Instructor 5 - The Work of Christ
Portrayed in God’s Covenant with Israel
Antitypes (spiritual realities) are anticipated (pictured, prophesied) by types
(illustrations, object lessons, portrayals) through points of correspondence
(with things, people, activities, and events).
Though we may not have all the details exactly right, we can think about
types in the correct way and get the general direction right.
·
This lesson is
an example of a lesson plan to guide students in discovering how the
Tabernacle in its existence, configuration, furniture, and rituals typified certain
realities.
List or describe everything that was included in the description
of the tabernacle and what was associated with it. The tabernacle was a portable tent divided into 2 compartments
containing 4 main articles of furniture with utensils carefully positioned,
surrounded by a gated fence with 2 additional articles carefully located in the
court. It was built of specified
materials to exact specifications by craftsmen specially gifted for the task;
consecrated in a specified way, set up and oriented in a certain direction and
encamped about in a prescribed manor; disassembled and packed in a certain way
and sequence; transported, by designated people in a particular order of march;
served by a chosen group of priests wearing specially made and consecrated
clothing for different prescribed ceremonies; offerings were prescribed in
every aspect.
How is the exactitude concerning these things emphasized?
By repeated warning (Ex.25:9, 40; 26:30; 27:8; Acts 7:44; Heb.8:5), meticulous instructions
(Ex.25-31), labored account of
the work (Ex.35-40; Num.7-8),
and affirmation and certification (Num.8:4,
22).
Read Ex.39-40 and list
the verses affirming that the work was performed as commanded.
Ex.39:3, 5, 7, 21, 26, 29, 31, 32, 42, 43; 40:16, 19,
25, 27, 29
We
have seen that the Bible sometimes leaves out things that must be supplied by
the interpreter to completely express the meaning. Here we see the text is excruciatingly
detailed. Why?
The patterns were representative and prophetic, and had to
be correct in every detail to properly teach and portray the realities.
What does Ex.35:30-35
suggest to you? Every aspect of
the workmanship, from construction to artistic decorations (36:8, 35) depicted the glory of God and
related the story of the coming of the Messiah and His work by the Spirit of
God.
What was the tabernacle’s overall purpose? Ex.25:8 to provide a way for
God to dwell in the midst of the people He chose and rescued from slavery
What things, people, their actions, or events does the NT connect
the tabernacle with? Jn.1:4 the incarnation of Christ; Heb.9:23-24 heaven; 1
Cor.3:16-17; Rev.1:13, 20; 2:1 the
corporate Christian church; 2 Cor.6:16 individual Christian believers
What was the position of the tabernacle when
at the center for God dwelt in their midst
What was the position of the ark when
·
The following
exercise takes one thing associated with the tabernacle and examines one
or several offerings or rituals pertaining to it. [see A House
for My Name p.87-95]
The
sacrificial system was a graphic representation of the work of Christ. The burnt
offering [ascension, like smoke] was a
sweet savor offering [the other category was guilt offerings], and the most
general of the regular sacrifices.
Our question - What
was involved and what lessons about the atonement did it teach?
The altar of burnt
offering (bronze altar Ex.39:39)
dominated the center of the front of the outer court. It was the first object encountered upon
entering the courtyard and the focus of most of the activity related to the
tabernacle. Its base was composed of unhewn stones testifying to man’s inability to contribute
toward the work of salvation. The altar
itself was a large square (4½ ft. high; 7½ ft. on each side) made of Acacia
wood overlaid with brass (or copper) with a horn at each corner signifying
divine judgment.
(1) the
sacrifice (Lev.1:3,10) was to be a
healthy male without physical defects from the herds [bull
or bullock], flocks [ram or he-goat],
or birds [dove or pigeon of any gender]
What principle did this teach and symbolize? To
bring an offering (v.2) was to voluntarily present a gift (22:18 NIV); only a sacrifice that was
(in the spiritual sense) pure, perfect, and blameless was acceptable
What about Christ did it point to?
1 Pt.1:19 - the perfect (obedient and righteous) lamb (sacrifice) God
provided
(2) the offerer (Lev.1:4)
laid his hands on (leaned on) the animal’s head
What did this act teach and symbolize? The transfer of sin from the sinner to the
perfect animal in order for it to serve as a substitute for him and placate
God’s wrath (propitiation) and thereby make peace (reconcile) with God
What work of Christ did it point to? 2 Cor.5:21 - Christ who knew no
sin was made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him
(3) the
slaughter (Lev.1:5a) - the offerer slew the animal
What did this teach and symbolize?
The terrible penalty of sin for which the offerer was personally responsible
What did it point to?
Rom.4:25; 5:6 - Christ who would be delivered for our offenses and die
for the ungodly
(4) the priest
(Lev.1:5b) sprinkled (threw, flung) the
blood against the altar on all sides.
What principle did this teach and symbolize? There is no approach to God for the sinner apart from blood
(death) offered through a mediator
What did it point to? Heb.9:12 - Christ’s
presentation of the blood of His atonement Heb.10:19 whereby the believer has
access into the holy place (God’s presence)
(5) the
remainder of the sacrifice (Lev.1:6-9)
- the offerer skinned, cut the whole animal in
pieces, and washed some; the priest built-up the fire upon the altar,
laid the parts on it, and burnt-up everything except the hide. [All of the other
bloody sacrifices parallel the previous four steps, but the burning of the entire
animal is unique to this whole burnt
offering.]
What did this teach and symbolize? The pleasing
aroma is a righteous and obedient life that is acceptable to God for it
placates His wrath. Once atonement had
been accomplished by the death of the sacrifice and application of its blood to
the altar, the burning was a sign of reconciliation, satisfaction, and
consecration.
What did it point to? Eph.5:2 - It is a
prophecy of Christ who would give himself for us as an offering and sacrifice
to God for a sweet-smelling savor.