A DWELLING-PLACE FOR GOD.
By J. O. Corliss
FROM the record in Heb. 8:1, 2, it is clearly established that the place of our Lord’s ministry as high priest is at the right hand of the throne of God in the heavens. He is there said to be a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not man. This implies that another sanctuary, an imitative tabernacle, had somewhere existed, to which more or less attention had been directed. To learn when and where this one appeared, and what was its purpose, will call for an extended study of the Scriptures. On this point the apostle does not leave us to wander aimlessly. In the first part of Hebrews 9 he briefly states that under a former ministry there was made a sanctuary, complete in all its appointments, having two apartments, the first holding the seven-branched candlestick and the showbread table, while the second contained the ark of the covenant with its several adjuncts. This statement was not intended to convey to the mind, a detailed description of the sanctuary referred to, but was simply to call attention to it as an arrangement with which the reader is supposed to be familiar from having read a former account of it. Passing back, therefore, to the early history of God’s people, we learn that shortly after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage God gave special instruction to Moses regarding the erection of a sanctuary, which He said was to be His dwelling-place among men. Ex. 25:1-8. The material for the construction of this “house of the Lord,” was to be made up of voluntary contributions of all the people. These were to be given willingly, and were to consist of gold, silver, brass, fine linen of various colors, rams’ skins dyed red, badgers’ skins, acacia wood, lighting oil, spices for anointing oil and incense, and various kinds of stones with which to decorate the priests’ garments. From the exceeding abundance of these materials which the people offered, a building was to be erected in which the service of God might be carried on in the very presence of the Ruler of the universe. The plan, or pattern, of this structure was not to be devised according to the notions of Moses or his associates, but the structure, with all its belongings, was to be constructed along the lines of a model prepared in heaven and exhibited to the chosen leader of Israel. Ex. 25:9. He was not to swerve, in the least particular, from the markings of the divine pattern. Verse 40; Heb. 8:5. But this temporal dwelling-place among the tribes of Israel was not the only earthly place of abode God has chosen. He says that He not only dwells in the “high and holy place,” but also with him who is of a “contrite and humble spirit.” Isa. 57:15. This constitutes the human form a temple of the living God, in which He may dwell and walk, and thus direct the daily course of the individual. 2 Cor. 6:16. Such relationship gives to the place of abode the nature of its Occupant, thus rendering it holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16. But the care of heavenly oversight given to the erection of the Hebrew sanctuary, by which it might be a holy dwelling-place for God, was not alone to typify the fitting up of men for God’s indwelling. It looked beyond that, even to the heavenly dwelling of Christ to be finally shared by all who have possessed His indwelling during their earthly pilgrimage. In other words, it was a pattern of things in the heavens, and a figure for that time of the position and work of Christ in behalf of the salvation of His people. Heb. 9:8, 9, 11, 23, 24. This heavenly real sanctuary was therefore the model after which the Hebrew typical sanctuary was patterned. It still holds its place in the temple above (Rev. 11:19), which now occupies a position in the city of God, the New Jerusalem. Isa. 60:10-14. But while Christ, as our great High Priest, dwells in this high and holy place, His Spirit and representative is permitted to remain on earth, and find a dwelling-place in the hearts of men, to transform them from carnal to spiritual beings, and so make them like their Lord. Without the indwelling of this Spirit, however, no one can truly claim to be a part of Him or His. Rom. 8:9. To have the moulding influence of Christ’s Spirit, is to let His mind take the place of the sordid natural mind, guiding the thoughts to continual consecration and devotion. Phil. 2:5. Thus the great Example is closely followed in all the words and acts of life, even to a sacrificial ministering for others’ good. 1 Peter 2:21, 22. Then as He came to men a living chief corner-stone chosen of God and precious, so true connection with Him will make His followers lively stones, built up into a spiritual, priestly house to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which will be acceptable to Him who is Head over that house. Heb. 3:6; 1 Peter 2:4, 5. It is therefore well for all to consider fully the Apostle and High Priest of their profession, that3by constantly beholding they may become changed into the very image of the Author and Finisher of their faith; and with Him, for the joy set before them, endure the cross, scorning its shame, and at last be permitted to sit with Him at the right hand of God’s throne. Heb. 3:1; 2 Cor. 3:18; Heb. 12:2. J. O. CORLISS.