God told Moses, “let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Every part of that earthly sanctuary, the sacrifices and the work of the priests, was a picture of God’s plan to save us. It was a copy of the true sanctuary in heaven, “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:2).
Jesus is both the sacrifice and the High Priest. After He died and rose again, He went into heaven itself, “now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24). “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). So we can “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy” (Hebrews 4:16).
Daniel saw a time when “the sanctuary be cleansed” (Daniel 8:14). Adventists understand the 2,300 prophetic days to end in 1844, when Jesus began the last part of His work as High Priest: a judgment before His return (Daniel 7:9-10). This judgment is good news. It shows the universe that God is fair, and that everyone who trusts Jesus is safe in Him. That is why the first angel announces, “the hour of his judgment is come” (Revelation 14:7).
Key Bible verses
- Exodus 25:8-9Let them make me a sanctuary.
- Hebrews 8:1-2The true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched.
- Hebrews 4:14-16Come boldly unto the throne of grace.
- Hebrews 9:11-12, 24Christ entered heaven itself for us.
- Daniel 7:9-10The judgment was set.
- Daniel 8:14Then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
- Revelation 14:6-7The hour of his judgment is come.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- How does it help you to know that Jesus understands your weaknesses?
- Why is the judgment good news for those who trust Jesus?
- Hebrews 4:16 invites us to come boldly. What do you need to bring to God’s throne today?
