The Old
Testament tabernacle, temple and sacrificial system were all put in place as a representation
of Heaven and foreshadow of what Christ would do to give us access to Heaven. It
was a picture of what was to come. It wasn’t a perfect picture, because the
sacrifices didn’t really pay for our sins and the priests couldn’t forgive.
Hebrews 9:1-3,
7-9 Now the first covenant had regulations
for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the
lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was
called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy
Place… But only the high priest
entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never
without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the
people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the
way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the
first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating
that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the
conscience of the worshiper.
God’s
specific details, long-term plans, and creativity never ceases to amaze me!!! He
had His plan of redemption planned out well before giving Moses the Law, before
calling Abraham, and before flooding the world. He even gave hints of His plan
to Adam and Eve after they sinned (Genesis 3). He knew we couldn’t do anything
to pay for our own sins. He knew we couldn’t do anything to earn forgiveness
and bring about restoration. He had to do it all, and do it all He did!
Have you ever
gone on a trip and been blown away by the beauty you saw? It was far better
than the pictures you saw online ahead of time. The pictures didn’t do it
justice. Similarly, let’s experience and appreciate the benefits of the new
covenant with direct access to God and true forgiveness!
Alice
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