Friday: Further Thought – The Covenant and the Blueprint
Daily Lesson for Friday 5th of September 2025
Further Thought:
Read Ellen G. White, “The Tabernacle and Its Services,” Pages 343–353, in Patriarchs and Prophets.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
The tabernacle was a special place where atonement was accomplished for the confessed sins of God’s people. It was the place where, indeed, the entire plan of salvation had been revealed, and in some detail, too, to the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness. Justification, sanctification, and judgment were all taught there. Every animal sacrifice pointed to the death of Jesus, the forgiveness of sins, and, eventually, the blotting out of sins. And, too, along with the sacrifices was the presence of God’s law, the standard of righteousness.
“The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atonement, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service, ‘mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.’ Psalms 85:10.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 349.
Discussion Questions
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The tabernacle is an illustration of God’s plan through the different stages of His dealings with humanity, with each stage demanding total faith and surrender. From the wilderness tabernacle to the heavenly reality fulfilled in Christ, every step reveals that humanity must rely entirely on God’s presence, provision, and promise (Exodus 25:8; John 15:5). In every age, the message remains the same: we draw near to God not by our strength but by His grace and abiding presence.
The earthly tabernacle remains as a picture of complete dependence on God for salvation. Just as Israel could not approach God apart from the sacrifices and priestly service He ordained, we cannot come to Him except through Jesus Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11–12, 24). This reminds us that salvation is not by human effort but by trusting wholly in what God has provided through His Son (Ephesians 2:8–9).