In the video below Shawn Boonstra presents a bible study titled Mysteries of the Ancients which focuses on what the bible teaches about the earthly and heavenly sanctuary. He says that understanding the earthly sanctuary teachings in the old testament is key to understanding last day events mentioned in the book of Revelation.
For many people, the sanctuary is just one of those mysteries that we think are hidden and make no sense at all. They see these teachings as containing some hidden messages that only a few can understand.
This reminds of Dan Brown’s book, the DaVinci Code, which suggested that some things that we have held dear as Christians are really fairytales. He claimed for instance that the church has hidden some gospel books that present a different story about Christ. That Jesus was for instance married to Mary Magdalene etc.
Pastor Shawn Boonstra addresses some of these claims at the beginning of the video and I would urge you to watch the video below for his response.
The video, however, devotes most of its time to the bible teachings about the sanctuary and how it relates to our day, the last days.
Below is the study guide for this bible study which you can download from this link http://www.thepresence.com/biblelessons
Lesson Two: Mysteries of the Ancients
What was the pattern used for the tabernacle the Israelites built in the wilderness? (Hebrews 8:2, 5) Moses was shown a pattern of heavenly things. The earthly tabernacle was a copy of a greater heavenly reality.
Sacrificial animals were slain in the courtyard of the tabernacle and offered on the Altar of Burnt Offering. Who did these blemish-free animals point to? (Isaiah 53:5-7; Revelation 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1Peter 1:18, 19) The animals were spotless to represent the sinless Son of God who gave His life for us.
After the Israelites returned from Babylonian captivity, the presence of God did not take up residence in the newly built temple. Yet, in spite of the missing “Shekinah” glory, the prophet Haggai made a stunning prediction. What was it, and how did it come to pass? (Haggai 2:7-9) The “desire of all nations” would come to the temple, making it more glorious. This occurred as Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, came and physically taught in the temple.
One of the many names given to Jesus in the Bible is “Immanuel.” What does it mean? (Matthew 1:23) “God with us.”
The seven-branched candlestick was the only source of light in the Holy Place. Who or what did it point forward to? (John 1:1-5; 8:12) Jesus Christ, the light of the world.
Jesus, who was God in the flesh (the most remarkable manifestation of God’s presence among us), brought light to the world in a number of ways. What subject, in particular, did He shed light on while He was here? (John 14:8-10; 17:25, 26) Jesus showed us what God is really like. He was God in the flesh, which made it possible for sinful human beings to dwell in His presence.
The table with 12 loaves of bread also pointed to the time when God would manifest Himself in human flesh. In what way is bread a symbol of Christ? (John 6:35, 51; 1 Corinthians 11:23, 24 It represented the body of Christ, which was broken on the cross as atonement for our sins.
What did the smoke rising from the Altar of Burnt Incense represent? (Revelation 8:3, 4) The prayers of God’s people ascending to the throne of God.
Who did the priests—and particularly the High Priest—serving in the tabernacle represent? (Hebrews 8:1, 2) Jesus Christ, the High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary.
The ancient sanctuary is an important key to understanding the last-day events mentioned in the book of Revelation. Which elements from the sanctuary are mentioned in the following passages? (a). Revelation 1:12 Seven candlesticks. (b). Revelation 4:5 Seven lamps of fire. (c). Revelation 5:6 A slain lamb. (d). Revelation 8:3, 4 An altar of incense located before the throne (compare with the Ark). (e). Revelation 11:19 John sees an Ark in heaven’s temple. (f) Revelation 14:15; 15:5, 8 A temple is mentioned in heaven.
When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, emphasizing the fact that the earthly sanctuary was no longer needed (see Matthew 27:51). Now we have a High Priest in heaven’s sanctuary who longs to represent us. What invitation is given in Hebrews 4:14-16? What is your response?
I hope you have enjoyed this presentation on the earthly and heavenly sanctuary.
Below are some powerful sermons and bible studies that will bless your soul.
Prophecy of Daniel Chap 8 Commentary – The Cleansing of The Sanctuary Pt.1
Prophecy of Daniel Chap 8 Commentary – The Cleansing of The Sanctuary Pt.2
