The Way of Salvation
"Such subjects as the sanctuary, in connection with the 2300 days, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are perfectly calculated to explain the past Advent movement and show what our present position is, establish the faith of the doubting, and give certainty to the glorious future. These, I have frequently seen, were the principal subjects on which the messengers should dwell."-Early Writings, p. 63.
The importance of the study of the sanctuary and its services is here described by the Lord's messenger. It is a subject almost unknown in most denominations, but since the study of the sanctuary is in truth the study of the atonement of Christ for man, it is easy to understand why the evil one seeks to keep it hidden from the people. "The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. . . The sanctuary in heaven is the very center of Christ's work in behalf of men. . . . The intercession of Christ in man's behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross."-The Great Controversy, pp. 488, 489.
Thus we see that our aim in presenting the subject of the sanctuary is to point the people to the Lamb of God, who redeemed them, and now as their great High Priest is interceding for them.
Aim: To impress the reader with the fact that Jesus the Lamb of God, and His atonement, is the WAY, and the only way, to salvation.
Interest approach: "We shall begin a series of studies concerning the sanctuary services of the ancient Jews. Why did God institute such an economy, and does it mean anything to us today?"
I. INTRODUCTION
I. David asked, "Teach me thy way" (Ps. 86:11).
2. After study and prayer David learned that God's way was in the sanctuary (Ps. 77:12, 13).
3. Jesus said, "I am the way." How did Jesus become the way? (John 14:6.)
II. WHY THE NEED OF A SAVIOUR
1. Sin caused man to fear God (Gen. 3:9, 10).
2. Sin separated man from God (Isa. 59:1, 2).
3. Sin brought death (Rom. 5:12).
4. After SID., man became inherently oil. All have sinned (* Rom. 3:23).
5. The broken law demanded death (* 1 John 3:4; Rom, 6:23).
III. SYMBOL OF A SAVIOUR
1. Promise to Adam and Eve (Gen. 3:15).
2. Cain and Abel understood offerings. Blood must be shed. Why was Abel's offering accepted? (Gen. 4:3-5.)
3. Jesus the Lamb before earth created (Rev. 13:8).
4. He died in our place. Slain lamb represented Jesus (I Peter 1:18-20).
5. John testified, "Behold the lamb of God" (° John 1:29).
6. Patriarchs understood plan of salvation. Abraham saw death of Jesus in offering of Isaac (Gen. 22:7, 8; John 8:56, 58; Heb. 11: 17).
IV. EARTHLY SANCTUARY
1. Israel commanded to make a sanctuary (Ex. 25:8, 40).
2. Description of earthly sanctuary (Heb. 9:2-5).
a. Holy place
(1) Altar of incense (Ex. 30:1-6).
(2) Table of shewbread (Ex. 25:23-30).
(3) Seven-branched candlestick (vs. 31, 32).
b. Most holy place-ark with mercy seat (vs. 10-22).
c. Court
(1) Laver of brass (Ex. 30:17-19).
(2) Altar of burnt offering (Ex. 27:1).
V. HEAVENLY SANCTUARY
I. Earthly sanctuary patterned after heavenly (*Ex. 25:40).
2. John saw in vision the temple in heaven (Rev. 11:19).
3. He saw seven lamps of fire (Rev. 4:5).
4. Also saw altar of incense (Rev. 8:3, 4).
5. Was shown ark of testimony (Rev. 11:19).
VI. CONCLUSION AND APPEAL
1. Christ ministers before God for us (Heb. 9:24; Ps. 102:19).
2. Christ ministers in heavenly sanctuary (Heb. 8:1, 2).
3. He understands our problems; we may come to Him with confidence (Heb. 4:15, 16).