Mystery of The Ages
Mystery of The Ages© -is a book written by Dr. James Modlish
-reprinted here with the author's permission-

THE TABERNACLE

Introduction: The study of the Tabernacle is a thrilling story: God's desire to dwell with man, and to bring redemption to man.

The Tabernacle was:

[1]. The dwelling place of God in Israel (in the Wilderness and Canaan)

[2]. A picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and God's salvation in Him.

Why study the Tabernacle?

[1]. The Tabernacle - and the Tabernacle form of worship are figures of that which was to come (Heb. 9:8,9,24; 10:1); God's future plans.

[2]. The Tabernacle and experiences of the Israelites were examples and patterns established by God for us (I Cor. 10:11; Heb. 8:5). 3) The Tabernacle pictures the Lord Jesus Christ in such perfect detail that it thrills the believer as the study unfolds. (Lk. 24:27) Every detail of the Tabernacle points to some aspect of the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

 

I. THE TABERNACLE

The Dwelling Place of God. The word 'tabernacle' means "temporary dwelling place".

A. The Tabernacle of the Old Testament was temporary.

B. The Temple (2 Chr. 5:14) was for a time the dwelling place of God here on earth. (Will be restored for the Millennium)

C. While Jesus was on the earth during His ministry, He was the dwelling place of God, in whom all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily (Col. 2:9).

D. After which Christ took up abode in the heart of the believer (I Cor. 3:16). The word church means "that which is called out", and does not apply to the building, but the believers. Therefore, the Tabernacle is also a picture of the believer, the place where Christ dwells.

[1]. The believer ("in Christ") is the dwelling place, the temple of God (Holy Spirit); the body is the outer court, the soul is the holy place, and the spirit is the holy of holies.

E. In Heaven (Heb. 8:1,2; 9:23,24; Rev. 11:19; 21:3) 

II. THE TABERNACLE TELLS THE COMPLETE PICTURE OF SALVATION

The tabernacle is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a picture of the believer "in Christ", and also a complete picture of the Plan of Salvation.

In God's redemption there are seven steps:

A. As sinners on the outside, we must first enter and stop at the altar (the cross).

B. Next come separation and daily cleansing at the Laver.

C. We enter into fellowship of the Word at the Table.

D. We learn to walk in the light of the Golden Candlestick.

E. Then, and only then, comes power in prayer at the Table of Incense.

F. We are then ready to enter the Holy of Holies of Highest Service (the personal power and communion of the Holy Spirit).

G. Thus, we reach perfect rest and peace at the blood-sprinkled Mercy Seat under the shadow of the cherubim.

The subject of the Tabernacle is inexhaustible, and as we permit the Holy Spirit to help us to understand these truths, we are then to be drawn closer to the Lord Jesus, and by knowing more about Him from this study we will love Him more, and in loving Him more we will serve Him more. Study, then, should result in loving service. 

III. THE TABERNACLE PATTERN

Threefold Division - the number of divine completeness and perfection (John 14:6)

A. The Outer Court - the fence, the brazen altar, the laver.

B. The Holy Place - the table of shewbread, the candlestick, the altar of incense.

C. The Holy of Holies - the ark and the mercy seat. 

IV. THE FOURTEEN MATERIALS

Fourteen is the number of Testimony. The Tabernacle is a place of fellowship, communion, and Testimony. Each material has a typical meaning, the meanings are the same wherever found used in the Tabernacle.

Christ is seen in them all:

A. Gold - deity (Ex. 25:3)
B. Silver - redemption (Ex. 25:3)
C. Brass - judgment (Ex. 25:3; Num. 21:6-9)
D. Blue - heavenly nature and origin (Ex. 25:4)
E. Purple - royalty (Ex. 25:4)
F. Scarlet - sacrificed blood (Ex. 25:4)
G. Fine Linen - spotless righteousness (Ex. 25:4; Rev. 19:8)
H. Goat's Hair - the sinbearer (Ex. 25:4; Lev. 16:20-22)
I. Ram's Skins Dyed Red - the suffering of Christ, the depth and devotion of Christ (Ex. 25:5; Lk. 22:44)
J. Badger's Skins - humility of Christ (Ex. 25:5; Isa. 53:2), a common, ordinary- looking skin
K. Shittim Wood (Acacia) - humanity of Christ (Ex. 25:5)
L. Oil for the Light - the Holy Spirit (Ex. 25:6)
M. Spices for Anointing Oil - sweetness and preciousness of Christ (Ex. 25:6)
N. Onyx Stones - speaks of the Glory of Christ (Ex. 25:7; John 17:5) 

V. SEVEN ARTICLES OF FURNITURE

Seven is the number of perfection. Ark, Mercy Seat, Altar of Incense, Table of Shewbread, Candlestick, Laver, Brazen Altar.
 

VI. THE TABERNACLE HAS BEEN CALLED THE HOUSE OF BLOOD

Because of the blood of the sacrifices required by God. But, all of this blood was merely prophetic, typical, and a shadow of the blood of the coming Lamb of God, His Son:

A. We have redemption through the blood (Eph. 1:7)
B. We have forgiveness through the blood (Eph. 1:7)
C. We have justification through the blood (Rom. 5:9)
D. We have sanctification through the blood (Heb. 10:10)
E. We have cleansing through the blood (I John 1:7)
F. We have peace through the blood (Col. 1:20)
G. We have victory through the blood (Rev. 12:11)

The Old Testament purifying rites (Heb. 9:18,23) could not "take away sins (Heb. 10:4) even when they were performed daily (Heb. 10:11). Sins are not "taken away" unless Christ dies for them with sin ON Him. He is buried with the sins ON Him (Heb. 9:28); He takes them down into the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40) and leaves them there (Heb. 9:28). When He comes up (Acts 2:27,31), He comes up sinless and bearing no sins on Him.

They were to have continual burnt offerings (Ex. 29:38-46)

This was the evening sacrifice spoken of in (I Kings 18:29).

Old Testament saints had sacrifices daily - we had ours once - (Heb. 10:11,12).

This practice will continue in Millennium. (Ez. 46:12-15, 40-48)

Even a priesthood in eternity (Isa. 66:20-22).

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