p. 8 | M. L. G | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 3, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 22.

M. L. G

No. 587. The Heavenly Sanctuary.

(1) Is THE heavenly sanctuary and its furniture spoken of in Hebrews 8 and 9 material or should it be understood as having a spiritual meaning? (2) The seven lamps being the seven Spirits of God (Rev. 4:5), is not Christ the candlestick? (3) Did Christ begin his ministry in the heavenly sanctuary as mediator at the fall of man or not until his ascension?

M. L. G

1. They are as material as the Priest—Christ—who ministers there; but they are also spiritual with spiritual meanings, as is everything which comes from God's hand. Christ is spiritual, and is called a life-giving Spirit. 1 Cor. 15:45. But he is a real Being, a material, substantial Being, not corruptible, but incorruptible and eternal. All material things are not to be judged by this earth, where matter is subjected and perverted on account of man's sin.

2. No, Christ is not the candlestick, for he is represented as walking among the candlesticks. Rev. 1:13. The candlesticks represent the churches. Rev. 1:20.

3. Jesus Christ, as the God-man, began his ministry in the heavenly sanctuary at his ascension. See Heb. 2:17; 5:5-10; 8:1; Rev. 3:21.