Scripture Reading: Exodus 25:40

Introduction

A. We have seen that God promised David that his house would stand forever, and it has in the church built by his Son Jesus.

B. Just as shadows of redemption fall across every page of the Old Testament, so do the shadows of the church Jesus built.

Discussion

I. The tabernacle is a very distinct shadow of Christ’s church.

A. This tabernacle was set up exactly according to God’s detailed instructions (Exodus 25:8–9, 40; 26:30; 40:16–33), and so it is with the “true tabernacle” (Hebrews 8:1–6).

B. Tabernacle worship mirrors that of the New Testament church (Leviticus 24:5–8; 1 Corinthians 11:24).

C. It had but one means of entrance (Exodus 36:37; John 10:9), and one had to be carefully washed before he could enter (Exodus 29:4; 30:17–21; Hebrews 9:11–14).

D. To enter the Most Holy Place, one must go through the tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1–8; 10:19–25).

E. There was but one tabernacle (Leviticus 17:8–9; Ephesians 4:4).

II. The church was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel itself.

A. Though spread throughout the land, Israel was to be one people with one law (Ezekiel 37:22–28; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:27).

B. They were a people purchased by God (Deuteronomy 7:6–8; 1 Chronicles 17:21–22), as we are today (1 Peter 1:18–19).

Conclusion

A. The glorious church that Jesus built and bought with His own blood was in the mind of God from the very beginning.

B. It is therefore a very important institution to the Lord, a body to which He will add all those who will obey Him (Acts 2:47).