Why Study the Sanctuary?
“Have them make a sacred tent for me. I will live among them.
Make the holy tent and everything that belongs to it. Make them exactly like the
pattern I will show you.” Ex. 25:8,9. NIrV
As my study of the Old Testament moved from the historical parts of the books of
Genesis and Exodus into the descriptions of the sanctuary, its furniture, its
ordinances, and the sacrificial system that are recorded in the last part of
Exodus, and the rest of the books of Moses, my attitude changed somewhat. In
spite of myself, I found myself saying: This isn’t as relevant to me. Jesus’
death on the cross did away with this entire sacrificial system. It just isn’t
relevant today!
As I was thinking these thoughts, however, another nagging thought wouldn’t let
me alone: If it isn’t relevant to people of all ages, then why is it recorded in
scripture? I then remembered that my whole purpose in Bible study is based on
the assumption that everything in the Bible contains a message that is VERY
relevant to me. As I set out to read about the sacrificial system and laws with
more of an open mind, I began to see parallels between it and the one in heaven,
described in the book of Revelation. I began to realize that each part of the
tabernacle, along with each piece of furniture and all of its rituals and
offerings, are highly symbolic. By understanding the symbolism of each part of
the temple and its services, I would come to a better understanding of the plan
of salvation and the divine order and structure of the universe. I would come to
better understand Jesus and His work of redemption.
Over the course of the next few studies, I will present various parts of the
tabernacle and its services, and I will attempt to show what each symbol means
for us today. It is my hope and prayer that through this mini study of the
symbolism of the earthly tabernacle and its services, you, too, will be drawn
into a better understanding of God and His ultimate gift and love for mankind!
Love in Christ,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart,
Moderator, The Nugget, Scriptural Nuggets (
www.sermonillustrator.org/minisermons/ ), Answers2Prayer Ministries,
www.Answers2Prayer.org ,