The TRUE Tabernacle

We have seen the truths behind Jesus as the TRUE light, the TRUE bread, and the TRUE vine. The last reference we will notice concerning Jesus as the TRUE antitype is in relation to the TRUE tabernacle: "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Heb 8:1-2).

King Jesus relates to the substance of the mere shadow. His is the true, real and genuine, of what the imitation only pointed to. The Tabernacle of Moses was simply the example and shadow of the true and heavenly reality (Heb 8:5; 9:8-10).

But for what reasons is Jesus given such a glorious contrast?

First, we must realize that the sanctuary is not an entity in and of itself, and therefore cannot be accurately judged by itself. Rather, a sanctuary is ONLY a sanctuary if it contains a priesthood to minister there, a sacrifice to offer, and is based off of a covenant. Therefore, by examining the contrast of the priesthood, the sacrifice, and the covenant, we can ultimately determine the superiority of the sanctuary, and discover why it is called TRUE, in comparison to others.

(1) A superior priesthood - The writer to the Hebrews describes the "priesthood being changed" (Heb 7:12). Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, the priesthood has indeed changed from the Levitical priesthood to the Melchizedek priesthood. The imperfections of the old Law and it's priesthood prophesied of another order that would arise. It would have to be a greater and more perfect order, and the only perfect order which could arise is that which is wholly God Himself, even the eternal Son of God. So just what makes this Melchizedek priesthood so superior? There are many reasons. First and foremost, the identity of the High Priest is superior. The High Priest of this new order is Jesus Himself, whereas the high priest of the Levitical order was a mere man. Jesus is perfect and sinless, but the priests of the old order were compassed with infirmities and weaknesses (Heb 4:15). Secondly, the identity of subsequent priests is also superior. This new priesthood is composed of born-again believers as priests, whereas the priests under the old order had to have been from the tribe of Levi to be priests (1 Pet 2:9; Rev 1:6; Heb 6:20). Next, the success of the covenant is superior. This current priesthood ministers under the New and better Covenant, as opposed to the Old Mosaic economy, which is called weak and unprofitable (Heb 7:18). Contrariwise, Jesus calls this better covenant a "better hope", by which perfection is attained (Heb 7:19). Finally, the eternality of this priesthood is superior. The Melchizedek priesthood is an eternal priesthood (Heb 5:9; 7:16), whereas the old order could not be by reason of death (Heb 7:23). Because this current and better priesthood is eternal, we have a High Priest who is, even now, "set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens" (Heb 8:1), continually making intercession for us (Heb 7:25)! Thus, the countless superiorities of this priesthood are quite obvious! There is much more to be said about this new and current priesthood, but for now this will be sufficient.

(2) A superior sacrifice - One primary goal of the priesthood is to offer sacrifices to God, to minister to Him. Jesus' superior priesthood also offers a superior sacrifice, thus making Him the minister of the TRUE and superior tabernacle. So how is this sacrifice superior? Observe: Now, under the Melchizedek order, there is only one sacrifice, as opposed to daily sacrifices under the Levitical order. This one sacrifice is sufficient and eternal! Christ Jesus offered Himself as sacrifice for sins, once and for all (Heb 9:12; 10:10; Eph 5:2)! Jesus' sacrifice possessed a far greater efficacy: "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Heb 9:13-14). Only Jesus could minister wholly toward the eradication of our sins because He had no sin of His own, as opposed to the old order, when the high priest had to offer sacrifice for his own sins first, and then the sins of the people (Heb 5:1-3; 7:26-28). Because of this, perfection could never be attained. But NOW it can be! Thanks to Jesus. How could the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood even compare with such glorious truths? Impossible!

(3) A superior covenant - Friend, such a distinguished priesthood offering such a predominant sacrifice, only does so by means of an exceptional covenant. The New Covenant is so far superior to the old, that mere words can barely do it justice. Jesus is labeled as the Mediator of a "better covenant" (Heb 8:6) The Bible tells us that this covenant was established upon "better promises" (Heb 8:6). Why is this New Covenant so superior? Well, there again are many reasons. First of all, it contained a superior Mediator. A mediator, simply stated, is a "go-between"; a "daysman" (Job 9:22-23). To be a perfect mediator, one must have full relation with both parties involved. Aaron could never be a perfect mediator because of his very human and fallen nature. Jesus alone has done this! He is the ONLY one in all of human history that is fully acquainted with both God AND men. Having the nature of God, Jesus understands perfectly all that God feels in relation to sin and iniquity. Having the nature of man, Jesus also understands perfectly all that man goes through in temptation, trial and testing, yet He is without sin. He alone can truly effect reconciliation between God and man. Secondly, this better covenant possesses better promises. The Old Covenant had no hope (Eph 2:12). The Old Covenant was established upon the promises of the people, but the New Covenant is established upon the promises of God, thus making them better! The Old Covenant promises were mainly earthly blessings, but the New Covenant promises are predominantly spiritual and eternal (Eph 1:14). Quite clearly, therefore, we see how so far superior the New Covenant is to the Old. "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah" (Heb 8:7-8). Hallelujah!

(4) Therefore, because of the vast superiority of these associated truths, Jesus' heavenly sanctuary is the only TRUE sanctuary. He ministers at the "real, genuine, veracious, honest, and sincere" sanctuary. This sanctuary is one in which the LORD pitched, and not man (Heb 8:2). This heavenly sanctuary simply threw its shadow upon the earth, and that shadow was the Tabernacle that Moses built. What a waste of time and energy to focus on the mere shadow! Today, how many Christians are sidetracked by the shadow, when they ought to give full attendance to the substance of which the shadow pointed to? In the heavens, this greater tabernacle is the sun (Ps 19:4)! This greater tabernacle is the glorified body of Jesus (Jn 1:14 - the Greek rendering of this verse is "tabernacled among us")!

"Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building..." (Heb 9:11).

Let's give heed to Him today!