In the first covenant there were definite rules and regulations for worship. A tabernacle was set up that housed the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was all in one room. Behind this was a curtain with a room called the Most Holy Place. Here the gold-covered ark of the covenant was placed along with the golden altar of incense. Within this Ark of the Covenant was placed the stone tablets of the covenant, the gold jar of manna, and Aarons staff. As we know, we no longer need a priest to enter into the most holy place on our behalf anymore because Jesus has made the perfect sacrifice by giving of himself for us. He is our high priest. My point in all of this is perhaps twofold: One of the considerations is that God is always giving us types and shadows in the Old Testament, and then we find the fulfillment of them, in a new covenant. Time does not allow me to go into detail about all the various examples of this. However, what I have wanted to point out is not just how God uses typologies to illustrate his word to us, but that these are but a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven.
Moses was commanded to build this first sanctuary under Gods direction using very specific and precise measurements and considerations. Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. Ex. 25:8-9
Ezekiel was shown in his apocalyptic visions, a temple that housed various rooms and had specifications for the measurements of walls, alcoves, porticoes, and the over-all architecture in it. Only the Zadok priesthood was given the privilege of ministering before the Lord in this future temple.
God has a sanctuary where he presides. The sanctuaries that man has been commissioned to build here on earth, with Holy Spirit dimensions and details, speak or show, in a finite sense, what the sanctuary is like in heaven. And to be sure, man cannot perhaps describe in words, or even in a vision, adequately what the throne room is like where God is. We can be sure though, that Gods sanctuary is a most holy place.
His primary and most ever-lasting sanctuary here on earth, is the temple not built with human handsour hearts. Here God is pleased to dwell if he finds a place that is consecrated and made holy for him. As mentioned God works in the natural first and then he establishes a spiritual principle to us. As I Co. 15:46 says: [46] The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. First the old creation, then the new. First Adam, and then the last Adam. First the Passover and then the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. First the old temple or tabernacle, and then the last temple which is consecrated in our hearts. Perhaps all of the sanctuaries and all of the tabernacles were but a shadow, were but a of that final temple not made with human hands, the heart.
We need to know that the law was only a shadow of the good things that are comingnot the realities themselves. Heb. 10:1 So the law and the tabernacles of the past are all imperfect as we know. We now have a more perfect tabernacle made available to us through the perfect sacrifice of Gods son, Jesus. When Christ died on the cross and the veil of the temple was rent, that was the end of the law, but it was also the beginning of grace. God always takes away the first, that he may establish the second. (Heb. 10:9)
Let us go past the shewbread. Let us go past the golden candle sticks, and the altar of incense. Let us know that these are all but types and shadowsof what is to come.
Prophetic word:
In my abode in heaven I have a sanctuary. In my sanctuary in heaven is to be found all the glories that the tabernacle could ever hold. Know that this tabernacle of mine houses a shewbread that is of an everlasting bread. Know that the candles burn forever, and the Ark of the Covenant is not housed within a box. There I will be in your midst when you worship me. I have come to fulfill the law and the prophets, and the greatest thing that could ever be housed would be a heart that is truly given to me. All the tabernacles and all of the sanctuaries, are but a type, are but a
PS 63:2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.
PS 102:19 "The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth,
HEB 10:16 "This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds."