p. 1 | The Subject Introduced by Uriah Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Nov 8, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 55 Extra No. 11

The Subject Introduced

By Uriah Smith

The sanctuary — what is it? when is it? where is it? What are its uses, and why? What its relations, and how extensive? What part does it act in the great scheme of human redemption? What prominence is given to it on the inspired pages of the Book of God's revelation to men? What bearing has it upon the interpretation of the prophecies? How is its past history calculated to interest, or how does its present work concern us? What claims has it upon our attention? In what way are our dearest interests connected with it?

The traveler who visits those marked spots where nature has displayed her most marvelous works or her profoundest mysteries, avails himself of the aid of a guide, who has explored each perilous path, knows the way to wonders and beauties hidden from a stranger's eye, and understands what dangers beset the steps of the unwary. We have to some extent explored this remarkable subject, and would be glad to point out to him who has not made it his study some of the beauties we have discovered, though we may have been able to explore but a small proportion of the whole. Those who have acquainted themselves with what the Bible teaches upon this question, will understand the correctness of the following statements. To those who have not, we will offer abundant proof of their truthfulness, if they will go with us in this investigation.

The Center of the Gospel Plan

Let us then say, by way of anticipation, that the sanctuary is a great central object in the plan of salvation. Next to our Lord himself and his work, it claims our attention, as the place where the wonderful process of a world's redemption is carried forward.

There is no one subject which so fully as this unites together all parts of revelation into one harmonious whole. The spokes of a wheel, considered by themselves and apart, may be symmetrical and beautiful; but their uses are made apparent and their utility demonstrated only when, fixed together by a central hub and exterior fellies, they appear as component parts of a perfect wheel. In the great wheel of truth, the sanctuary occupies this central position. In it, the great truths of revelation find their focal point. From it, in every direction, they radiate. It unites the two great dispensations, the Mosaic and the Christian, and shows their relation to each other. It divides with no other subject the high honor of explaining the purpose and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Like a brilliant lamp introduced into a darkened room, it illuminates the whole Mosaic economy. In the light of this subject, the books of Moses, with their detail of offerings and sacrifices, their minutiae of rites and ceremonies, usually considered so void of interest and use, if not of meaning also, become animated with life and radiant with consistency and beauty.

A Key to Prophecy

It is a key to the interpretation of the most important prophecies which are having their fulfillment at the present time. We confidently assert that no person who either ignores this subject or misapprehends it can rightly interpret the prophecies for this time. With this subject understood, it is almost as difficult to come to wrong conclusions as it is otherwise impossible to reach correct ones. These may seem like bold and rash assertions; but they are uttered only under the firmest conviction that they can be made good to the mind of every intelligent and candid reader.

We therefore call the attention of all to the subject of the sanctuary as one of great importance, interest, and profit.

It is a subject of great importance on account of the position it holds in the divine plan.

It is one of interest, so intimately is it connected with the work of our redemption.

Received, it will affect the life, to elevate and sanctify, and so be found at last to be one of infinite profit.—Introduction to "The Sanctuary."