THE SANCTUARY

FRIDAY, 18TH AUGUST, 2023.

Author: PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE

TOPIC:  THE SANCTUARY

MEMORIZE: “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.”  Hebrews 9:1.

SCRIPTURE READING: Hebrews 9:1 - 9.

“Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience.” 

EXPOSITION:

EARTHLY SANCTUARY 

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.” - Exodus 25:1, 2, 8; Hebrews 9:1, 9.

Sacrifices and gifts centered in the sanctuary for the first time under Moses, and they continued there until the time of Christ. Exodus 26:33. The sanctuary had two apartments–the “holy” and the “most holy” (in addition to the outer court where the sacrifice was slain by the sinner). Hebrews 9:2; Exodus 40:26, 27. The first, or holy, place contained the candlestick, the table of shewbread, and the golden altar of incense. Hebrews 9:6. Service in this first apartment was conducted daily by common priests and the high priest. Exodus 26:33. A veil divided the holy place from the most holy place. Hebrews 9:3, 4. The most holy place contained the ark of the covenant. Deuteronomy 10:1-6. The ark contained the Ten Commandments (two tables of the covenant). Exodus 25:21. Above the ark, which contained God’s law, was the mercy seat. Exodus 25:22. Above the mercy seat was God’s presence. Hebrews 9:7. The service in this most holy place was performed only once a year–on the day of atonement–by the high priest alone. Matthew 27:50, 51. These sacrifices and services ended with the death of Christ.

HEAVENLY SANCTUARY 

“"And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. "According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” Exodus 25:8, 9. The earthly sanctuary had a pattern. Hebrews 8:5. The pattern was the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 8:2. The heavenly sanctuary was pitched by God. Revelation 4:5; 8:2-4. John saw in vision the same articles in the holy place of the heavenly sanctuary as were in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. Revelation 11:19. John also saw the ark of His covenant (containing the Ten Commandments) in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary. Hebrews 8:1, 2. Christ, after sacrificing Himself, became High Priest of the heavenly sanctuary in order to minister in our behalf. 

Today, believers’ hearts become the sanctuary (the Temple) in which God dwells. It is written, “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”. Therefore, we must keep our bodies, which is the temple of God, clean.

PRAYER POINT: Lord, I sanctify myself for your use. Dwell in my heart, and let it be your temple in Jesus Name.

DAILY BIBLE READING IN A YEAR –  Jeremiah 39 – 42.

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ANCHOR OF LIFE is the daily devotional guide written by PASTOR DR. SAMUEL AYORINDE, General Overseer, Anchor of Life & Redemption Ministry Int’l. It is an extraction of God’s word designed to draw the sincere seekers closer to God on a daily basis through an insightful exposition and analysis of God’s Word. Read, Meditate, Pray and Share this message to others. For prayers, Counseling and further enquiries, call or whatsapp +2347032993319; +2348056130469. Or Email: anchoroflifeministry@gmail.com