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The Antitype
When the Lord Jesus Christ was upon the earth,
he was Yahweh's dwelling place, or Tabernacle. He
declared: "For their sakes I sanctify myself" (John
17:19). Now, possessing Divine nature, it is said
of him: "In whom dwells all the fulness of the
Godhead bodily" (Col. 2:9). We see this in the
following particulars:
He declared his Father's righteousness at his
baptism (Matt. 3:15) - White curtains of outer
wall.
He sacrificially dedicated himself to Yahweh in
submissive obedience - The Brazen Altar.
The water of his Father's Word cleansed him of
fleshly inclinations - The Brazen Laver.
Thus he displayed his Father's character before
all Israel - The curtained entrance to the Holy
Place.
In such an one Yahweh could, and did, dwell and
cause His Word and Works to be manifested in a
pleasing and faithful manner - the Holy Place and
its furnishings. His relationship with the human
race was there for all to see - Brass sockets for
the pillars upholding the entrance curtains.
Those dispositions and tendencies which are
inherent in human nature were covered by his
gold-like faith which, responding to His Father's
testings, was a gold-like reflection of the
character of his Glorious Father (cp. John 1:14
etc.) - The gold covered boards and pillars in the
Holy Place.
This part of the Tabernacle is the most
important for this present time for the children of
God. It certainly is the most significant because
of the many lessons it contains for us. An
examination of the Holy Place will substantiate
this, in the following ways:
Gold
Whereas the outer, or Altar Court was dominated
by that symbol of human nature, brass; the Holy
Place was an area of gold. This represents an
important stage in our development towards the
future "Most Holy Place" state. Having entered into
Yahweh's purpose in Christ, we progress through the
"outer court" state of mental changes; of
separation to Yahweh; of reconciliation with Him;
of preparation for the experience of and
development in, this "Holy Place" state which
points to the moral application of the Truth
understood and believed (seen in our changed
characters); of our entire dedication to the
service of the Truth and the Ecclesia; of our
reformation from the things of "brass" to those of
the "gold" faith.
Saints must now conform their life and actions
to the light of the knowledge of the Word of God;
only in this state can we acceptably please Him.
Just as the Tabernacle was "measured", so are
those whom it represents: the saints in all ages.
They have been measured with the rod of affliction
(Rev. 11:1) but, in the Age to come (the revealed
heavenly or exalted places in the Kingdom - Rev.
4:1), they will be counted (or measured) as the
perfected Temple or dwelling place of Yahweh.
Manifestation
As the walls of the Holy Place were covered with
pure gold, they reflected the shining of the light
from the Lampstand. That, also, is the
responsibility of each member of the Ecclesia.
Gold represents faith, which having been tried
in the fire of trial and affliction (Rev. 3:18),
will find all the dross of fleshly lusts which
would tarnish the character removed, and thus is
enabled to reflect the character of God and the
light of His Truth.
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