Thematic Bible: Symbol of spiritual things


Thematic Bible




For not into a Holy place built by men's hands--a mere copy of the reality--did Christ enter, but He entered Heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Verse ConceptsCopies Of AltarsAtonement, in NTSanctuaryJesus Christ, Love OfChrist, The High PriestAntitypesAdvocatesThe Presence Of ChristChrist And HeavenThe Temple In HeavenThe Presence Of Godreality

and ministers in the Holy place and in the true tabernacle which not man, but the Lord pitched. Verse ConceptsSanctuaryThe Temple In HeavenThe Tabernacle

and serve a copy and type of the heavenly things, just as Moses was divinely instructed when about to build the tabernacle. For God said, "See that you make everything in imitation of the pattern shown you on the mountain." Verse ConceptsArchitectureForeshadowingMoses, Life OfPriesthood, In NtShadowsDivine PlansAntitypesDesignPatternsThe Temple In HeavenHeavenly Visionreality

Now even the first Covenant had regulations for divine worship, and had also its sanctuary--a sanctuary belonging to this world. For a sacred tent was constructed--the outer one, in which were the lamp and the table and the presented loaves; and this is called the Holy place. And behind the second veil was a sacred tent called the Holy of holies. read more.
This had a censer of gold, and the ark of the Covenant lined with gold and completely covered with gold, and in it were a gold vase which held the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded and the tables of the Covenant. And above the ark were the Cherubim denoting God's glorious presence and overshadowing the Mercy-seat. But I cannot now speak about all these in detail. These arrangements having long been completed, the priests, when conducting the divine services, continually enter the outer tent. But into the second, the High Priest goes only on one day of the year, and goes alone, taking with him blood, which he offers on his own behalf and on account of the sins which the people have ignorantly committed. And the lesson which the Holy Spirit teaches is this--that the way into the true Holy place is not yet open so long as the outer tent still remains in existence. And this is a figure--for the time now present--answering to which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, unable though they are to give complete freedom from sin to him who ministers. For their efficacy depends only on meats and drinks and various washings, ceremonies pertaining to the body and imposed until a time of reformation. But Christ appeared as a High Priest of the blessings that are soon to come by means of the greater and more perfect Tent of worship, a tent which has not been built with hands--that is to say does not belong to this material creation-- and once for all entered the Holy place, taking with Him not the blood of goats and calves, but His own blood, and thus procuring eternal redemption for us.