Each was told by name what his job was, Nu. 4:19. They were supervised by Aaron’s sons Eliezer and Ithamar, Nu. 3:32; 4:16, 28, 33; Lev. 8:22.
The Body of Messiah
The Body of Messiah
When we confess our sins, are forgiven and the Holy Spirit lives within us we are available to God and He shapes us for His service. We are each clothed in the Righteousness of The Messiah, 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9; Eph. 6:14; Is. 61:10.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,
My soul shall be joyful in my God;
For he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation,
He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments,
And as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.
We are each standing in His redemption, Rom. 3:24; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:12.
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
12 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.
And corporately we are held together by the 5 gifts (ministries) Messiah gave to equip us for the work of service, Eph. 4:11-13.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Individually we are the Temple of the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 6:16,
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
and corporately we are the Body of Christ, Rom. 12:5.
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
Living stones jointly supplied, 1 Pet. 2:5.
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Each of us has a specific job; we can’t all do the same thing. We are members of one body, each with a part to play so that the whole body functions properly, 1 Cor. 12.
Covering & Clothing the Body
Covering & Clothing the Body
The Coverings/Curtains:
4 layers of coverings were over the building; 2 from material against the building and 2 from leather open like an awning, Ex. 26:1-14; 36:8-19.
The first material was fine linen made from the 4 colors mentioned earlier. Each of the 10 curtains had a golden Cherub angel embroidered on it, Ex. 26:1 and they were 28 cubits long, Ex. 26:2, so they covered from the top of the base over the building to the base on the other side. They had 50 loops of blue thread along the edges and were join by gold clasps, Ex. 26:3-6.
1 Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
The second material was woven goat hair and was 30 cubits long, so covered from the ground, over the building to the ground. They were joined with copper clasps. There were 11 curtains and the extra hung over the back of the building, Ex. 26:7-13.
The third covering was from Ram skins dyed red, Ex. 26:14.
The forth covering was from Tachash (badgers), a very thick skin, Ex. 26:14.
You don’t see the treasure or the colors.
Hidden in Christ, Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Hidden in Christ, Treasure in Earthen Vessels
We are in Messiah and He in us:
The colors representing the Messiah; He is fully God and fully man, and He covers us. We are in Him, and He in us, Jn. 14:20.
20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
Our muscles look like fibers woven together. Then we have blood vessels supplying the muscles and skin.
Then about 7 layers of skin like thick marine animal skin?
When the Holy Spirit lives within, we carry the treasure of Heaven in bodies of flesh and blood, 2 Cor. 4:7.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
People just see us as human (like a tent), they don’t see the treasure inside; unless we open up and share with them!
Surrounded with Pure Linen
Surrounded with Pure Linen
The only wood not covered are the posts all around the courtyard. They were acacia posts with Copper (Judgment) bases and Silver (Redemption) tops. Pure linen surrounded the courtyard, Ex. 27:9-19; 38:9-20.
Surrounded by Christ
Surrounded by Christ
Messiah is the only pure human and He paid for our judgement; He brought us redemption. He promised He would never leave or forsake us, Jn. 14:18; Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
It’s a picture of Him surrounding us.
Entrance into His Presence
Entrance into His Presence
Three Entrances:
The only way into the courtyard was through a 4-colored curtain with 4 Acacia posts. The posts had copper bases and silver tops like the courtyard posts, Ex. 27:16; 38:18-19.
The only way into The Holy was through a 4-colored curtain with 5 Acacia pillars covered in gold. The pillars had copper bases, Ex. 26:36-37; 36:37-38.
The only way into The Holy of Holies was through a 4-colored curtain with gold Cherub angels embroidered on it and with 4 Acacia pillars covered in gold. The pillars had silver bases, Ex. 26:31-33; 36:35-36.
Jesus: the Only Way, the Truth, and the Life
Jesus: the Only Way, the Truth, and the Life
Three sections:
The Messiah is the way back to God, Jn. 14:6. He paid for our sin and redeemed us.
Moses wrote 5 books of the Law which brought judgement, and is the foundation of the old covenant. 5 Pillars represent Grace. Messianic colors in the curtain. We see in Jn. 1:17 that the Law came through Moses, but Grace and Truth through Christ.
There are 4 Gospels on the redemption Christ brought, and these are the foundation of the new covenant. God had Cherub angels guarding the way to the tree of Life in the Garden of Eden, Gen. 3:24. God tore this curtain in the Temple when Christ paid the price on the cross, Matt. 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45; Heb. 10:19-22.
51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
38 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.
45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 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.
The Table of Showbread
The Table of Showbread
The Table:
2 by1 by 1 1⁄2 high. Acacia wood covered with gold and rods to hand-carry.
On it were 12 unleavened breads that the Priests had to eat every Shabbat and replace with fresh loaves, Lev. 24:5-9.
It was a picture of God’s covenant promise to always provide Israel with what they needed to live on. Ex. 19:4-6.
They had total provision, guidance and protection but they always complained about something! “why did you bring us here, we are going to die...”, Ex. 14:11; 16:2-3; 17:3. Even after the proof of abundant provision in the Promised Land, they cried all night about the giants; so God said in the morning, “I took you out of Egypt; you saw My wonders; and you STILL don’t believe Me!! As you have said to Me so I will give you; you will die”, Nu. 14:20-35. They ended up bringing judgement on themselves.
Except for Joshua and Caleb who believed God; they led the Children into The Land, Nu. 14:30-31, 38.
Jesus, Our Bread of Life
Jesus, Our Bread of Life
God’s Provision:
Yeshua is the Bread of Life, Jn. 6:51.
51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Yeshua gives us what we need for Life and Godliness, 2 Pet. 1:3.
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
We will be tested, James 1; 1 Pet. 4:12, 17, and the Bible warns us to learn from the Children of Israel, 1 Cor. 10:5-11.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
17 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?
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
Rom. 1:24, 26, 28, warns us that God will hand us over to our own desires; not a good place to be, as we don’t know what is really good for us or not.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Faithful is He who promised, He will do it, 1 Thes. 5:24. Put on the whole armor of God, and having done all; stand, Eph. 6:13.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The Golden Candlestick
The Golden Candlestick
The Lampstand:
No measurements and no wood. No rods but a frame that was put under when it needed to be carried, Nu. 4:10.
It was made from one piece of pure gold, beaten into shape. The Menorah had 7 branches; 1 central and 3 pairs. We only know the weight, 1 talent (about 40kg), Ex. 25:31-40; 37:17-24; Nu. 8:1-4. It had the oil lamps on top of the branches and the priests had to fill the oil and trim the wicks to keep it burning (maintain it), Ex. 27:20-21; Lev. 24:1-4. It was the only light in the Holy Place.
The priests also had to be anointed with special oil to be dedicated to serve God, Ex. 30:30.
Is. 11:1-2, says that on the rod from Jesse’s root (Messiah) would come the 7 Spirits of God, v2 names them.
The Spirit of the LORD
The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding
The Spirit of Counsel and Might
The Spirit of Intimacy and Reverence (Fear of the Lord).
The branches had Almond flowers and nobs as a decoration. In Hebrew Almond (shaked) means ‘to diligently watch, be alert, be awake’, God showed Jeremiah the prophet, an Almond branch because He said He is watching over His word to fulfil It, Jer. 1:11-12. The prophet had to announce God’s word; the Almond tree is the first to flower and announce spring every year.
God took Israel out of Egypt with its pagan worship, but then He had to work at getting the pagan mentality out of them.
Jesus, the Light of the World
Jesus, the Light of the World
The Light:
We can’t limit The Holy Spirit.
God did everything to restore our relationship with Him, He started the fire, and we must maintain this relationship. If you don’t feel close to God, guess who moved!
Christ is the Light of the world, Jn. 8:12.
12 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.
The oil represents the work of the Holy Spirit; Christ said to wait until the Holy Spirit anoints us with power, Acts 1:4-5, 8; we can’t serve God without the Holy Spirit, Jn. 15:4-5.
4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
At Christ’s baptism the Holy Spirit came to dwell, Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21-22. Rev. 3:1, Yeshua says He is the one that has the 7 Spirits of God, He is referring to Is. 11:1-2.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Christ said that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will take Yeshua’s words and continue to teach us and remind us of what He said, Jn. 14:26; 16:12-15.
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
God took us out of Satan’s kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of Light. We grew up learning how to hate, be jealous, unforgiving, etc.; all Satan’s ways, but now God wants all that stinking thinking and behavior out and His in; The Fruit of the Spirit, Gal. 5:22-23. We need to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, Rom. 12:2. We are to take every thought captive unto Christ, 2 Cor. 10:5. As we walk with the Spirit we will grow into the image of Christ, 2 Cor. 3:18.
The Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense
The Incense Altar:
1 by 1 by 2 cubits high. Acacia wood covered with gold and rods to hand-carry, Ex. 30:1-6; 37:25-28.
Only the Holy coals from the sacrificial altar could enter to The Holy Place, Lev. 16:12; Lev. 10:1 (unauthorized fire), Ex. 30:9-10. Special incense was to be made to burn on the altar, and put on every evening and morning, Ex. 30:7-8. It had a lot of spices so was a sweet smelling incense, Ex. 30:34-38, 37:29. Incense is likened to prayer, intercession, praise, worship and thanksgiving, Is. 60:6; Jer. 17:26; Ps. 141:2; Ps. 34:1, etc.
The Prayers of the Saints & Intercession of Christ, a Sweet-Smelling Savor
The Prayers of the Saints & Intercession of Christ, a Sweet-Smelling Savor
Our Sweet Incense:
We see in the Psalms and the writings of the prophets that our prayer praise and worship is like sweet incense to the Lord; our response of thanksgiving for what the Lord has done for us. Also in Rev. 8:3-4, an angel was give much incense to burn with the prayers of the saints. Yeshua ever lives to intercede for us, Heb. 7:24-26; so this is what He is still doing for us.
3 And 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 saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 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.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Our submission to God in our prayer praise and worship is a powerful weapon against our enemy Satan, James 4:7.
7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
The Levitical Priesthood
The Levitical Priesthood
The Priests:
The sons of Aaron were consecrated to serve the Lord and present the offerings to the Lord on behalf of the people, Ex. 28:1; Lev. 9:7; Lev. 10:17-18.
They wore pure linen trousers, a linen robe, a sash of the 4 colors and a linen head-covering, Ex. 28:39-43; 29:8-9; 39:27-29.
The Priesthood of the Believer
The Priesthood of the Believer
We are Priests:
Yeshua has made us a kingdom and priests to serve God, Rev. 1:6; 5:10; 20:6.
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
We have the ministry of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 3, 4, 5:11-21.
1 Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: 3 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. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; 6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: 8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious? 9 For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth. 11 For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: 13 And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. 12 For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart. 13 For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 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. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The Aaronic High Priest
The Aaronic High Priest
The High Priest:
God appointed Aaron as the 1st High Priest, Ex. 28:1. He told Moses to have skilled people to make robes and items of clothing to give the priests dignity when the serve Him, Ex. 28:2-5. (Description in Ex. 39:1-31).
The High Priest was to dress in a fine linen tunic with a robe of blue over that, Ex. 28:31-32. This robe had blue, purple, and red pomegranates with bells of gold between them so he could be heard ministering daily before the Lord in the Holy place, Ex. 28:33-35. (not on Yom Kippur. See later).
Over the blue robe was an Ephod woven in the 4 colors and gold thread, Ex. 28:6-7. Attached to this was a woven breastplate with 12 precious stones set in gold and each having a name of a son of Jacob, Ex. 28:15-30. Also on his shoulders, engraved in black Onyx (6+6), again the 12 names in order of birth, Ex. 28:9-14. The High Priest had to carry or represent Israel over his heart and on his shoulders as he went before the Lord, Ex. 28:12, 29-30, ‘as a memorial continually before the Lord’.
On his forehead was a gold band engraved “Holy to the Lord” and tied with a blue cord, Ex. 28:36-38. All his service was Holy to the Lord; that the gifts of the people may be acceptable before the Lord, Ex. 28:38.
On his head was a turban of fine linen, Ex. 28:39.
The linen undergarments for the High Priest and Priests were to cover the body when they went in to minister, Ex. 28:42-43.
Jesus, Our Great High Pries after the Order of Melchizedek
Jesus, Our Great High Pries after the Order of Melchizedek
Messiah is our High Priest:
We see in Heb. 6:20; 10:21, that Yeshua is our great High Priest, so He carries or represents us daily by name before the Father, over His heart and on His shoulders.
20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
The Good Shepherd who goes to find the lost sheep and carry it home on His shoulders, Luke 15:4-6; Jn. 10:1-18.
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
The names of the sons of Jacob represent Messiah:
Reuben (Behold a son)
Simeon (He heard my voice)
Levi (Joined)
Judah (Praise the Lord)
Dan (Judge)
Naphtali (Mighty struggles)
Gad (Good fortune)
Asher (Happy)
Issachar (He will bring reward)
Zebulun (Dwelling, place of honor)
Joseph (Fruitful)
Benjamin (Son of my right hand)
Notice that Ben’s mother had first called him Ben-Oni, son of my suffering, as she was dying, but Jacob changed it to Benjamin. So Yeshua is son of suffering, Is. 53; but He is now seated at Father’s right hand, Col. 3:1.
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
The Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur:
The Day of Atonement was the only day that the High Priest could enter to the Holy of Holies, Lev. 16 (he was the only one permitted to enter but it mentions Moses was in there at least on the day of dedication of the Tabernacle, Ex. 40:20-21).
He only wore white linen, Lev. 16:4, which means he laid aside all his glorious robes and dressed humbly to minister before the Lord. First he had to take hot coals from the altar and some of the fine incense and put it inside the Holy of Holies, Lev. 16:12-13.
Then he took the blood of a bull sacrificed for him and his family and sprinkled the blood on the atonement cover of the Ark, Lev. 16:6, 11, 14. Then he could take the blood of the goat chosen to die for Israel and sprinkle it on the atonement cover, Lev. 16:7-9, 15. Then he would sprinkle some of the blood of both sacrifices on all the Holy Items to purify them, Lev. 16:16, 18-20. Then he would take the live goat and lay his hands on its head and confess the sins of the nation and give it to someone especially chosen to take it way out into the desert and release it (to take away the sin), Lev. 16:7-10, 20-22. He had to do all this work on his own, no one was to be in there, Lev. 16:17. Then he would take water into the Holy Place, take off his linen robe and wash. Then he would put on all his high Priestly robes and go out in front of the people to finish Yom Kippur, Lev. 16:23-34.
Messiah’s Sacrifice for Sin Vindicated by God on High
Messiah’s Sacrifice for Sin Vindicated by God on High
Messiah has Atoned for us:
Yeshua came humbly as a pure man to do the Fathers’ will, Jn. 5:19, 30; 8:28.
19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
He laid aside His glory (emptied Himself), Phil. 2:6-8; Heb. 2:6-9; 5:5.
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him? 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
He was empowered by the Holy Spirit, Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34.
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
He was sinless as His seed is from the Father not Adam; so He was born without sin and He chose to NOT sin but lived in complete obedience to God, Phil. 2:8.
He did not need the blood of bulls to atone for Him; He was the pure sinless sacrifice so could take His own blood to the Heavenly Tabernacle, Heb. 7:24-28; 8:2; 9:11-28. Yeshua did not come to cover our sin; He came once and for all time to Pay for our sin, to Cleanse us from sin, and to Take Away our sin.
24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 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.
26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12 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. 13 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: 14 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?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. 18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, 20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you. 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. 23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 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: 25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26 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. 27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28 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.
He is now in heaven, in all His glory, and SEATED at the right hand of the Father, Mark 16:19; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3; 10:12. The WORK of Salvation is finished (the High Priest never sat down but was on duty every day and once every year he had to do the work of atonement in the Tabernacle).
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
He will come again to Earth in all His Glory, Rev. 1:7, every eye WILL see Him; there will be no mistake as to who He is.
7 Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Conclusion Part Two
Conclusion Part Two
The Blood of Bulls and Goats
The Blood of Bulls and Goats
So every day the blood of all the sacrifices; bull, goat, lamb, doves (for the poor people), covered the sin on the Sacrificial altar in the courtyard; but 1 day a year the blood went all the way in to Pay for the sin; then all the way out to cleanse from the sin; and then all the way away to take away the sin.
Christ’s Blood, Once for All
Christ’s Blood, Once for All
The Holy of Holies curtain was torn from top to bottom in the Temple when Messiah paid the price for our sin on the cross; that we may enter in back to God’s presence, Matt. 27:50-51; Mark 15:37-38; Luke 23:44-46; Heb. 10:19-22.
44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 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.
End Part 2: We have seen how the Tabernacle is a picture of restoration and fellowship through Christ, now let us consider,
Introduction to Part Three
Introduction to Part Three
Inside The Holy of Holies
Inside The Holy of Holies
The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant
2 1⁄2 by 1 1⁄2 by 1 1⁄2 cubits high. Acacia wood box covered with gold inside and out, with 2 acacia rods covered in gold for hand-carrying. These were on an East/West orientation so they must have touched the back wall and the Perochat (Holy of Holies curtain), so where they touched could be seen from inside the Holy place, 1 Kings 8:8. The Ark was in the middle of the Holy of Holies.
There were 7 Holy Items of furniture but they only carried 6 because the lid of the Ark was the 7th and always remained on top of the box section of the Ark.
The Atonement cover was 2 1⁄2 by 1 1⁄2 cubits and was made from solid pure gold with solid gold Cherub angels, one on each end with their wings covering and their heads bowed watching the atonement cover, Ex. 25:10-22; 26:34; 37:1-9. There are no measurements or detailed description of the Cherubim. We are NOT to worship angels; God just wants us to be aware of their presence.
Bezaleel built them (he was filled with the Holy Spirit), and the priests never saw them; they had to cover the Ark with the Perochat curtain without sneaking a peek at the Ark, Nu. 4:5-6.
Inside the Ark were the stone tablets of the Law, Ex. 25:21; Deut. 10:1-5; 1 Kings 8:9. Outside in front of the Ark was a golden bowl of Manna, Ex. 16:32-34; and Aaron’s staff which sprouted overnight, Nu. 17:5. Not only sprouted, but budded, blossomed and produced ripe almond fruit. God told Moses to put the almond staff of Aaron in front of the Testimony as a sign, Nu. 17:8-11.
It is worth thinking about how the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. When God’s presence came to camp, every one fell on their faces, no-one could stand or enter His presence, Ex. 40:34-35; Lev. 9:24;
So the High Priest would not have walked or stood inside the Holy of Holies; he most likely went under the curtain on his hands and knees. Also there was no natural or artificial light in there and we are not told if God’s express glory (shekinah) was glowing to give light, Ex. 29:43; 40:34-35,
43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.
34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
so it could have been pitch black and anyway very clouded with the smoke of incense. He went in between the rods, Lev. 16:12, 15; so he was guided to the right place. Ps. 23:4,
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
He would just have to kneel where he was and sprinkle the blood on the atonement cover.
The Ark of the Testimony
The Ark of the Testimony
The Ark of the Covenant was also called the Ark of the Testimony because of the things associated with it that testify to God’s provision.
The book of Hebrews is the only book in the Bible that puts all the items inside the Ark, Heb. 9:4.
4 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;
Hebrews is talking about the fulfilment of the Tabernacle in Messiah. Messiah is the Word of God (Testimony/Law) Messiah is the Bread from Heaven (Manna) Messiah is the Resurrection and the Life (rod that came to life)
It is interesting to note that Aarons staff was an Almond (like Jeremiah’s vision). The Almond is the first tree to flower every Spring but it is the last to set the fruit 8-9 months later.
Messiah is The First and the Last, Alpha and Omega, Aleph and Tav, The Beginning and the End, Rev. 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13. He is the First fruit from the dead, 1 Cor. 15:20-23.
8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
The Layout of the Furniture
The Layout of the Furniture
The Holy Items:
The Altar, Washbasin, Incense Altar and Ark were in line from East to West in the entire complex and then the Table and Lampstand in orientation North to South in the Holy Place. This makes the sign of a cross as the foundation of the Tabernacle.
God put before us Life and Death; Blessing and Cursing and told us what He wants;” Choose Life”, Deut. 30:19. He is not willing that any should perish, 2 Pet. 3:9; Deut. 4:29-31.
A Picture of the Cross of Christ
A Picture of the Cross of Christ
The Cross:
In Heb. 9:3-4, it talks about the Golden altar in front of the Ark. Hebrews is talking of the fulfilment in Messiah so the curtain has been torn and the symbol of the cross is the foundation of the Tabernacle.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; 4 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;
The Lamb was slain from before the foundation of the Earth, Rev. 13:8. So God knew what was going to happen before He started creating. This is His 1st plan; to come in person, suffer and die for a creation He had not begun to make. He didn’t ask Adam and Eve, “where are you?”, because He didn’t know; He asked so they would come out of hiding and ‘fess up’ to what they had done. That’s what we must do, 1 John 1:9, IF we will confess our sin....
8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Confess, Repent, Believe, Receive;
Choose to refuse, you lose.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
16 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.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We have all sinned and the wages for sin is death. Somebody has to pay! Christ paid. So if we come how He has told us then we are forgiven and paid for by His blood; but if we don’t, then we have to pay for our own sin at the end of the age and be eternally separated from God, Rev. 2:11; Matt. 13:40-42, 49-50. Messiah has already paid so we don’t have to experience this terror, Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34, He experienced this terror on our behalf.
11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Series Conclusion & Final Encouragement
Series Conclusion & Final Encouragement
I would encourage you all to be like the Bereans who Paul commended because they went back to scripture and checked out everything they heard to make sure it was true, Acts 17:11.
11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
We are in the end of days where, if it were possible, even the elect will be deceived, Matt. 24:24, Mark 13:22.
24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
Satan can counterfeit to a limited extent miraculous things, as in Pharaohs' court and some of the plagues. Satan will give deceptive power to those who follow him, Rev. 12:13-14; Rev. 18:23; Rev. 19:20.
13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.
23 And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee;
And the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee:
For thy merchants were the great men of the earth;
For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
Paul said that Satan can appear as an angel of light, 2 Cor. 11:14-15.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Don't be lead astray by a different gospel, Gal. 1:8.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
So check out everything you see and hear (including this transcript) with the word of God; no matter how wonderful it appears.
Jesus said the scriptures testified of Him, Jn. 5:39.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
He also expounded the scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Luke 24:27.
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Paul says to Timothy in 1Tim. 3:16
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
The book of Hebrews chapters 1-10 is all about Yeshua, who He is and what He has done. (All the New Covenant is about Yeshua).
The only scriptures the early church had was what we call the Old Testament. There is nothing in the New Testament that has not first been stated in the Old. As it has been told to me: “The New in the Old is concealed and the Old in the New is revealed”. May God continue to reveal to you His purposes as you diligently search His Word and seek His face, Heb. 11:6.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
You will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul, Deut. 4:29.
29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
At all cost, do what it takes to become and stay one of God’s special treasure. Phil. 3:8-15, 20-21.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
[Material adapted in large part from: Berean to Berean Ministries which conducts Gospel Centered Tours of the Model of the Tabernacle in Southern Israel, Timna Crater]