“S. D. Adventists on the Sanctuary.”
By J. H. W.
An individual in California has heard or read our views on the sanctuary and its cleansing, and attempts to trace them to an absurd conclusion, as follows: “S. D. Adventists of Battle Creek say it is the heavenly sanctuary that is cleansed; if so, then it is the heavenly sanctuary and host that are trodden under foot. But by whom are they trodden under foot? It cannot be by wicked men, for they are excluded; then it must be by wicked angels, for good angels would not do it.” This, he thinks, “is enough to show the absurdity of S. D. Adventists on the sanctuary and host.” But instead of this, I think it clearly shows that the above critic has but a very limited knowledge of the subject. This I propose to show in brief, by taking undisputed facts, and applying his argument to them; and if it proves faulty in regard to these, it cannot be of any force, or value. Paul says in Heb. 6: 6, that certain ones “crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.” The word for “crucified afresh,” is defined to mean “crucify again.” And it will be admitted that the Son of God was crucified but once on the earth; also that he had ascended to Heaven before the letter to the Hebrews was written. And that he was at that time “a minister of the sanctuary” in Heaven, is proved by chap. 8: 1, 2. Then by whom was he crucified again, after his ascension and entrance into the heavenly sanctuary? “It cannot be by wicked men, for they are excluded; then it must be by wicked angels, for good angels would not do it.” But do wicked angels rule in Heaven, and crucify the High Priest in the sanctuary where he ministers in the presence of his Father? The same remarks hold good in regard to Heb. 10: 29, where the same words are used in regard to Christ, the minister of the sanctuary, that are used in regard to the sanctuary and host in Dan. 8,—“hath trodden under foot the Son of God.” If they tread under foot the minister who is in the sanctuary, may they not also tread under foot the sanctuary in which he is ministering? “The host” refers to the worshipers. These were never admitted into the sanctuary in the past dispensation, and there is not a word of proof in the Bible that they are in this. They worship outside, while the Priest only goes into the sanctuary in their behalf. But while men are caviling at our views of the sanctuary in Heaven, why is it that the thought never seems to strike them that something more than mere fault-finding at our faith is necessary on their part, if they would accomplish anything at all. Why not give us Scripture proof that the sanctuary is not in Heaven? Why not give a clear exposition of Paul’s words in Heb. 9: 23, 24, in harmony with that whole letter, and show that it does not refer to anything in Heaven, and that it does refer to something on the earth? “Bring forth your strong reasons.” J. H. W.