The Necessity of the study of the Sanctuary
The sanctuary service is a summary, shadow, outline of the plan of salvation, or as Sarah Peck’s book is titled “The Pathway Back to the Throne of God.” The plan of salvation is first spoken of in Genesis 3:15. The next reference is in Genesis Chpt 4:1-7. The first complete description of the pattern is in Exo. 25:8-9, then Exodus Chapters 25-40, Lev 1-6, 16.
The next reference concerning the temple, or change is the temple that Solomon built, which David received the diagram of and made preparation for. 1 Kings 1-10, 2 Chron 1-9 and more.
In this temple service, there is change in the duties particularly of the Levites, because sanctuary is no longer a temporary structure, but permanent. Hence the possible explanation for the need of the change of responsibility.
Ezra and Nehemiah make reference of the rebuilding of the temple. I believe Nehemiah represents, is a type of our journey to heaven, corresponding to the feast of weeks.
Then there is the temple references mentioned in Ezekiel Chpts 41-48.
Daniel speaks of the sanctuary in Dan. 7:9-13, 8:13-14, and other places.
After Jesus’ resurrection, the sacrificial system, which was the type of the true was done away with. Jesus’ ministry began in heaven, in the Holy Place, on the day of Pentecost. The book of Hebrews speaks of the reality of Jesus’ ministry in the true sanctuary in heaven. Also, there is a change in the reference to God’s people on the earth in 1 Peter 2.
Then we also know of Jesus’ ministry from the Holy (daily) to Most Holy (yearly, Day of Atonement, Three angels messages, Rev 11:19, etc.)
Even Revelation 20:6, which references the first resurrection states the following: Blessed and holy [is] he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Here we see that even during the 1000 years judgment of the dead, God’s people will still be priests.
The end of the temple is in Revelation 21: 22 “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
It is not until the complete destruction/end of sin, that there is no temple.
Thoughts to study:
Similarly there are three entrances/doors in the sanctuary service. These represent three experiences of the saints:
1. Outer Court Experience, repentance, redemption, justification
2. Inner Court, First apartment, sanctification
3. Inner Court, second apartment, glorification
Since there are three doors, then it would not be unreasonable to consider the three temples mentioned in association with the three experiences, Moses (outer court), Solomon (first apartment, holy place), Ezekiel (second apartment, most holy place).
Remember Jesus is the focal point of the service. Consider, the sanctuary service in light of the three offices held by Jesus: Prophet, Kingly Priest (kingdom of Grace, Priesthood of mercy), Priestly King (King of Kings, executing judgment). Hence there may be a potential need for changes in the services, roles of the saints, etc.
Also, I suggest that before we can fully understand Ezekiel’s temple we need to fully study Solomon’s temple.
I also suggest that everyone read “The Sanctuary” by Crosier, “The Cross and It’s Shadow” by Haskell, and finally “The Consecrated Way to Christian Perfection” by A T Jones. Also reading “The Pathway Back to the Throne of God.” by Sarah Peck will not hurt.
M L Andreason in his book “The Sanctuary Service”, p341-57 lists and then describes various aspects, parts of the sanctuary service in detail.