A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

4. Whereas Aaron’s priesthood had to make sacrifices continually to God, Christ’s priesthood is final , Heb. 9.12,26.

5. Whereas Aaron’s mediation was imperfect, Christ’s priestly mediation was absolutely perfect , Heb. 2.14-18.

6. Whereas Aaron’s sacrifices were insufficient and ineffective to take away sin, Christ’s priestly ministry was all-sufficient , Heb. 10.11-12.

7. Whereas Aaron’s intercession on behalf of the people could never fully prevail for the seeker, Christ’s priesthood prevails for the seeker in every case, Heb. 7.25.

III. The Sacrifices of the Tabernacle: Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrifices

Jesus Christ fulfills in meaning and substance all the offerings associated with the Temple sacrifices.

The Tabernacle as an Expression of God’s Holy Character

The tabernacle expresses another side to the character of God, namely, that he is holy and inaccessible. The altar, several coverings and two sets of curtains bar the way into his presence. No one can enter into the inner room (the Most Holy Place) except the high priest, and even then he does so only once a year in a special ceremony, during which he is protected from his sin and from the accusation of the law by the blood that he sprinkles on the mercy seat (Lev. 16). Death is threatened to transgressors of God’s holiness (Exod. 19.12-13, 21-25). Even the priests may suffer death if they do not honor God (Num. 10.1-2; Lev. 22.9; 16.2; Exod. 30.21). They are especially in danger of death as they approach the inner rooms of the tabernacle. The high priest must take special care not even to see the atone ment cover when he performs his actions in the Most Holy Place (Lev. 16.13). By these means the Lord shows the preciousness of the love between the Father and the Son. The tabernacle symbolism points to Christ. ~ Vern Poythress. The Shadow of Christ in the Law of Moses . Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing, 1991. pp. 12.

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