To continue are journey through the Sanctuary we are once more faced with another door or vail. The vail was to divide the holy from the most holy place making two rooms with the holy being twice the length of the most holy place (Ex. 26:33; 1 Kings 6:16,17). This made the most holy place 10 cubits in height, 10 cubit in width, and 10 cubits in length – or a cube shape (1 Kings 6:20; see also Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol 1 on Exodus 26:1).
This vail like the other two that we have already discussed, was made of fine twined linen of the same colours – blue, purple and scarlet.
According to Morris Lewis a Hebrew Scholar, the colours of this curtain represent :-
- Blue – absolute perfection
- Red – the goats blood which was the final and complete atonement made by Jesus at the Ark of the Covenant in heaven. When this blood is applied for the saints they will be as if they have never sinned.
- Purple – God's throne which He shares with Jesus and the redeemed.
The vail was also embroidered with cherubim like the one at the entrance to the Holy Place from the court yard (Ex. 26:31). These cherubim represent angelic host, who are connected with the work of the heavenly sanctuary and who are ministering angels to the saints upon the earth (see The Story of Redemption by E. G. White, p. 152).
There were four pillars made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold. The wood represents Christ's humanity, while the gold represents Christ's perfect life. There were also hooks made of gold which were upon four sockets made of silver. The vail was to hang upon the four pillars being held up by "taches" which are buckles, or clasps (Ex. 26:32, 33).
The high priest alone went within the veil that separated the holy place from the most holy place, and that but once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16; Heb. 9:7). Before the veil, or in the holy place, the various parts of the "daily" service were conducted.
"This curtain did not reach to the top of the building. The glory of God, which was above the mercy seat, could be seen from both apartments, but in a much less degree from the first apartment." The Story Of Redemption by E. G. White, p. 154 par. 3.
As we face this door, like the other two, we have to make a decision as to whether we go forward and through the door, or turnabout face and leave the sanctuary and condemning ourselves to eternal destruction in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14, 15).
The first door which was the entrance to the court yard, lead us to where we are justified. Here we receive forgiveness for all our past sins through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary – the altar of sacrifice. We signify the acceptance by being baptised – the laver.
The second door which was the entrance into the holy place, lead us to where we are sanctified. Here we eat the bread of life or the Bible – table of shewbread, receive and reflect the light of the world – the candlestick, and have a devoted prayer life – altar of incense, so that we can reflect Christ's character in our own lives or be made holy.
This third and last door leads us into the presence of God where we must be glorified or we will die (1 Cor. 15:51-54; Gen. 32:30; Ex. 33:20; Judges 6:22, 23).
© S. D. Goeldner
© S. D. Goeldner, February, 2011. Last updated August, 2020.
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