Albany Missionary Baptist Church (Albany, Oregon)

Bible Study

Tabernacle Door-Tabernacle Lesson 8

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Tabernacle Veil-Tabernacle Lesson 8

Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 26:30-37; 36:35-38

See pictures 13 and 14.

The Tabernacle had a door (outer veil) through which the Priests entered into the first room, called the Holy Place, to minister before the Lord at the table of showbread, the Candlestick, and the Altar of Incense.  As Priests entered the door of the Tabernacle, they passed into another dimension of fellowship with God.

To be in the court outside the Tabernacle or Kingdom was one thing, but it was a special treat enjoyed only by those God had picked to enter the Tabernacle (to be in His Church).

Numbers 8:14-26  Levites were chosen (picked) by God for His service.

Duet 10:8  God separated the tribe of Levi (set apart for service).

1 Peter 2:9 Church members are “a chosen generation”.

1 Cor 12:18; Acts 2:47 God adds to His Church just as He chose Levites and Aaron and his Sons.

Eph 4:4, 16  God has one body, that we are called (chosen) to be a part of, that body joined together.

1 John 2:19 Sometimes when God is not the one adding to the Church, they do not continue with us.

 

At the Tabernacle we see three groups of Israel:

  1. The Levites in the Tabernacle, the church (Acts 7:38 church in the wilderness).
  2. Those in the court, a type of the kingdom Jesus told Nicodemus he could enter by new birth (John 3:1-3).
  3. Those outside the court, the world (Eph 2:11-12).

Coming into the court is like being saved (Col 1:1-13).

Coming into the Tabernacle is like becoming a church member (Acts 9:26-29; Romans 14:1; Acts 2:41-47).

Limited access

Priests only

Those who entered the Tabernacle were seen as a unique group.  The priests were the only ones allowed, and just because you were a son of Aaron (high priest) did not qualify you.

Lev 21:16-21  – not allowed into priesthood if not “clean” or if you had a blemish.

The lesson here is to show not all the saved are in the Church.  Only those that practice daily cleansing in their lives, as represented at the Laver, are able to fellowship with Christ in his churches (Exodus 30:17-21).

2 Cor 7:1  No one is in the Church just because they are saved (washed in the blood of Christ at the Brazen Altar), it takes cleansing at the altar and being a priest.  Even if we are members of the Church, we may have our names on the roll, but are we able to enter and fellowship with God?  You are there physically but spiritually you are not recognized by God.

2 Tim 2:19-26  Vessels of honor are those that are cleansed daily.

 

Door of the Priests

The door of the Tabernacle was only used by the Priest.

Heb 5:1  The Priest of the Tabernacle was taken from men, and ordained by men.

Rev 1:4-6  V.6  Christ has made Church members kings and priests unto God.

Rev 5:10 Kings and priests that will reign during millennial reign.

1 Peter 2:5, 9  As Church members, God makes us priests, that are to sacrifice to Him. God makes us priests, not other men.

Heb 4:14-16  Under God’s leadership we have direct access to Him, to enter that door into the Tabernacle.

 

Christ is the Door

John 14:6  Jesus is the only door.  He alone is the Way, the Entrance and Door into the presence of God.  For the saint to have communion and worship with God.

Acts 4:12 This is true for the sinner in salvation, Jesus is the only way to be saved.

  1. The door of the Tabernacle speaks of communion and worship, in that it was the way into the presence of the lamp stand, the table of showbread, and the golden altar.
    1. This holy place was the place of communion and worship for the priests, a type of the coming believer priests in the New Testament.
    2. As this was limited and exclusive, it did not allow mixed gatherings, combined worship of saint and sinner, and demands separation.
    3. In type, only priests entered the sphere of light, incense, and food in the holy place, the place of communion and light.
    4. Those not meeting priestly requirements of Israel were barred.
    5. The place of communion and worship is one to which lost sinners have no access until born again and a church member.

 

The five Pillars

  1. John 10:7-9 Five stands for grace. God gives us life more abundantly even though we do not deserve it (grace = unmerited favor).
  2. Isaiah 9:6 Jesus was given five great names (Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace).
  3. The pillars were constructed of:
  4. Acacia wood – perfect humanity, as Jesus was perfect. The wood tells us that this Tabernacle was an earthly Tabernacle, not heaven itself (Heb9:1).
  5. Gold overlay – John 1:14  The gold that overlaid the Tabernacle shows the divinity, that God was present.  Jesus as God took on flesh (twofold nature of God) and His glory was shown to the world.
  6. A gold crown – royalty, Exodus 36:38
  7. A brass foundation – sockets of brass – the judgment He met for our ransom. The Tabernacle foundation was 100 sockets of silver, the five pillars at the door were set in brass sockets.  This was to show that to enter the Tabernacle, another judgment was needed.

1 Peter 4:17-19 When the priest entered the Tabernacle they were judged, they had stipulations that had to be met to be allowed to enter (and live).  For us today, to enter and worship within the Church we also are to be in good standing with God.

Acts 20:28 The privilege of Church membership came at a price. Every time the priest entered the door, something had to be done first.  For us, the shed blood of Jesus allows us to enter the presence of God, we pass the judgment.

Romans 14:7-12 We will all have to knell before Jesus for judgment, especially as Church members.

The Inner Vail

Exodus 26:31-34 

Four pillars held the vail inside the Tabernacle, separated the ”Most Holy place”, where God resided.  High Priest entered here to offer sacrifice to God for the people.

Exodus 28:31-35 High Priest represented mediator between God and the people.  He wore bells on bottom of their garments so if they were killed, they would know by no bell sounds.

Hebrews 10:20  The vail represents Jesus, whom we have access to God.

Matt 27:51 Vail was rent (torn) when Jesus was resurrected, showing the barrier between us and God was removed, we now had access to God.  Also showed Jesus was sacrificed.

Vail was foursquare, showing the four gospels, as separate and complete within themselves, yet they perfectly harmonize in presenting and even fuller display of Jesus, His grace and love, His divinity and His humanity, when complimenting each other in the presentation of Jesus’ life and ministry.

 

The Laver- Tabernacle Lesson 7

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Laver of brass-Tabernacle lesson 7

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 30:17-21; 38:8

 

Between the brazen altar and the tabernacle stood  the brazen laver.  It’s position before the tabernacle shows we cannot approach God until we are washed and clean. It’s position past the brazen altar is important in regards to a lost person cannot approach God through any personal effort, it takes a sacrifice and offering first (brazen altar).

The Laver shows the position of baptism and is a type of daily cleansing.

Why no dimensions given?   The laver with water typifies the Word of God, it cleanses us (John 15:3) and there is no limit to it’s fullness in our lives (Psalm 119:96).

 

Cleansing at the Laver

As cleansing

  • It was for the priests only (Ex 30:19)
  • 1 Peter 2:9  Today, it is New Testament Church members, a royal priesthood that are to be cleansed daily for our service to God.

Done outside the tabernacle

  • Ex 30:20  The priests were to wash and be clean before they entered the tabernacle, to enable one to rightfully enter to worship.
  • For us today, spiritual cleansing should take place immediately before coming into worship.
  • Psalm 66:18  To allow fellowship with God.
  • The priests hands represented service, their feet represented their walk (witness).  Our service and witness should be clean.
  • Psalm 24:3-4 Clean hands and a pure heart come from cleansing (confession of sins).

Was not an option

  • 1 John 1:8  All need cleansing, even if we deceive ourselves.
  • Ex 30:20  Priests would die if they entered tabernacle “dirty”.  How often do we enter God’s house “dirty”?
  • 1 Cor 11:30-31  We are to examine ourselves, comparing  to God’s Word,
  • not to others (2 Cor 10:12 fools).  This will keep away God’s judgment.

Water itself – used in laver

  • Ex 17:3,6; 1 Cor 10:4  water from smitten rock used to quench thirst.
  • Lev 11:25, 40  Personal washing
  • Ex 29:17; Lev 1:9, 13  Used for washing of parts of slain offerings

The Laver

The laver-Tabernacle lesson 7

In position the Laver is a type of baptism.

  • The laver outside the tabernacle did not put people in the tabernacle, just like water baptism today does not put people in the Lord’s church, but is one of the prerequisites for entering the Lord’s church.
  • Lev 8:6  At the consecration of the high priest, Moses cleansed (baptized) Aaron and his sons.
  • Matthew 3:13-17 John baptized Jesus before His ministry.
  • Acts 2:41 Saved, then baptized, than members of the church.

Baptism is outside the church, but should immediately precede entering into

There are five necessities for Scriptural baptism:

  1. Proper Authority – a New Testament Church
  2. Scriptural candidate – one saved
  3. Scriptural purpose – submission to His will
  4. Scriptural administrator – an ordained preacher
  5. Scriptural mode – immersion in water

Types

  • John 13:2-11 Jesus washes the disciples feet.  To prepare them spiritually. To show His love for them.
  • Rev 7:14  Spiritual cleansing is by the blood of the Lamb.

The laver materials.

The Laver in the Tabernacle

  • Exodus 38:8 The laver was made of brass, and with brass mirrors from the women.
  • The mirrors were to show any defilement.
  • The brass always spoke of judgment.

Water was placed in the laver for the purpose of cleansing from the defilement of daily sin.

John 15:3  Today we are cleansed by His Word.

James 1:22-25  Word is like a mirror.

We are cleansed inwardly through the shed blood of Jesus, and outwardly by the Spirit and Word.

Psalm 119:9

1 John 1:7

Rev 1:5

The Brazen Alter-Tabernacle Lesson 6

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Brazen Alter of the Tabernacle

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 27:1-8; 38:1-7

See pictures 5,6,7.  An altar is by definition a place to slaughter, usually in sacrifice.  It also means to do sacrifice, to kill, or to slay.  Brazen altar means the place where judgment for sin was transferred to the innocent, from the guilty, for the sacrifice’s death.

Lev 5:5-10 How it was done, sin’s price paid.

2 Cor 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18 How it is done today, Jesus was the sacrifice for our sin.

The Brazen Alter of Brass

After passing the outer gate with its various colored curtains, the first thing that greeted the sinner was the altar of brass (judgment).

A.      Judgment begins at the house of God

Proverbs 11:31 God will chasten or bless, especially His children.

Luke 12:46-48 Those that “know” God’s will and are not “doing” are judged harsher than those who are ignorant and not doing.

Romans 14:10 All the saved will face Jesus at the Judgment Seat of Christ. Just as all that passed through the Gate were, none were exempt.

1 Peter 4:17-19 Judged as a child of God, a member of His Church, is where to be.

The altar was anointed, and all “his” vessels, and God said it was most holy.

Exodus 40:10 The altar and all the utensils were set apart, to be used exclusively for God.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 Are we vessels of honor or dishonor?  Is God able to use us in His service?

After this altar was anointed, it was dedicated by the twelve princes of Israel.

Numbers 7:10-11, 84-89 Each tribe participated in the anointing and dedication of the altar, giving offerings to show special work of the altar.

Hebrews 9:18-22 Moses sprinkled blood on altar to show true sacrifice that was to come.

We have an altar in New Testament time also

Romans 12:1-2 We are to present our lives a sacrifice for God’s service.

Hebrews 13:10, 15-16 Jesus is our sacrifice, our altar we are to sacrifice to daily.

1 Peter 2:5 We are priests, alive stones that make up His house, offering sacrifices to God that are only acceptable because they are through Jesus.

The Composition of the brazen altar

Brazen Alter of the tabernacle

The altar was three cubits high and five cubits square;

Thus four square, 4.5 feet high by 7.5 feet long by 7.5 feet wide.

The altar had four horns

One on each corner for which to bind the sacrifice.

Psalm 118:27 bind the sacrifice to the horns of the altar.

Gen 22:9 As Abraham bound Isaac to sacrifice him.

As Jesus was nailed to the cross.  John 20:25 (print of the nails in hands).

The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with a heavy layer of brass.

  • Exodus 27:8; 38:7  The vertical brass walls were made hollow to put boards in and were completely sealed with brass (wood would not burn without oxygen). It would not have been common to have wood this close to a constant fire, but God was showing a pattern. This represents the twofold nature of Jesus.  As the wood suffered through every sacrifice but was not consumed, so Jesus suffered in the flesh, alone,  through His sacrifice.
  • Psalm 88:7-9  As wood was isolated by brass, Jesus was alone on the cross.
  • Matthew 26:74-75 Fear of man caused Peter to deny Jesus, Jesus was alone.
  • Matthew 27:45-46 When Jesus took our sin upon Himself, the Father turned away (Psalm 22:1).
  • Hebrews 5:8  Jesus suffered separation from the Father to do His will (obedience).

Was the altar ever changed after it’s initial construction?

  • Num 16:36-40  How do we know it was the brazen altar and not the altar of Incense?  Everything on the outside of the Tabernacle proper is of gold, on the outside is brass.
  • Exodus 30:1,3; Hebrews 9:4;  Revelation 8:3  (golden altar, golden censer)
  • Num 16:40 The brazen censers were flattened and put on brazen altar as a memorial or warning that none other than the priests were to offer incense before the Lord.

The altar’s vessels were of brass. See picture 10.

vessels of brass-alter tools

  • Pans to receive the ashes
  • Shovels to shovel the ashes
  • Basins to receive the blood
  • Flesh hooks to handle the offerings
  • Fire pans to remove the coals from the altar
  • Pans to bake meat offerings

The altar had a grate or network of brass on which the fire burned. See picture 7.

Brazen Alter Grate of brass

Exodus 38:5; 27:5  (compass means ledge, net is grate).

The altar had two staves of acacia wood overlaid with brass to be put in the two rings on each side in order to bear it.

  • Reminds us of the Godhead. God the Father and God the Holy Spirit in the two staves, bearing (carrying) God the Son (the sacrifice) to the world.  Which is the gospel.
  • 1 Cor 15:1-4 Carrying the news of Jesus to the world.

Fire was miraculously kindled and kept burning perpetually.

  • Leviticus 6:12-13 Was to never go out.  Shows the undying devotedness of Christ. Shows God is always ready to accept a person’s proper sacrifice (seeking forgiveness).
  • Jeremiah 23:29; 20:9  God’s Word is like a fire in us that will endure.
  • Leviticus 9:24 Fire came from God.   2 Chronicles 7:1-3  Same for fire in Temple.
  • Heb 12:29 God’s fire is His judgment on sin, we should not refuse to serve God (v.25).

The “types” of the brazen altar

The three cubits of the altar stand for the three persons in the Godhead suffering the judgment of sin.

  1. The Father was the giver
  2. The Son was the sufferer
  3. The Holy Spirit was/is the wooer (draws, invites, petitions)

The altar was foursquare, the same on all sides, to show completeness and equality

  • Romans 2:11; 3:23 All are treated the same, no exceptions.
  • Acacia wood showed Jesus’ humanity
  • Hebrews 2:14,17-18 Jesus took on the form of man, flesh.  Jesus knows all our pains and trials, having experienced everything we could ever go through.

Blood and Ashes

  • Lev 1:11; 4:7  Blood was sprinkled upon the altar and poured out at the bottom.
  • Psalm 22:14  This pictured our Saviors blood being shed and poured out at Calvary.
  • Lev 6:11 Ashes were carried outside the camp.
  • Numbers 19:9, 16-19 Ashes used to make “water of separation”.  Used to purify an “unclean” person.  Interesting that in our time, ashes are used to make soap, where “Lye” comes from.

Two significant facts were associated with the horns of the altar:

  1. There the innocent victim was bound as the blood was shed.
    • Our Heavenly sacrifice was bound to the horns of the altar, as it were, by the cords of love. Matthew 27:40-43 His love for us and obedience to God’s will kept him from saving Himself. He willingly gave His life, laid Himself on the altar.
    • It was His love that led Him from Heaven’s glory to Calvary.
    • When He set His face steadfastly toward Jerusalem and that altar that was His cross, He knew the anguish of soul, the suffering, and the sorrow that He was to bear for a guilty world.
    • The horns of the altar were sprinkled with the blood of the sacrifice. Exodus 29:12 To picture, Calvary’s cross was stained with the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
  1. The guilty fled for refuge to the horns of the altar.
    • Adonijah and Joab 1 Kings 1:50-53;  1 Kings 2:28-34 Refuge could be found at the altar just as we can find refuge. Judgment is still given out though.
    • The sinner must come to Christ for safety from the righteous judgment of God.
  2. The four horns on the four corners of the altar pointed to the four corners of the earth, thus salvation is extended to all mankind. Isaiah 45:22 Salvation is available to all.

The four rings of the altar.

Four things Christ was made for us  1 Corinthians 1:30

  • Wisdom
  • Righteousness
  • Sanctification
  • Redemption

The altar was covered with badger skins when moved

Numbers 4:14

  • No beauty  Isaiah 53:1-2; 1 Corinthians 2:14
  • Marred more than any man  Isaiah 52:13-15
  • Covered, or hid  2 Corinthians 4:3-6 We see the beauty of God, the world sees foolishness.

There was only one recognized altar of sacrifice.

  • It could not be substituted in the approach to God. We need to apply this to false altars today.
  • 1 Kings 12:28-30; 13:34   Jeroboam’s attempt to build more altars to God was sin.
  • Eph 4:3-6  God recognizes “one”.

The Gate of the Tabernacle-Tabernacle Lesson 5

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Gate of the Tabernacle

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 27:16-19; 38:18-19

 The only door through which one could gain entrance to the outer court was located on the east side. It would have been lit up by the morning sun.  The gate was 20 cubits wide (30 feet) and 5 cubits high (7.5 feet, same as courtyard). It was made up of 4 colors (blue, purple, scarlet, and white) sewed together (needlework or embroidery).  It was held up by four pillars.  See picture three.

The four pillars were the same as those used in the courtyard fence.  Made of wood that was set in brass socket foundations with silver caps and hooks.

Each section (between each post) of the gate was 5 cubits by 5 cubits, 5 represents grace. So there is abundant grace available to come to Jesus.

Acts 15:11; Eph 2:8-9; 2 Tim 1:9  Because of God’s grace (favor, goodwill, love) we are invited to come to the “gate”.

 

 One Gate (one way into inner court – to salvation)

A.      God has always had just one way to himself, that one way is through Jesus His Son.

John 10:7-9 Jesus is the door of the sheep. You have to go through Jesus to be part of the flock (for salvation) and to be part of His Church (pasture where sheep are fed).

John 14:6  Jesus is the ONLY door (way) to God.

Acts 4:12  Jesus is the only one that can save us, salvation is not in any other way.

John 6:44  Only One Spirit can draw us to salvation to the One Jesus. Without the drawing of the Spirit we can be saved even if we want it..we can’t save ourselves.

John 10:1 Those who find other ways to God will be judged as thieves and robbers.

Matt 7:21-23  Those who think they have found a way through the Gate other than through Jesus will be sadly mistaken at judgment time.

The Gate

A.     The width of the gate is to teach man there is ample room for all who come on God’s terms.

Matt 11:28  It is like Jesus stands before us with out-stretched arms, “Come unto Me”.

Matt 7:13-14 Even though all are invited to enter the Gate into the Kingdom, the way is narrow or restricted by God’s requirements (Repentance and faith in Jesus).

Ephesians 3:14-21 In regards to sizing up God, Paul encourages us to know or comprehend (grasp) the fullness of God (v.19).  Eph 1:23 that fullness can be realized when we are part of His body, the Church.

Romans 5:8  How big is God’s love?

John 3:16 God’s love is big enough to give His only Son, enough so that “whosoever” or anyone that believeth, denoting no limitation to the door size, all can come in.

The Fine-Twined Linen

A.     The gate was a hanging of fine twined linen that was of needlework of four colors. The four colors stand for the four Gospels.

Closeup of Tabernacle Gate

  1. Purple – Matthew – royalty:

Matt 1:21-23; 2:2    God with us.  King of the Jews.

Rev 19:16 King of Kings. Phillip 2:9-11 All bow to Jesus.  Heb 8:1 sitting with God.

  1. Scarlet – Mark – sacrificial suffering of our Savior: the color of blood

Mark 10:45 Give His life a ransom for many.  Col 1:14 Redemption through His blood.  Heb 2:9 Lowered Himself, died for us.

  1. White – Luke – His purity:

Luke 1:35 That Holy thing which shall be born.

Luke 2:14  At His birth, Glory to God in the highest.

Luke 23:4, 14 I find no fault in this Man.  Heb 4:15 Sinless.

  1. Blue – John – Heavenly origin:

John 1:1-2; 3:13,31; 6:32-33,58  Come from Heaven.

1 Cor 15:47-49  the Man of Heaven.

1 Tim 3:16 God was manifest in the flesh.

B.     The needlework of the Gate was the work of people filled with the Spirit. The stitching together of the four colors was of the finest linen the world had, and needlework of the embroiderer was God led. Ex 35:25-26  God lead woman.

Matt 19:23-24 The needlework of the Gate can be seen as going through the eye of a needle.  Easy if you set your eye on the goal of getting through, hard if you are still hanging on to the world (your money is more important).

 

The four pillars, set in sockets of brass.

A.     These pillars stand for the four Gospels anchored in judgment.

2 Cor 5:21  All who reject the Gospel will be judged by them because of what Christ suffered for us.

Acts 17:30-31  Brass stands for earthly judgment.  Rev 1:15 Jesus was shod with brass, bringing judgment.

The Gate, in type, is the way into the Kingdom, it is one of three entrances of the Tabernacle.

 A.     The three doors represent Jesus:

The Way (first door, gate),  salvation is the first door to God. John 14:6

The Truth (door into Tabernacle proper),  Church membership is the second door, gives access to Comforter, position to be part of the Bride.

 The Life (veil into the holy of holies). Being part of the Bride gets you to the throne of God.

Rev:21:10-12, 21, 25  New Jerusalem will have 12 gates, all kept open.

The Court of the Tabernacle-Tabernacle Lesson 4

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 27:9-19; 38:9-20

 

The court was a perfect oblong, twice as long as its breadth, being 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide (about 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, a cubit is about 18 inches or 1.5 feet).  It was 5 cubits high (7 ½ feet high). See picture one.

Pillar of the tabernacle

The outer courtyards construction was upon 60 pillars. See picture four.

They were all set into 60 brass sockets for a foundation.

Each pillar had a chapiter (ornamental head or cap), which was overlaid with silver.

Each had a silver hook on which the curtains were hung.

There were 20 pillars on the South side, and 20 on the North side.

There were 10 on both the East and West side.

They were all united to each other by a silver connecting bar, called a silver fillet.

 

 The need for the court wall

A.      To teach man he was outside and God was on the inside.

Ephesians 2:14 There is a wall between God and lost man.

Isaiah 55:6 Man was to come to the Tabernacle to find God.   Isa 59:1-2 Sin makes us hide from God, separates us.

God desires for Man to find Him (Gen 3:8-9, Luke 19:10).

When God and Man come together (man gets saved) there is rejoicing.

B.      Once inside the court, man could have communion and fellowship with God in His Kingdom.

John 3:1-5  As Jesus taught Nicodemus, salvation gets you into the kingdom of God.

The Tabernacle proper (structure in the court) was in the court like the New Testament churches are in the Kingdom, but the churches are not the Kingdom, nor the Kingdom the churches.

The court is a picture of the Word of God

A.   The Word reveals how sin has been judged and put under foot (brass sockets)

Brass speaks of judgment. 

Num 21:9 – Brass serpent had to be looked at to be cured

John 3:14 – Brass serpent was a picture of looking to Jesus

Rev 1:15 – Jesus feet like fine brass, bringing judgment.

Col 1:20 – Man must pass through the judgment of God before he can have peace (reconcile with God), and that is through repentance and faith in the shed blood of Christ.

B.     The theme of redemption, running through the whole Bible, is sometimes called “the scarlet thread of redemption”. Here it is seen as the silver fillet of redemption, extending to the full measurement of the court.

1 Peter 1:18-21 Redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Titus 2:11,14 – Redemption available for all.

 

The “fine twined Linen” hangings are a type of Christ, our Righteousness

A.    Our Holy God cannot bear the presence of sin, but in matchless love, He provided righteousness for every sinner who will receive it as a free gift of His grace.

John 3:16 – He loved the whole world, gave His Son.

2 Cor 5:21 – Jesus became sin for us so we could be right in God’s eyes.

B.    The “fine twined linen” that formed the court of the tabernacle spoke eloquently of all that God is in His sinless, spotless Person, and of all that He requires of the sinner who would enter into His holy presence unafraid and unashamed.

Hebrews 4:14-16  We can come boldly to the throne of God because of Jesus.

C. The white linen hanging that surrounded the court of the tabernacle also served as a constant reminder to the sinning Israelite that God’s dwelling place is holy.

  1. It reminds His people to live apart from the heathen, godless world. Romans 12:1-2
  2. The Hebrew tabernacle is a type of the church, as well as a foreshadowing of the Lord Jesus.
  3. We are exhorted by the Holy Spirit to a life of separation from the godless, Christ rejecting world.

II Cor 6:11-18 – be separate.

Titus 2:12 – live godly.

1 Peter 1:16 – Be holy as God is holy.

Cords attached to pillars:

Hosea 11:4  Cords of the tabernacle drew man to God. Connected to silver on pillar, attached to ground via brass stakes. Shows Jesus holds our spiritual lives secure, as He is our Redeemer and Judge.

 

The hooks and chapiters of silver are symbolic of Christ, our Redeemer Silver stands for redemption.

A.   This silver was a part of the redemption money given by the children of Israel

Exodus 30:11-16; 38:25-28  The redemption money was a memorial, to make an atonement (redeem) them.  It was used to get the silver for the pillars (fillet, hooks, and capiters)  and for the sockets for the sanctuary.

Matt 26:14-15  30 pieces of silver was the price of Jesus betrayal.  Matt 27:3-10  (Zech 11:12-13) Drove Judas to suicide, money used to buy potters field.

Compare:

Before an Israelite could be a soldier for God’s people, he had to present to the Lord a ransom for his soul. Redemption money.

Before we can become soldiers of the cross, we must be redeemed by the blood of the Son of God.

Eph 2:13, 19 – We are no longer strangers, we become part of the household of God, “nigh” or close to God.  Our ransom has been paid.

2 Tim 2:3-4 As soldiers we are not to be traitors, to remember who redeemed us.

Tabernacle and New Testament Church Analogy-Tabernacle Lesson 3

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THE ANALOGY (similarity) BETWEEN THE TABERNACLE AND NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

Lesson by: Bro. Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 25:8, Psalm 77:13, Hebrews 8:2

God appointed the holy place for the construction of the Tabernacle and the foundation of the New Testament Church.

A.      The Tabernacle: God appointed the Holy Place for it’s construction.  Exodus 3:5, 12, 18.

B.      The foundation (Jesus) of the New Testament Church was appointed by God.

 1 Cor 3:11; Isaiah 28:16; Eph 2:20; Matt 16:18; Acts 10:37-43.

 

  1. Devine blueprint
  2. The Tabernacle was built after Devine blueprint. Exodus 25:9; Hebrews 8:5
  3. The New Testament Church was built by God.
  4. Ephesians 3:9-10 (from the beginning was planned, now known by the church).
  5. John 17:4 (finished the work thou gave me to do).
  6. Matt 16:18 (I will build my Church).
  7. Hebrews 8:2 (God pitched not man)

 

  • Sanctified (made holy) by God

  1. The Tabernacle was sanctified by the Glory of God. Exodus 29:42-46.
  2. God sanctified His Church by giving it His glory.
  3. John 17:22 (all the glory God the Father gave to Jesus, He gave to His church).
  4. Hebrews 2:11 (He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified).
  5. Hebrews 13:12 (Sanctified by His blood).
  6. Hebrews 10:14 (His one offering made us acceptable forever in God’s eyes).
  7. Rev 1:6 (Made us kings and priests, holy).

 

  1. No fleshly (sensual pleasure) worship
  2. The Tabernacle was to have NO sensual (pleasure) worship.
  3. Exodus 30:34-38. The perfume was not to be used for personal fleshly use (like we would use perfume today), it was strictly for worship, pure and holy.
  4. The New Testament Church is not to have also.
  5. John 4:23-24 (God is spiritual, worship must be spiritual, not flesh pleasing, and be based on truth of His word).
  6. 2 Cor 3:17-18 (God has allowed that veil or barrier to be removed between Himself and us (liberty) and as He is spiritual and glorious, so are we (in the same image).
  7. Ephesians 2:22 (We are the Church, a habitation of God through the Spirit).
  8. Colossians 2:2-23 (God has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge(v.3), we are complete in Him(v.10), we have buried the old fleshy person(v.12), now part of the Body (v.19), no longer subject to satisfying the flesh (v.23)).
  9. Hebrews 2:3 (We need to heed to the spiritual things we have, not to neglect the salvation and life we are to live for God, to no longer be subject to the flesh).
  10. Jude 17-19 (As we get closer to the Lord’s return, will we fall back to our sensual ways, turning our backs on God, walk after ungodly lusts?).

  • Fed by God

The people for whom the Tabernacle was constructed were fed in the wilderness.

 Psalm 78:19-26. God supplied the needs of the people with water and food (manna and quail) while they were in the wilderness.

Deut 8:2-4 Clothes never wore out.

Water (Ex. 17:6, Num 20:11)  1 Cor 10:3-4 water was picture of spiritual.

Manna (Ex. 16:4, 14-15, 31, 33-35)

Quail (Ex 16:12-13, Num 11:31)

  1. So our Lord fed the people from which He built the New Testament Church.
  2. Matthew 15:32-38; Mark 8:1-9 Jesus fed the 4,000 with 7 loaves of bread and some fish.
  3. John 21:1-14 After Jesus resurrection he helped feed the disciples.
  4. Matthew 17:24-27 Jesus supplied money to pay taxes.
  5. Matt 4:4 God feeds us spiritually via His Word.
  6. John 4:31-38 Jesus food was the Father’s will.

 

  1. Anointed before God’s glory filled it
  2. Aaron and his sons were anointed before Tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord.
  3. Exodus 28:40-41 Before Aaron and sons could minister as priests, they had to be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified.
  4. Exodus 29:5-7 Anointed with oil by pouring on his head.
  5. Exodus 30:30-33 the anointing oil could not be used for anything else.
  6. Exodus 40:12-15 Washed with water, than anointed. Set apart for God’s service.
  7. Numbers 7:1 After being erected, before it could be used, this anointing had to occur.
  8. It was also true with the Lord and His Church
  9. Matthew 3:16-17 Jesus was baptized, anointed, to do the work of a priest.
  10. Luke 4:18-19 (from Isaiah 61:1-2) Jesus came as the anointed One.
  11. Hebrews 1:9; 2:9, 11 Jesus was anointed by God as we are, but Jesus higher (above thy fellows) more superior .
  12. John 20:21-23 Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection and breathed on them the Holy Spirit (anointed). This was to comfort and encourage them until the day of Pentecost, they did not receive Comforter here, was done on day of Pentecost.
  13. 2 Cor 1:21-22 Anointed us. Given us “earnest” portion of Spirit to seal us.
  14. Eph 1:13-14 Earnest of our inheritance. We have to be saved before God’s glory can fill us.

 

  • God spoke out from after it was assembled

  1. God spoke from the Tabernacle. Leviticus 1:1
  2. God is forever with His Church, speaks to us through the Word and Spirit. As we (church members) preach the gospel, we are speaking His words, should be as if God Himself is speaking.
  3. Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus promised to be with us to the end of the world.
  4. Mark 16:15 As we preach the gospel, we are conveying God’s words. Heb 4:12 The Word of God is what is alive that we are using. Isa 55:10-11 Word is alive, it grows where planted.  Acts 7:38 “Lively” is alive.
  5. John 13:20 As we go in the name of God, it is a if God goes.
  6. Revelation 1:12-20 Jesus will forever speak as the Head of His Church (alive for evermore), He holds the keys to Heaven and Hell.

 

  • The place of testimony (definition of testimony: evidence in support of God, declaration of the precepts of God, support of or proof of)

  1. The Tabernacle was the place of testimony. Numbers 1:50 Everything about the Tabernacle was a testimony to God, even the Levites themselves.
  2. The New Testament Church is the place of testimony.
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:6 The work that Jesus came and accomplished, the results are seen (should be reflected) in us.
  4. Revelation 12:17; 19:10 The testimony of Jesus. The gospel  (teachings of, message of, doctrines).

 

  1. Lord walked in.
  2. The Lord walked in the Tabernacle.
  3. Acts 7:37-38 “He that was in the church in the wilderness”. God was visible as the cloud by day and fire by night.
  4. Leviticus 26:11-12 Set His Tabernacle among them, I will walk among you.
  5. 2 Samuel 7:6-7 David’s desire to build the Temple, God had always dwelt and walked in the Tabernacle.
  6. The Lord walks in His Church.
  7. Revelation 1:13 The Lord has always been in the midst of His Churches.

 

  1. We are to encamp next to.
  2. The Levites were to encamp near it
  3. Numbers 1:50-53 The Levites made the work of the Tabernacle their whole life. They lived next to it.
  4. The Lord’s church members are to do the same
  5. Hebrews 10:25 If we are not near it, how can we assemble with it?
  6. Ephesians 3:21 If we are not present during services, how can we give Him glory?
  7. James 4:7-8 Living lives close to God means God is close to us.
  8. Acts 2:44-47 Were together, had things in common, one accord, Church was a priority.
  9. See Last paragraph of the Church Covenant. We are to always be members of, and in attendance, the Lord’s Church.

 

  1. God is always present to lead the people.
  2. The cloud was always above to lead the people.
  3. Numbers 9:15-23 God was the Cloud by day, pillar of fire at night. When the cloud moved, they moved.
  4. The Holy Spirit is always ready to lead His Churches today.
  5. Matthew 28:20 “I am with you always”. Psalm 23 Shepherd is always with His sheep.
  6. Acts 1:8 At the day of Pentecost the “Holy Spirit is come upon you”, the Comforter resided with the Church.
  7. Romans 8:14, 26 Spirit is here to led us, we are to receptive to Him.
  8. 2 Corinthians 3:17 The Spirit in our midst is the same as Jesus being in our midst, they are both God.
  9. Luke 11:13 God gives the Holy Spirit to us, as Comforter.
  10. John 14:26 God is in our midst as the Comforter.  1John 5:7  Spirit is God.

 

  • God is leading.

  1. The Tabernacle and it’s people were led from one wilderness to another by the Lord.
  2. Numbers 10:11-12 Where God led, they followed.
  3. The Lord is leading His Churches today by the Holy Spirit in their midst.
  4. Ephesians 5:18; 4:30 We are to be filled with the Spirit, to be led by Him.
  5. Romans 8:36-39 Nothing can separate us from God.

 

  • Followed God by following the structure God put in place.

  1. The tabernacle people, by tribes in their own particular service, marched under their own standard, or leader.
  2. Numbers 10:14-28 There was structure when they moved. God expects things to be done orderly and without confusion.
  3. New Testament Churches should follow their leader, as he follows Christ.
  4. Acts 20:28 Paul admonished the leaders of the churches to feed the congregations, to watch over it.
  5. 1 Corinthians 4:16 As Paul followed God, they were to follow him.
  6. Ephesians 4:11-16 God gives the Church leaders such as pastors to help the body, help it mature and be strong for God. Heb 13:7, 17
  7. 1 Tim 5:1,17-19; 1Cor 14:33,40  God has a structure in place to not have confusion.

 

  • No other place of worship.

  1. The Tabernacle people were commanded not to build any other place of worship.
  2. Joshua 22:19, 29 Any other worship outside of what God instituted was rebellion and idolatry. 1 Kings 12:25-33 Man made church put of convenience. 1 Kings 13:34 Was sin.
  3. All “church-makers” today are forbidden.
  4. Matthew 15:8-13 If God did not start it, it was/is not God’s. Acts 8:11-17 example of church starting a church (lineage).
  5. 1 Corinthians 3:11 The only foundation God recognizes is the one Jesus laid (Matt 16:18).
  6. 2 John 9 For God to be part of it, it needs to follow the doctrine of God. 1 Tim 3:15 The truth is in the church Jesus started, not man made churches.
  7. Revelation 2:1-4 Leaving God out of our worship means leaving “our first love”, none of it matters to God, He will have “somewhat against us”.

 

  1. Have keepers to watch.
  2. The Tabernacle had keepers to watch.
  3. 1 Chronicles 9:17-25 These porters were to watch over the Tabernacle and it’s service.
  4. New Testament Churches have watchers.
  5. Matthew 28:20 teaching them to observe (watch over).
  6. Mark 13:34 As church members we are to be a porter, to watch over, be busy working while the Master is away.
  7. John 10:1-5 There is only one way to enter the door of the Church, only one Porter, that Good Shepherd is Jesus. Only one Porter for the sheep to follow.
  8. 2 Timothy 4:5 Watch and endure, share the gospel (evangelize).
  9. Ezekiel 33:7-8 Watchman is like a keeper. (Acts 20:31, 2 Thess 2:3 watching, not deceived).

 

  • Laws to govern.

  1. There were laws demanding certain actions so they could abide in the tabernacle
  2. Judges 17:6 Man needs laws, left to himself we go against God.
  3. Psalm 15:1-5 walk uprightly, act a certain way, heart in right place.
  4. Numbers 15:30-36 Break the laws and you were put outside the camp, and killed at times. There was no sacrifice or offering for intentional sins (Achin and family).
  5. Numbers 12:14-15 Miriam’s sin, going against Moses caused her to be put out of the camp for 7 days, to be removed from where God was, away from the Tabernacle.
  6. The Lord’s Churches also have laws.
  7. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Practice Church discipline to keep the Church blameless, unspotted (Eph5:25-27 part of bride). Matt 16:19 eternal ramifications if outside the church. Heb 10:26-31 church members outside the church are not in a good place. Acts 5:5 mistreat the church can lead to bad things.