Monday: Sanctuary Doctrine
One doesn’t usually think of the sanctuary in the context of stewardship. Yet the link is there because the sanctuary is so crucial to our belief system, and stewardship is part of the system. “The correct understanding of the ministration [of Christ] in the heavenly sanctuary is the foundation of our faith.” – Ellen G. White, Evangelism, p. 221.
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It is imperative that we understand the role of stewardship in light of this biblical concept.
1 Kings 7:33 describes a chariot wheel. We will illustrate the sanctuary doctrine as the hub of the wheel. The hub attaches to the axle and provides more stability for the wheel when it turns. Having experienced death and a victorious resurrection (2 Tim. 1:10),Christ through His death is the foundation for His work in the sanctuary (Heb. 6:19-20) and provides the stability for our faith. And it is from the sanctuary that He ministers in our behalf here on earth (see Heb. 8:1-2).
“Standing on the sola Scriptura [Scripture alone] principle, Biblical Adventism builds its doctrinal system from the general perspective of the sanctuary doctrine.” – Fernando Canale, Secular Adventism? Exploring the Link Between Lifestyle and Salvation (Lima: Peru, Peruvian Union University, 2013), pages. 104, 105.
What do these texts tell us about Jesus’ ministration in the sanctuary? 1 John 2:1, Heb. 4:14-16, Rev. 14:7.
The sanctuary doctrine helps reveal the great truth of salvation and redemption, which is at the core of all Christian theology. In the sanctuary we see not only Christ’s death for us, but His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary as well. We can see, too, in the Most Holy Place the importance of God’s law and the reality of final judgment. Central to it all is the promise of redemption made available to us by the shed blood of Jesus.
The role of stewardship reflects a life anchored in the great truth of salvation, as revealed in the sanctuary doctrine. The more deeply we understand what Christ has done for us and what He is doing in us now, the closer we come to Christ, His ministry, His mission, His teaching, and His intent for those who live out the principles of stewardship in their lives.
| Read Hebrews 4:14-16. What is found there for us in our own struggle with sin, self, and selfishness? How do we draw strength and hope from what is promised us there? |
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The lesson is spot on when it says "The more deeply we understand what Christ has done for us and what He is doing in us now, the closer we come to Christ, His ministry, His mission, His teaching, and His intent for those who live out the principles of stewardship in their lives".
So, in the name of deepening our understanding of His ministry, mission, teaching, and intent..., what do people believe (in summary) that Christ has done for us and is doing in us now?
Phil van der Klift: I’m a 74-year-old layman who has never attended seminary classes and I know there are some (I suspect there are many) members of our denomination who understand these doctrines differently than I do. The following is only my understanding, based on nearly sixty years of personal study.
What Jesus has done for us: He created us and he provided our redemption. The language I choose to use in describing what Jesus has done for us differs from saying that redemption has been made available to us. That distinction is intentional. Whether redemption is efficacious only for those who accept it or whether it is efficacious for those who don’t reject it I will leave (for now) for professional theologians to discuss.
I attended SdA schools for 12-1/2 years in the ‘50s and ‘60s so I have reason to believe that the “confusion” about the subject of the atonement (the reason the majority of protestants reject the doctrine of an investigative phase of the final judgement) is because the majority of adventists fail to place adequate emphasis on the adequacy of what Jesus supplied on Calvary and fail to place adequate emphasis on the doctrine that the sacrificial atonement provided by Jesus is never to be repeated, i.e. nothing can be added or, indeed, can be added to what he has already provided.
In his role as our high priest, Jesus mediates on our behalf in the sense that his blood (i.e. the merit of his sacrifice--not what we do or promise to do) allows for justice and mercy to both be absolute. God’s mercy is not in any sense an abrogation of his justice.
In his treatise published in the Day Star in February of 1846, O.R.L Crosier mentioned at least twice that what Jesus is doing now (after the close of the 2300 days of Daniel 8:14) pertains only to those sins that have already been confessed and forgiven. I agree with that (which precludes the doctrine that no one’s sins are forgiven until his name “comes up” in the investigative phase of the judgement). I believe the blood of sin offerings taken into the holy place and sprinkled, touched or poured onto or at the foot of the altar of incense represents the heavenly record of confessed and forgiven sins. I believe the blood sprinkled on the ark in the most holy place on the Day of Atonement represents the expunging of the record of those already confessed and forgiven sins.
How does that second phase of the high-priestly ministry of Jesus benefit us?
The verdict phase of the final judgment occurs at the second advent of Jesus. The cleansing of the sanctuary during the investigative phase means the records of the sins of the redeemed will not be available/accessible when we participate in the sentencing phase during the millennium. (The executive phase occurs at the close of the millennium.)
What I have written here may raise more questions--and I have SOME answers--but you asked for a summary.
Roger Metzger
Orrington, Maine
Roger, no sin-laden offering enters the most holy place, only the blood of the Lord's goat and the bullock for the high priest, upon which no sin was confessed, which represents Jesus' sinless life, for even one taint of sin in that offering would never allow the propitiation of God's holy law, which only the pure and sinless offering could avail. No sin offering made it past the back side of the veil, which could not be viewed from the most holy place. Yes, Lev 16 calls both "sin offerings", but no sin was confessed by anyone upon them, for Jesus died sinless for the sinful, or no propitiation could have been accomplished by His guilt.
The sins brought "beforehand to the judgment" will be cleansed from the record if that soul is found true to their profession of faith at the time of their judgment. If not, their sins are not blotted out, but remain as a record against them during the judgment of the dead (Rev 20, see also Eze 18 and 33). Victory and Life is granted only to "him that overcometh...".
Justification without sanctification is made void, through our own choice. Only one harbored sin can cancel all our "righteousness"(James 2:10).
Also, to address the question of whether we must believe, or simply not reject the grace given in Christ Jesus, what does Jesus teach? "...if you do not believe in Me, you must die in your sins", and, "that whosoever believeth...shall not perish, but have everlasting life". To not believe is to reject, for belief is demonstrated in the life of faith and obedience. The apostle wrote: "for the grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all men...", and not receiving is rejecting. If the local grocery store offers free bananas, but you never go pick them up while they're available, you get no free bananas. You must go and receive them(John 1:12,13).
God and Jesus know who are his. What does he have to investigate for?
The hour of his judgement is the same as the hour of his wrath that the other two angels that follow the first one is about, which are: the seven last plagues and how to avoid suffering them by being in Christ always moment by moment, Hour by Hour, Day by Day etc. and etc.
The fact that the wording there says that "The Hour of His Judgement is come," needs to be understood in the context of the other two angels messages that follow the first one. If someone read that statement 200 years after that message was written he or she would have concluded that the said Judgement was already 200 years in progress.
Pete, who says the judgment is for God's benefit of knowing who are His?
Isn't the purpose to prove Him just(Ps 51:4)?
We know the timing of this message due to how the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation depict it accurately with a time and duration given through Daniel(chapters 8 and 9). This message of "the hour of His judgment has come" would not be valid until that time was revealed. If we understand how the judgment works(as taught by the sanctuary types and shadows) them we know it can go indefinitely until the living are ready to be sealed, as the Revelation points out(Rev 7).
However, that judgment comes to everyone at death in any period of earth's history, so the warning comes to the living doesn't it? It is those who reach the end of their probation while living that are called to heed the warning. That time is now.
As for the time of judgement being the time of His wrath, what does scripture say? See Revelation 22:11,12. First the determination (according to their works), then the announcement that they are fixed for eternity, then the "reward". Isn't that how justice is determined by fair societies? Out of love for sinners, the warning is given so the wise can take heed(Dan 12:10). Who are the wise? See Matt 7:24-27.
Pete,
Of course, Jesus and God already know who are theirs.
But the investigative judgment is for the benefit of angels, beings on other unfallen worlds, and for our benefit. The investigative judgment will show God's mercy and justice and compassion. It will answer lingering questions. It will vindicate God. Remember Satan has accused God of being unjust and unreasonable.
In Genesis 3 we have an investigation even though God already knew everything.
Did the Sanctuary came about because we have sinned? Will the Sanctuary continue to exist after sin/Satan is finally destroyed?
When Jesus completes His heavenly ministry, the process of salvation will be finished. There will be a new heaven and a new earth, and all the former things will have passed away.
The sanctuary was an expansion of the first sacrificial offerings offered by the patriarchs, beginning with Adam once he sinned. When sin is eradicated, there will be no more need, yet Jesus will always bear the marks of His sacrifice for sinners, and the redeemed will never forget the great cost of their redemption.
We Adventist are indeed called to be stewards of the sanctuary doctrine.
Clearly understood and explained the message will focus on Christ our righteousness.
This message will become the only message of Adventist.
The earth will be lightened with His glory.
Stewardship does not mean "ownership". While I hear many arguments about the sanctuary doctrine, I feel we are lacking in application to ourselves. The Gospel is not an argument to be won through careful rational argument, but a message to be lived. If my life is not a living testament to the risen Saviour, He may as well still be dead. "I serve a risen Saviour" has to be lived to be meaningful.
Very well said. The gospel must be lived. All of the truth we may have found must be translated into common actions. And by the contemplation of Jesus character may we reflect it.
Newbegin wrote "stewards", not owners, and also refers to "Christ OUR righteousness". Only possible if received into the life. Yes?
Sola scriptura sounds nice, but there seems to be a pull in Adventism toward reading and knowing (quoting) Ellen White's writings. Yes, I know that she is the "prophet for the end-time church", but we can't say that we stand on the scriptures alone when her writings are sometimes equaled with or elevated above the scriptures.
IMO we need to remember when saying Scriptures only that the Scriptures tell us there will also,be prophets and inspiration in the last days. For example Joel 2.
If you have read her writings, have you ever found them contrary to scripture? Also, I agree with your focus on presenting all our truth from the Bible alone. Perhaps you know this already, but this is exactly what the "messenger" tells us to do, and states "do not quote sister White"(yes, I just quoted her!) when teaching the truth to others. She did not write to be used as "proof", but to point to the scriptures where all truth will be found. She also states that if God's advent people had followed the Bible faithfully, not one testimony would have been needed. Yes, too much "Sister White sez.....", though I read daily from her messages for my personal benefit, which is why they are given.
If we truly heed the messages given through her, the Bible will be the lamp for our feet and light for our path.
John 14:6
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Revelation 14:7
7 He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Just as in the Tabernacle doctrine Jesus is truly "the way and the truth and the light" when it comes to approaching God.
last but not less is the most important text
Hebrews 4:14-16
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin. 16Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Jesus Christ tore down the curtain separating God from mankind when He died on the cross.The way to the Father is provided through the name of Jesus. Jesus gave us the right to use His name. We pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. When we pray in the name of Jesus, God answers our prayers.
What is the warning given in Hebrews 4:7?
It was the sanctuary doctrine of scripture that began this Advent movement among protestant believers who accepted this message, and today we are the remnant of this movement if we ourselves act on it's teachings. In the Revelation of Jesus, He makes clear the hour we live in along with the message to personally accept and then give to others "with a loud voice".
It should be no surprise to any who know and accept this central pillar of "the faith once delivered to the saints" that lessons of stewardship abound in the sanctuary.
To further the discussion Phil has advanced here, Jesus has become the propitiation for our sins, and works at this time(if we exercise faith/action upon it)to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness". This will equip us to be His faithful witnesses which "many shall see, and fear, and trust in the Lord. The sealing of such witnesses will allow the angels to loose the four winds, and the final events to proceed, then Jesus can come.
Hi Robert
Could you expand a bit on your sentence "Jesus has become the propitiation for our sins..." What did He do specifically that resulted in propitiation?
Thanks
Phil, He died in your place. You can now be forgiven(following your repentance) and then sanctified through the Word and power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within(John 17:17, Eph 3:16-20).
Christ's sinless death for you and me satisfies(propitiates) the law's demand for the sinner's death. Our death for our sin would also satisfy the law's demand for justice, but we would remain eternally dead.
By meeting the demands of an offended Law, though sinless Himself, Christ is able to "forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness". See also Rom 3:25,26. Notice the condition of being justified: "through faith in His blood" and "[believing] in Jesus". If we believe, then we will repent as Jesus has called all sinners to do(Mark 1:15, Luke 24:47, etc).
I have a genuine question regarding what you have said Robert.
How can an inanimate law demand my death and then be satisfied by someone else's death and therefore no longer demand mine. I could understand how a person could operate this way, but I'm having difficulty understanding how an inanimate law can essentially be 'satisfied' and then 'change its mind'?
Thanks
Phil
Phil, the Law is not inanimate, but remains an expression of the character, government and purpose of the Sovereign Being. It is His character and His will that is violated by transgression of the law, which also undermines and even seeks to overthrow the government and purposes of said Being and all the society that is in harmony with Him. I would also suggest that any sin that could be named by the law is in direct violation of the welfare, peace and prosperity of someone else. This is why it is sin.
As for the justice of propitiation, I leave that to God who accepts it and Satan who does not object, or he would have stepped out from the hidden shadows where he dwells to register his objection.
I do understand that the propitiation was afforded by our Creator Himself, also the author of the offended Law. I would also add that since the angels of God work for the salvation of sinners, they too accept this propitiation as just as well, as it is written in Romans 3:26.
Also, the "law" only demands the offender's death as it would be just in a fair society. It is justice that actually makes the demand, which the stated law confirms.
We must also acknowledge the complete fairness of this Divine Law. It is perfect, and none could be found who wouldn't object to it's violation where they are the one violated.
I hope this helps to clear the matter in question.
Almost forgot....the law would still demand the sinner's death if that sinner remained unrepentant, and therefore without propitiation, which is only imputed to the repentant/believing sinner who continues no longer to violate the Law.
Thanks for your clarification Robert.
Because a key element of what you are saying is contingent upon the type of justice 'system/model' that God operates within, would it be correct to say that you believe the type of justice that God operates within to be retributive justice?
Retributive justice? Some might be led to think so at first glance, but doesn't the Gospel and the Lamb of(from) God cause us to give it a closer look?
I would probably say it is more like the law of the harvest: YOU reap what YOU sow, having been given the freedom to choose. Scripture is replete with, warnings, admonitions and entreaties, and it soon becomes apparent that God is seeking to save and is loath to destroy any. For the unrepentant, God has no choice, and the beloved son or daughter who continues in rebellion must at last be brought to their chosen end; a place where God and justice do not exist, in the eternal grave. Out of love and fairness to all His beloved creatures, God must deal with the finally impenitent. It is unavoidable that persistent sinners become heartless and unfeeling toward any and all who do not benefit their selfish desires or any who condemn them even without being condemning, but only by the contrast of their unselfish and holy manner. The only "wrong" Abel did to Cain was revealing his obstinate and proud nature by his own humility and obedience. Part of the great "reward" for the faithful is freedom from unjust treatment and violation without cause. Can you imagine never needing to lock a door or window at night or when leaving? No alarms, safes, or gated fences? Never needing to call the police or say farewell to one lost in death due to the reckless actions or deliberate act of another?
What God will do to eliminate the wicked is only what they have chosen to receive. While I see justice, as will the wicked, I just can't find retribution. If retribution existed with God, an eternal hell might not be just a myth. Doesn't John 3:16(and so many more!) eliminate any suggestion of retributive justice? It is GOD who offers propitiation, paying it's dreadful price, in the great hope that all would accept it and be saved.
Thanks again Robert. I can now see more clearly where you are coming from. It was the words "the "law" only DEMANDS the offender's death as it would be just in a fair society. It is justice that actually makes the DEMAND, which the stated law confirms" that left me uncertain as to which conceptualisation of justice you were alluding to.
From what you have expanded upon, would it be correct to say that by 'demand' you mean the 'law' simply lays out the inevitable, inherent consequences that will (naturally) follow as a result of the choice a person has freely made? And therefore that God 'brings' the "unrepentant" to "their chosen end" via releasing them to non-life, Biblically referred to as "giving them up/over" (Rom 1:24;26;28)?
God has formed a government based on free-will. In the end, everyone will be given the desire of their heart as far as being a part of God's government or not. It is His and there is no other. It is similar to being given the choice to breath or not breath, while fresh air is abundant.
Thanks again for your elaboration Robert.
@ Robert Whiteman, I've never heard it put this way:"the Law is not inanimate, but remains an expression of the character, government and purpose of the Sovereign Being...
Trying to understand- So everytime that I'm aware that I've sinned- a death sentence is over my head?
In terms of your statement "I would also suggest that any sin that could be named by the law is in direct violation of the welfare, peace and prosperity of someone else. This is why it is sin" how does it applies to my unspoken thoughts? Whose peace and prosperity would I have violated? I'm genuinely trying to understand this concept because through your statement a light bulb came on...it's heavy stuff!
Nikky, the bible states clearly that "the soul that sins will die". This is not a vengeful promise, but a statement of fact. Wouldn't you want every cancerous cell removed from your body? If even one remains, you will eventually perish. So God must remove the life-threatening cancer of sin from the Body of His creation. Sin is an intruder, and unwanted one by all who are just and loving towards others. So yes, when I yield to temptation, I am numbered among the dead, though I may still be alive and breathing. But notice that the very first sin on earth was followed immediately with the remedy which brings pardon and restoration to the sinner. Grace was established for sinners "before the world began".(see Isa 43:25)
As for one's thoughts. Do you refer to a passing thought or one harbored and often indulged upon? Temptation usually begins as a thought, but do we linger and allow it to take root, or do we repel the errant thought? Why? Because "out of the abundance of the heart(innermost thoughts) the mouth speaketh", and we could add without contradiction: "and the the actions will follow". No one robs a bank without first giving careful thought in order to be successful and escape justice. (just one example)
Also, the wise man warns: "keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life".(issue: as to issue forth into words and actions) This is why Paul wrote: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;".
Yes, at first this is "heavy stuff" until we understand how our minds work and the powerful influence thoughts may be for good or evil. It is how we are designed to work and also why God never intended man to have a knowledge of evil. It is also why we are to remain vigilant and fully clothed in the whole armor of God. With persistent effort, the temptations of the enemy will become powerless, and as we resist the devil, he will flee from us. This is what we may become by God's grace.
Let me share this recent example: I have begun again to apply myself to become more proficient on the piano, so I can enjoy it without frustration. I chose a composition that immediately proved above my present abilities, but always loving a good challenge, proceeded to work on it slowly. I figured it would be years....but in about 3 days, I had the entire section memorized. I wasn't trying to memorize, but it happened. A thought kept before us will eventually become part of us.
So how important are the wise man's words: "Keep your heart with all diligence..."?!!
Thanks for such great clarification! Pray God give me a new mind. Blessings!
Can someone help me understand? ----Did Jesus started His mediatorial work immediately as He ascended to Heaven? Since the Investigative Judgment began in 1844, what was Jesus doing since His ascension and leading up to that time?
Blessings!
A good question. As you may know, the doctrine of the sanctuary/investigative judgement has been one of the most debated doctrines within Adventism for a very long time - even at the highest levels of Adventist scholarship and leadership.
In answer to your question, the most common view is that Jesus ministry from ascension onward (and still going) was/is the daily intercession for people's daily sins (intentional and unintentional, commission and omission) - a following on from the function of the 'daily' sacrifice of the OT sanctuary. Then from 1844 onward, an additional phase was added - being the investigative judgement.
What scriptural evedences do you us for the 1844 investigative judgement?
Hi Rob.
Thanks for your question.
You will notice that my post was answering Nikki's specific question regarding details of the Investigative Judgement doctrine from the perspective of that doctrine.
If your question is regarding what scriptural evidences are most commonly used to support that doctrine, you will find a representative summary by Cottonwood Seventh Day Adventist church at:
http://cottonwood22.adventistchurchconnect.org/article/91/bible-study-prayer/the-investigative-judgement-in-scripture
If this was not the question you were asking, please feel free to comment further.
Phil
Nikky, according to the type handed down through Moses, the daily ministry of the priest was to take the blood of the sin offering and offer it according to the type of offering it was, having been slain by the offender who was now pardoned, the Lamb dying in their place. Also, the trimming of the lamp and keeping it's light constant and as bright as possible while filling it with the oil, preparing the bread and offering the incense. All this took place upon the offering of the first sacrifice, who's blood anointed the sanctuary for use. So Jesus' ministry began immediately upon His ascending to heaven as the True High Priest pointed to in the types of the earthly sanctuary. While this work continues, the work typified by the yearly day of atonement began according to the prophecy in Daniel, and carries forward until it is complete and probation for sinners is finished.
At Pentecost, the first lamp(first of the 7 churches, Rev 2,3) was filled with the Oil and the light shone brightly, so by this we know Jesus had entered the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf, and has never left His work for sinners.
@ Phil & Robert, thanks for explaining that so ably for me. It all make sense now. I understood the other parts but couldnt make the link with reference to the period before 1844. God bless!
Using simple logic, the sanctuary system was/is the simplest curriculum God used for His people at their lowest intelligence level, to (hopefully) understand His plan of saving (redeeming) man, His prized creation. That it was given to the Israelites as a routine daily/weekly/monthly/yearly lesson to be cycled every year at a time when they just got out of slavery, having virtually lost their identity (and guiding laws to be exact) meant God did not intend the understanding of the sanctuary to be only for the intelligent.
If we look closely at the sanctuary without bias, the simple message stands out - Justification at the gate leading to altar and laver, Sanctification occurring in holy place mainly through conversation with God, digesting His word and growing in His grace as seen by the fruit of the Spirit, and finally the glorification phase which is qualifying as God's dwelling place once more but only if legally passing an investigative judgment to appease any objections. Quite simply, God's justice and mercy perfectly executed.