HEAVENLY SANCTUARY DOCTRINE & THE GOSPEL
Written by Slawomir Gromadzki
Heb 9:22-23: “And according to the Law, almost all things are CLEANSED with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Therefore it was NECESSARY for the copies of the things in the heavens [earthly sanctuary] to be cleansed with these [blood of animals], but the HEAVENLY THINGS THEMSELVES WITH BETTER SACRIFICES than these [with blood of Christ]”.
BF Westcott
Here is an example of how an honest none-Adventist theologian, Brooke Foss Westcott [1825-1901, Anglican bishop of Durham, Eng., and renown biblical scholar who collaborated on an influential critical edition of the Greek text of the New Testament] understood Paul’s inspired intentions:
“In what sense then can it be said that ‘the heavenly things’ needed cleansing? The necessity for the purification of the earthly sanctuary and its vessels came from the fact that they were to be used by man and shared in his impurity (comp. Lev. xvi. 16). Agreeably with this view it may be said that even ‘HEAVENLY things,’ so far as they embody the conditions of man’s future life, contracted by the Fall something which REQUIRED CLEANSING (comp. 1 Tim. iv. 4f ). Man is, according to the revelation in Scripture, so bound up with the whole finite order, that the consequences of his actions extend through creation in some way which we are unable to define.” [Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews 9:23]
Westcott doesn’t seem to understand why also the heavenly things need cleansing [with the blood of Christ], but unlike many other schoolers, theologians, pastors and believers, he is honest because he knows nobody can deny the fact that inspired Apostle Paul clearly stated here that there is a true sanctuary in heaven and that Christ himself ministers there for us as a High Priest and that this heavenly sanctuary has to be cleansed.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church is the only honest and brave enough denomination to admit existence of this truth in the Bible and doing her best to understand this difficult subject better.
Teaching on the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the great day of atonement and the investigative judgement were always furiously attacked by other denominations and even some of the Adventist own scholars.
All those opponents always use the same or very similar arguments. Some of them are successfully addressed in the excellent book “1844 Made Simple” by Clifford Goldstein (>).
In this article, by answering the most frequently asked with regards to this subject questions, I am confronting the false and most notoriously repeated argument according to which the Adventist teaching on Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary contradicts the truth about justification by faith alone.
Does the Seventh Day Adventist teaching on cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the great day of atonement and investigative judgement contradicts the truth about righteousness by faith alone?
ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF GOD, ALTHOUGH BELIEVERS ARE RIGHTEOUS IN CHRIST, YET THEY STILL MUST STAND IN THE JUDGEMENT (2 Cor 5:10; Rom 14:10; 1 Peter 4:17)
The following conclusion is very clear in the Bible: On one hand, it declares that (true believers in Christ) are now righteous in Christ, hidden and just in Him (1 Cor. 1:30), forgiven, freed from sin (Rom. 6:14) in the sense of condemnation and eternal death, delivered from under the condemnation of the law (Rom. 7:4,6), and can enjoy constant peace with God (Rom. 5:1) in spite of imperfections (1 John 2:1).
On the other hand, the same Word of God states that we (saved and forgiven believers in Christ) are to be judged on the basis of good deeds and bad deeds (forgiven sins):
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” 2 Corinthians 5:10.
Whenever the evangelical Christians are shown this statement (written by the messenger of the gospel of freedom – Apostle Paul), they are very surprised and they have no idea how to understand it, because this verse clearly points to the fact that also all converted Christians are to be judged, or must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ and be dealt with according to their deeds! Wooow! What a surprise!
Also Peter confirms the same truth:
“For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.
Our good deeds are reviewed during the investigative judgement not to contribute to our forgiveness and salvation but to give evidence we are truly saved (through faith alone), we accepted Christ’s righteousness and forgiveness, we are born from the Spirit, and keep on maintaining our faith and remaining in Christ.
Also our sins are reviewed there because righteous God wants to demonstrate to his holy angels and unfallen worlds that we were truly sorry for committing sins as saved believers. God wants to show that we asked for forgiveness through the cross of Christ and His blood and that we confessed them out of love (because Christ’s perfection He achieved in our corporate sinful nature constantly covers our imperfections) and not because of fear of punishment or egocentric motivation to gain heaven.
THE DOCTRINE ABOUT INVESTIGATIVE JUDGEMENT DOES NOT CONTRADICT THE TRUTH ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH ALONE
The biblical doctrine on the investigative judgement, therefore, does not contradict the truth about righteousness by faith alone. It only demonstrates that the saints remain in Christ and His righteousness until they are finally sealed and until the end of the probation period (prior to Christ’s glorious return). Their sanctified life (which is the result of Christ and Holy Spirt presence and work in them) proves they are covered with the robe of Christ’s righteousness and are saved.
Also the record of sins (committed by saints) found in the heavenly sanctuary remains there until the great day of judgement, final atonement and cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, not against them, as they are no longer under the law and condemnation (Rom 7:6; 8:1) but against Satan who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record.
On the basis of the same record, the investigative judgment also reveals before entire universe why God can’t save the professed believers, those who only say that they are Christ’s true followers but with their legalism, life independent from God, lasting in sin, stubbornness give evidence that they are hypocrites and are spiritually dead.
In order to judge them and show His righteousness by excluding them from heaven, God must have the record of their unbelief, legalism, pride, sins, and hidden ungodliness! If God during the investigative judgement doesn’t show the cause of depriving those fake Christians of everlasting life, He might have encourage holy angels and unfallen worlds to serve Him out of fear and not pure love.
THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING GARMENT
The parable about the wedding garment is an excellent example of what the investigative judgement is all about. The king (representing God) is investigating who among the invited guests (believers) wears the wedding garment (symbol of Christ’s righteousness) provided by the king and who wears own garment (representing salvation by works or legalism). And when, as a result of king’s investigation, one guy (legalist and fake believer) was caught red-handed, he was judged and condemned when the king (God) found he was not wearing the right garment (was not covered with the garment of Christ’s righteousness). This is the very purpose of the Biblical idea of the investigative judgement of the believers.
And, according to the final verdict of this investigation, the “judgement was given in favor of the saints” (Daniel 7:22), because all those true believers were found covered by the garment of Christ’s righteousness, maintained their faith and remained in Christ’s righteousness until the end of their lives or until the end of the probation time. And the proof for this is the fruit of the righteousness by faith (works of Jesus in and through them).
Obviously, also Ellen White confirmed that in her understanding, this is exactly what the Bible teaches us:
“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement. … In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works‘ (Revelation 20:12). Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357).
Please notice that in the very first sentence she clearly states that the blood of Christ already releases truly repenatnt sinner from condemnation. The only thing which is left is the record of sin. Her understanding, therefore, is exactly the same as revealed in the Bible. Although we are already forgiven and free from condemnation now (Rom. 8:1) and stay in this peaceful state as long as we keep on truly accepting Christ and His righteousness (Rom. 5:1; 1 Cor. 1:30), yet the record of our sins remains in the heaven until the final atonement and the investigative judgement is over (2 Cor. 5:10). Then Christ will finish the process of cleansing the heavenly sanctuary (Hebr. 9:23; Dan. 8:14) from the record of the sins committed by true believers, placing them upon the head of Azazel (Satan) who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record.
This is important, because although the cross of Christ saved saints once for all, yet it didn’t solve the problem of responsibility for introducing the law of sin and selfishness in perfect universe and here on earth, and for leading saints to sin also after their conversion. Therefore the holy and righteous God has to deal with it at certain point.
WHAT ABOUT BIBLE VERSES THAT SEEM TO STATE THAT OUR SINS ARE BLOTTED OUT FOREVER AND NOT REMEMBERED ANYMORE?
But, what about all those texts that seem to say that when God forgives us now He doesn’t remember our sins anymore? Isn’t what we teach about cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, the investigative judgement and the final atonement contradict the Word of God?
Here are few verses that claim God is not supposed to remember our sins:
“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Hebrews 8:12).
“I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25).
“I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34).
Well, there is no contradiction here as these verses simply predicted that after the final Day of Atonement and when Christ finishes the final act of cleansing the heavenly sanctuary, God will finally blot out all our sins registered in heavenly records.
However, at the same time, if we are true believers in Christ our sins are already forgiven, we constantly live under the umbrella of His righteousness and are free from condemnation of the law.
This record of sins (committed by believers) found in the heavenly sanctuary remains there until the great day of judgement, final atonement and cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, not against the believing sinners, as they are no longer under the law and condemnation (Rom 7:6; 8:1) but against Satan who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record.
So, there is no contradiction here. Those who quote the above Bible verses which state that God will not remember our sins anymore don’t prove that EGW was wrong and that our doctrine of the investigative judgement and final cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary from registered in heaven sins contradict those verses. They only say, that God will forgive us and will remember our sins no more at some point in the future (after the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary).
However, at the same time it is important to emphasize the fact that the forgiveness from our sins and freedom from condemnation starts as soon as we accept Jesus as our Savior (1 John 1:9). And we stay forgiven, freed from condemnation of the law and we constantly remain righteous in Him as long as we keep on truly believing in Christ and accepting His righteousness as our own and as long as we remain in Him through faith (1Cor 1:30, Romans 8:1; Rom 5:1; Rom 7:4).
BUT DIDN’T CHRIST PROMISE THAT TRUE BELIEVERS WILL NOT BE JUDGED (JOHN 5:24)?
Also in John 5:24, by saying that true believers are not going to be judged, Christ had to mean that they will not be judged at the final judgement of unbelievers which will take place during the millennium.
By saying that the believers in Him will not be judged, He simply meant they will not be condemnd. This must be what He meant as otherwise Christ would contradict many clear Biblical statements according to which saints are to be judged (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom 14:10). They are to be judged now during the investigative judgement and not at the final judgement of unbelievers that will take place after Christ’s second coming.
EXAMPLES OF FORGIVEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN SINS IN THE BIBLE
The above texts that state God will not remember our sins anymore say nothing about when this happens. They only say God at certain point will finally blot them out forever and they will not be remembered anymore in due time.
Let me give you a proof and few examples of sins committed by true and saved believers whose sins were forgiven but the memory of those sins still exists and haven’t yet been blotted out.
The obvious examples are the sins committed by David, Samson, Peter, Manasseh and other sins committed by forgiven and saved believers. Have their sins been wiped out from existence and not remembered anymore now? No! They are forgiven but not forgotten yet as many people continue reading about those sins in the Bible, remember about those sins and talk about them.
They will be finally blotted out at the end of the investigative judgement and the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary. When the great controversy between Christ and Satan finally ends, God will, for all eternity, remember our sins no more; they will be wiped from existence forever. All that will be remembered forever are the wounds of Jesus caused by our sins.
DID JESUS COMPLETE OR DID NOT COMPLETE THE ATONEMENT ON THE CROSS?
The evangelical Churches furiously attack Adventist doctrine about Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary because they believe it denies the fact that the atonement was complete at the cross. To prove their point they quote the following scripture:
“Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:9 11).
Also even among Seventh-day Adventists, there are two groups that oppose each other with regards to the understanding of Christ’s atonement (reconciliation). Some of them claim the atonement was finished at the cross while others oppose this idea because they believe it contradicts the truth about Christ’s atoning work in the heavenly sanctuary which hasn’t finished yet.
This lack of unity has been also contributed by the fact that in both, the Bible and Ellen White’s writings, we can find two groups of statements that seem to contradict each other, as they state that the atonement was complete and at the same time suggest it wasn’t complete.
ELLEN WHITE QUOTES SUGGESTING THAT THE ATONEMENT WAS COMPLETED AT THE CROSS
“[Christ] planted the cross between heaven and earth, and when the Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He bowed before it in recognition of its perfection. ‘It is enough,’ He said. ‘The atonement is complete’” RH September 24, 1901, par. 11.
“Our great High Priest completed the sacrificial offering of Himself when He suffered without the gate. Then a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people” 7BC 913.3.
“Christ’s sacrifice in behalf of man was full and complete. The condition of the atonement had been fulfilled. The work for which He had come to this world had been accomplished” AA 29.2.
“When Christ on the cross cried out, ‘It is finished,’ He addressed the Father. The agreement had been fully carried out. Now He declared, ‘Father, I have completed the work of redemption.’ ‘I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am’.” (John 17:24). Desire of Ages (498)
“The Lord would have His people sound in the faith—not ignorant of the great salvation so abundantly provided for them. They are not to look forward, thinking that at some future time a great work is to be done for them; for the work is now complete” 1SM 394.3.
ELLEN WHITE QUOTES SUGGESTING THAT THE ATONEMENT WAS NOT COMPLE AT THE CROSS
“Instead of … Daniel 8:14 referring to the purifying of the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement, and the preparing of the people to abide the day of His coming” (Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 58).
“Jesus entered the most holy of the heavenly (sanctuary), at the end of the 2300 days of Daniel 8, in 1844, to make a final atonement for all who could be benefited by His mediation” (Early Writings, p. 253).
“Our Saviour is in the Sanctuary pleading in our behalf. He is our interceding High Priest, making an atoning sacrifice for us, pleading in our behalf the efficacy of His blood.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 370.
“Today He [Christ] is making an atonement for us before the Father. ‘If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’” Manuscript 21, 1895.
“As in the typical service, there was a work of atonement at the close of the year, so before Christ’s work for the redemption of man is completed there is a work of atonement for the removal of sin from the Sanctuary. This is the service which began when the 2300 days ended.” Great Controversy, 421.
IS THERE A CONTRADICTION BETWEEN THESE TWO GROUPS OF STATEMENTS?
Well, the answer to the question lies in the fact that those two groups of statements appear as if they contradict each other only because they deal with different aspects of Christ’s atoning ministry. The word “atonement” (or reconciliation) in those two groups of statements refers to different aspects of salvation from sin.
In a similar way, the Word of God uses three different tenses (past, present and future) with regards to our salvation. It states that believers are already saved or were saved in the past tense, it says they are being now saved in the present continuous tense, and it also states they will be saved in the future. Does it prove the Bible contradicts itself? No, it only points to the fact that it refers to different aspects of salvation from sin.
We have been already saved (past tense) from punishment and condemnation of sin (justification) because we are in Christ and not under the law but under grace; We are being delivered from the power of sin (from sinning) now in the present continuous tense (which is our continuous process sanctification); And finally, in the future we will be saved, delivered from the presence of sin (from our sinful nature and the indwelling law of sin and selfishness) at the second coming of Christ (glorification).
And it is exactly the same when we deal with the subject of atonement, which is synonymous with salvation from sin, and involves different aspects of the sin problem.
MEANNING OF THE WORD “ATONEMENT”
SDA theology places a significantly broader definition on the word “atonement” than do other denominations. For most Christians the word “atonement” means the work of Christ on the cross. For most of Adventists, the word atonement means two things: the atonement of the cross, and the final atonement.
The atonement of the cross refers to the fact that at the cross “God was in Christ reconciling (atoning) the world to Himself” (2Cor 5:19). It means that at the cross God actually saved all sinners (entire world) in Jesus from condemnation, and therefore, in this sense the atonement was finished at the cross. That is why Lord Jesus cried out, “it is finished”.
However, this salvation (atonement) is not automatically enforced upon anyone, because it is a gift and as it is with any gift, in order to enjoy it and make this salvation effective, it must be accepted with true faith which makes such believer spiritually alive (born from the Spirit).
On the other hand, the atonement that was accomplished at the cross didn’t completely solved the problem of the power of sin and believer’s slavery to sin, the still ongoing presence of the sinful nature (including the “law of sin”) in the believers.
The cross didn’t also solved the issue of responsibility for introducing sin in the perfect and holy universe and previously sinless planet earth, and responsibility for leading born again Christians to sin. It is the final atonement that is going to deal with these aspects of sin. And that is the very reason why both the Bible as well as Spirit of Prophecy (Ellen White) clearly suggest that the atonement in this sense is not complete yet.
The final atonement refers to the time when God will clean us and entire universe from every aspect, effect and trace of sin, bringing the entire universe into perfect harmony as it was before sin appeared.
Since Jesus’ death on the cross did not bring the universe into perfect harmony we can say that in a sense the atonement is not complete, and therefore, the same Savior continues His atoning work now in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary until it is finished in due time.
However, speaking of the atonement in the sense of salvation from the condemnation and punishment for sin (from eternal death) which brings the sinner assurance of salvation, it is perfect, fully complete, and nothing can be added to it. The only thing we can do is to make sure we are born from the Spirit (spiritually alive) by accepting Christ’s cross and righteousness as our only ticket to heaven by true faith, and according to the Bible, we also must maintain the true faith till the end.
Therefore, since there are certain aspects of sin the atonement which our Savior accomplished at the cross didn’t deal with it is not a denial of the cross to teach that Jesus continues His work of atonement in heaven.
CLEANSING OF THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY
Here is what the book Great Controversy teach about cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary and closely associated with it investigative judgement:
“As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected…. At the time appointed for the judgment –the close of the 2300 days, in 1844– began the work of investigation and blotting out of sins. All who have ever taken upon themselves the name of Christ must pass its searching scrutiny. Both the living and the dead are judged ‘out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works’.” (Great Controversy, 1950 edition, page 483, 486).
Does the Bible teach about cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary?
Dan 8:14 (NKJV)
“Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn (papal Rome) to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, ‘How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled underfoot?’ And he said to me, ‘For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed’ (also KJV, ASV, ERV – ‘cleansed’).”
American Standard Version: “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
English Revised Version: “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
The word “cleansed” translated from Hebrew verb from tsedeq can also have other meanings such as to declare right, to justify, to properly restore, to vindicate.
According to the STRONG’S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE, the word tsadek can mean: “Cleanse, clear self, do justice, turn to righteousness“.
Does the New Testament mention about cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary?
Hebrews 9:22-23:
“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens (earthly sanctuary) should be purified (cleansed) with these, but the heavenly things themselves (heavenly sanctuary) with better sacrifices than these (Christ’s blood)”.
What is the meaning of the expression “heavenly things” used by Paul in verse 23?
In the context we know for sure that he meant the heavenly sanctuary:
Heb 9:24 (NIV)
“For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence”.
Although Adventists are condemned for teaching about the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary yet even among famous protestant theologians there are some who seem to agree with this idea:
Brooke Foss Westcott (renowned British theologian): “It may be said that even ‘heavenly things,’ so far as they embody the conditions of man’s future life, contracted by the Fall something which required cleansing. It was Christ’s blood, Paul said, that was available ‘for the cleansing of the heavenly archetype of the earthly sanctuary’.” B.F. Westcott, Epistle to the Hebrews, pp. 272, 271.
Henry Alford: “The heaven itself needed, and obtained, purification by the atoning blood of Christ.” Henry Alford, The Greek Testament, 3rd ed. (London: Deighton, Bell and Co., 1864), vol. 4, p. 179.
Now, what in heaven, where holiness prevails, could possibly need to be purified?
The answer is simple — it could be only the record of true believers sins.
In heaven God has a detailed account of every sin ever committed by every individual (Revelation 20:12; Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 12:14). Although those true believers are already justified, regarded as holy, and constantly live under umbrella of Christ’s righteousness, yet the record of their sins committed after their conversion must be blotted out by the blood of Jesus on the basis of the fact that all their sins were already included in the cross of Christ.
However, it extremely vital to emphasize the fact that this found in the heavenly sanctuary record of sins (committed by true believers), remains there until the great day of judgement, final atonement and cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, not against the truly believing sinners, as they are no longer under the law and condemnation (Rom 7:6; 8:1), but against Satan who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record.
Obviously, also Ellen White confirmed that in her understanding, this is exactly what the Bible teaches us:
“The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would stand on record in the sanctuary until the final atonement. … In the great day of final award, the dead are to be ‘judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works‘ (Revelation 20:12). Then by virtue of the atoning blood of Christ, the sins of all the truly penitent will be blotted from the books of heaven” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 357).
Her understanding, therefore, is exactly the same as revealed in the Bible. Although we are already forgiven and free from condemnation now (Rom. 8:1) and stay in this peaceful state as long as we keep on truly accepting Christ and His righteousness (Rom. 5:1; 1 Cor. 1:30), yet the record of our sins remains in the heaven (2 Cor. 5:10) until the final atonement and the investigative judgement is over. Then Christ will finish the process of cleansing the heavenly sanctuary (Hebr. 9:23; Dan. 8:14) from the record of the sins committed by true believers, placing them upon the head of Azazel (Satan) who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record. It is important, because although the cross of Christ saved saints once for all, yet it didn’t solve the problem of responsibility for introducing the law of sin and selfishness in perfect universe and here on earth, and for leading saints to sin also after their conversion.
Please notice that this quote talks only about blotting out of sins registered in heaven but it does not claim that we will be justified from them through Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. As it was already mentioned here many times, true born from the Spirit believers who maintain their faith are already forgiven, justified from all sins (past, present and future). Therefore, in heaven only the record of their sins is to be blotted out.
Therefore, the Adventist teaching about cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary is based on the Bible and does not contradict the truth about justification by faith alone.
WHEN OUR FORGIVEN SINS WILL BE PERMANENTLY REMOVED FROM HEAVENLY RECORD?
According to the Bible, the answer can be only one, although we are already forgiven and free from condemnation now (Rom. 8:1) and stay in this peaceful state as long as we keep on truly accepting Christ and His righteousness (Rom. 5:1; 1 Cor. 1:30), yet the record of our sins remains in the heaven until the final atonement and the investigative judgement is over. Then Christ will finish the process of cleansing the heavenly sanctuary (Hebr. 9:23; Dan. 8:14) from the record of the sins committed by true saved believers in Him.
This record of sins (committed by saints) found in the heavenly sanctuary remains there until the great day of judgement, final atonement and cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary, not against the truly believing sinners, as they are no longer under the law nor condemnation (Rom 7:6; 8:1), but against Satan who will ultimately be held responsible for all the sins included in that record.
Cleansing of the Heavenly Sanctuary
(Hebrews 9:23)
By E.H. “Jack” Sequeira
BIBLE STUDY ON SANCTUARY
IN THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL
by Jack Sequeira
After the death of the apostles, the leadership of the church fell into the hands of Gentile believers, commonly referred to as the Church Fathers. These men saw very little value in the sanctuary doctrine. To them this was something that belonged to Judaism and had no relevance to New Testament Christianity. Consequently, the sanctuary truth became somewhat obsolete, until the mid-Nineteenth Century when it was resurrected to life. Today there is renewed interest in the sanctuary message.
When we examine the teachings of the New Testament, we find that much of the truth it presents is expressed in sanctuary language. The simple reason for this is because the sanctuary was given by God as a visual aid of the whole plan of redemption. It is His master model plan of salvation. Through it, God reveals to mankind the various stages of our redemption in Christ — His earthly mission as well as His heavenly ministry. The sanctuary, therefore, is God’s “Show and Tell” (see diagram at end).
God’s primary purpose in giving the sanctuary was to reveal through symbols, Jesus Christ and His saving grace. Everything about the sanctuary, it’s buildings, it’s furniture, as well as it’s rituals, all point to Christ as the Saviour of mankind. Since the sanctuary reveals the full plan of salvation from beginning to end, its study becomes very meaningful to us as Christians. Through the sanctuary message, we get a bird’s eye view of the whole plan of salvation. This, in turn, will strengthen our faith in the eternal hope we have in Christ. This is the purpose in studying the sanctuary.
1. Why did God instruct Moses to build a sanctuary?
Exodus 25:8 __________________________________________________
Note: Sin had separated a holy God from sinful man (see Isaiah 59:2). What God was revealing through the sanctuary was the plan of redemption that would bridge that gulf so that God and mankind may once again be “at-one-ment.”
2. In whom was this plan of redemption fulfilled?
John 1:14 __________________________________________________
Note: Christ is the reality of the Sanctuary message. Everything about the sanctuary pointed to Christ and salvation through Him. That is why David declared, “Thy way [of salvation] O God, is in the sanctuary.”
3. To what was Jesus referring when He made this statement?
John 2:19-21 __________________________________________________
Note: This is where the ancient Jews went wrong. They put the emphasis of the sanctuary on their temple building and its rituals, rather than on what it pointed to — salvation through Jesus Christ.
4. When did the disciples of Jesus discover the true meaning of the temple?
John 2:22 __________________________________________________
Note: The disciples were also victims of Judaism and it was not until the resurrection that they realized the whole of the sanctuary message of the Old Testament. The sanctuary was given to point them to Christ, the promised Messiah.
5. What did God prepare for Christ instead of the sacrificial system of the sanctuary?
Hebrews 10:5 __________________________________________________
Note: The whole purpose of the sacrificial system was to point to Christ and Him crucified. The only value the sacrifice of animals had in the Old Testament was to point God’s people to the coming Messiah. In and of themselves, the sacrifice of animals had no merits and that is why God had no pleasure in them.
6. Why did God prepare a body for Christ?
Hebrews 10:7 __________________________________________________
Note: It was through the human body of Christ that the world was redeemed. This was the will of God (see John 3:17). That is why the humanity of Christ is everything to us. In it God has obtained salvation full and complete for the entire human race.
7. What did the coming of Christ replace?
Hebrews 10:9 __________________________________________________
Note: The coming of Christ replaced the type with reality. This is the difference between the Old and the New Covenants. The Old Covenant was never given by God as a means of salvation but pointed to Christ, the promised Saviour. The New Covenant is the fulfillment of that promise. However, since we have not experienced the full reality of salvation, the sanctuary message continues to point us to the consummation, the ultimate end of God’s plan of salvation in Christ.
8. Why did the gospel preached to the Jews of the Exodus fail to profit them?
Hebrews 4:2 __________________________________________________
Note: The pronoun “them” refers to the Jews of the Exodus. God gave them the gospel through the sanctuary, the gospel in type. Unfortunately, they missed the whole point of the sanctuary message, which is one of the main reasons why the nation of Israel rejected Christ as the promised Messiah.
9. What did the sacrificed lamb of the sanctuary ritual point to?
John 1:29 __________________________________________________
10. The candle lamps in the sanctuary pointed to Christ as what?
John 8:12 __________________________________________________
11. How did Christ describe Himself in this passage?
John 6:51 __________________________________________________
Note: In the Holy Place of the earthly sanctuary, the two main pieces of furniture were the seven-branch candlestick and the table of shew bread. The candlestick pointed to Christ as the light of the world, while the table of shew bread pointed to Christ as the living bread of life.
12. What has God made Christ to be for us through faith in His blood?
Romans 3:25 __________________________________________________
Note: The word “propitiation” (KJV) or the phrase “sacrifice of atonement” (NIV) is translated from the same word used in the Greek Old Testament (the LXX) for the mercy seat that rested on the top of the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place of the sanctuary. This mercy seat covered the law of God that condemns us sinners.
13. What did Christ obtain for mankind in His earthly mission?
Hebrews 9:12 __________________________________________________
14. What is Christ the end of, to all who believe in Him?
Romans 10:4 __________________________________________________
Note: In His earthly mission, Christ satisfied the full demands of the law on behalf of fallen humanity. All who have accepted Him as their personal Saviour are looked upon by God as meeting all the requirements of the law for righteousness. This is the good news of the gospel!
15. Having redeemed humanity, what is Christ now doing in the heavenly sanctuary?
Romans 8:34 __________________________________________________
16. To what extent can Christ save those who put their full trust in Him?
Hebrews 7:25 __________________________________________________
Note: In His earthly mission, represented by the eastern square of the sanctuary courtyard, Christ obtained salvation full and complete for the entire human race. The western square reveals Christ’s priestly ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Thus, through the sanctuary and its services God has revealed the whole plan of redemption from the beginning to the end. The diagram below illustrates the two-fold work of Christ as our Saviour and Priest. The next two lessons will cover some important sanctuary truths regarding Christ’s priestly ministry on the believer’s behalf.
THE SANCTUARY – GOD’S MODEL PLAN OF SALVATION
Christ is the Reality of the Sanctuary
EX. 25:8 (JH. 1:14); PS. 77:13 (HEB. 10:5-10); JN. 2:19-22
CHRIST’S HEAVENLY MINISTRY CHRIST’S EARTHLY MINISTRY
PRIESTHOOD (31 A.D. – New Earth; Heb. 10:12,13)
1. DAILY – Intercession (31 A.D. – Probation Closes)
2. YEARLY – Cleansing (1844 – New Earth)
GOSPEL (4 B.C.? – 31 A.D.; Heb. 9:12)
1. SPOTLESS LAMB – Doing (Birth – Temptation in the Wilderness)
2. SACRIFICE – Dying (Baptism – Cross)
THE INVESTIGATIVE JUDGMENT
In our last study, we examined the Sanctuary doctrine, God’s “show and tell” of the entire plan of redemption. In the next few studies, which will bring these series of Bible lessons to an end, we will consider what the Sanctuary truth reveals about the closing events of this earth’s history. The purpose of these studies is to strengthen your faith in Christ and prepare you to face the coming crisis that will transpire before the second advent and the end of the world.
One of the events that has to take place before Christ can come to take believers to heaven is the vindication of the saints against the accusations of the devil. Satan is “the accuser of the brethren … which accused them before God day and night.” He is the great enemy of souls, and as such is determined that none of the believers make it to heaven.
Therefore, before the second advent can take place, Christ, our Great High Priest and Intercessor, has to vindicate the saints in the judgment. This is part of the good news of salvation. This judgment of the saints is referred to as the Investigative Judgment. This is what we will examine in this study.
1. What change takes place to our status when we believe in Christ?
John 5:24 __________________________________________________
Note: As we discovered in a previous study, at the cross the entire human race was executed in Christ, our substitute. Because of this supreme sacrifice every sinner, who by faith receives Christ as their personal Saviour, passes from death (condemnation) to life (justification).
2. Will believers have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ?
Romans 14:10 __________________________________________________
Note: Since a believer has already passed from condemnation to justification, the question is often asked why believers have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. The answer is because, as in all court cases, there is an accuser.
3. Who accuses the believers and how often does he accuse them?
Revelation 12:10 __________________________________________________
4. Who is on the believer’s side in this court case?
Romans 8:31 __________________________________________________
Note: What Paul is saying here is that since God is on the believer’s side, it does not matter who is against us. All three members of the Godhead are on our side in the investigative judgment. This is indeed good news!
5. How do we know that God is on our side?
Romans 8:32 __________________________________________________
Note: With blood mingled with His sweat, indicating great distress, Jesus pleaded with His Father in the garden of Gethsemane, that if it were possible, could He remove the cup from Jesus. The Father’s reply was NO because He so loved the world. Without the cross, man would be lost.
6. Besides dying for our sins, what is Christ now doing for us?
Romans 8:34 __________________________________________________
Note: In Christ we not only have a perfect Saviour but also an intercessor who will defend us against all the accusations of Satan. He is our advocate now and in the judgment (see 1 John 2:1).
7. What witness does the Holy Spirit bear to every believer?
Romans 8:16 __________________________________________________
Note: In the judgment, all three persons of the Godhead — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit — are on the side of the believers. With such a defense on our side, we can be sure that Satan has no chance in the judgment to win his case against us.
8. According to Peter, with whom does the final judgment begin?
1 Peter 4:17 __________________________________________________
Note: The term “house of God” refers to all those who by faith have accepted Christ as their personal Saviour and whose names are written in the book of life. In this judgment, Christ acts as their advocate and Satan as their accuser.
9. What will be exposed in the judgment of the believers?
1 Corinthians 4:5 __________________________________________________
Note: We humans judge each other by our outward acts but God judges us by our motives. Sometimes our acts are wrong even though in our hearts we want to do what is right (see Romans 7:19,20). This is part of our Christian struggle. But God understands and will judge us by the counsels of the heart.
10. What were we created in Christ to do?
Ephesians 2:10 __________________________________________________
Note: Not only did Christ save us from condemnation to justification but also from a life of sin to a life of good works. These good works do not save us, but they are evidence of our salvation.
11. What is dead if justification by faith does not produce good works?
James 2:17 __________________________________________________
Note: Genuine justification by faith always produces good works. However, the believer may not be aware of these good works since they are the fruits of the Holy Spirit (see Matthew 25:34-40).
12. The good works of the believer are profitable to whom?
Titus 3:8 __________________________________________________
Note: Good works do not save us but they do give evidence to others that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. People judge us by our behavior and they must see the love of Christ manifested in every believer.
13. What clear evidence proves that we are followers of Christ?
John 13:34,35 __________________________________________________
Note: The greatest proof we Christians can give to the world that we are born-again believers is by manifesting the selfless love of Christ. According to the Bible, such love is the true keeping of the law (see Galatians 5:13,14).
14. How is a person justified by God?
Romans 3:28 __________________________________________________
Note: We must constantly remind ourselves that we are justified, or declared righteous, before God by faith alone in Jesus Christ. Law-keeping does not save us but is the evidence of our salvation. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (see 1 John 5:1-3).
15. How will we be judged in the investigative judgment?
Revelation 20:12 __________________________________________________
Note: The Bible is clear that we sinners are justified by faith alone, apart from any good works we do (see Romans 4:5; Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5). Yet believers are judged and rewarded according to their works (see Matthew 16:27; John 5:28,29: 2 Corinthians 5:10). How do we reconcile this apparent contradiction? This will be answered in the next few questions.
16. What is the greatest proof we can give that we are justified by faith?
Matthew 5:14-16 __________________________________________________
Note: As Christians we are to be the light of the world. It is not by our words that we give evidence of this but by our works. As Jesus said, they shall know us by our fruits (Matthew 7:16-20).
17. What did (i) Christ redeem us from, and (ii) why?
Titus 2:14
(i) ________________________________________________
(ii) ________________________________________________
18. What did the works of Abraham prove?
James 2:22 __________________________________________________
Note: Abraham’s works proved that his faith was genuine. In the same way, our works of faith will be used by Christ, our advocate, to prove in the investigative judgment that our faith is true.
19. What kind of works will not justify a person before God?
Galatians 2:16 __________________________________________________
Note: We must not confuse works of faith, which is the fruit of the gospel, with works of the law. The phrase “works of the law” refers to good works or keeping the law in order to earn salvation. In English, we call it legalism. In contrast, “works of faith” are the fruit of the Spirit. While these fruits do not contribute toward our salvation, they do give evidence of it. That is why they will be brought up in the judgment, to prove our justification by faith.
20. According to the prophet Daniel, how many will stand before the judgment seat of God?
Daniel 7:10 __________________________________________________
Note: Daniel is here describing the investigative judgment of the saints. While the saints themselves will not be physically present there, they will be represented by their great High Priest and advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous (see Zechariah 3:1-4; Joshua is the Hebrew name for Jesus).
21. In this judgment of the saints, who will be vindicated?
Daniel 7:22 __________________________________________________
Note: The verdict in the investigative judgment will be in favor of the saints. It is only after Christ has vindicated us that He will come to take us to heaven. This is the blessed hope for which we are all waiting.
22. For how long will the saints rule with Christ?
Daniel 7:26,27 __________________________________________________
Note: This is the consummation of the ages. At this time, Satan and his kingdom will be forever destroyed. In its place, God will usher in His everlasting kingdom, where peace will reign forever. By faith, plan to be there.
THE DAY OF ATONEMENT
In lesson #20, we discovered that the Sanctuary was God’s visual aid, His “show and tell,” revealing the total plan of salvation in Christ. The daily services of the Sanctuary ended every year with the Day of Atonement. This was, and still is, the most solemn feast day in the Jewish calendar. It represented the culmination of the plan of redemption. It pointed to the time when sin would be totally eradicated from the universe and when everlasting righteousness would be ushered in.
The Day of Atonement pointed to the final day of judgment, the consummation of the ages, when all that the Sanctuary and its services pointed to would be fulfilled. It was the only time of the year God required His people to keep it as a solemn day of fasting and prayer. On that day no strong drink was allowed to be consumed and the women were required to remove all their jewelry. This feast day pointed to the moment in time when the great controversy between Christ and Satan would finally be brought to an end.
Besides the Investigative Judgment, which vindicated the believers and which we studied in our last study, the purpose of the Day ofAtonement is to vindicate God’s holy and righteous name as well as to eradicate the sin problem. When the Day of Atonement will be accomplished in reality, Satan and his angels, along with all those who have refused the gift of salvation in Christ, will be destroyed forever. God will then create a new heaven and a new earth for the saints.
In this study we will examine the significance of this solemn Day of Atonement, what is required of God’s people, and the meaning of the main ceremony that took place on this feast day. This ceremony, which centered around the two goats, pointed to the end of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. This controversy began in heaven when Lucifer rebelled against God and became Satan.
1. When did the Day of Atonement take place in the Jewish calendar?
Leviticus 23:27 __________________________________________________
Note: The word Atonement is a combination of three separate words joined together, AT-ONE-MENT. Its meaning is synonymous with the word “reconcile.” This solemn feast day pointed to the end-time when the whole universe will once again be AT-ONE-MENT with God. At that time everlasting peace will be ushered in.
2. What did the high priest do to God’s people on the Day of Atonement?
Leviticus 16:30 __________________________________________________
Note: This cleansing of God’s people before the Lord prefigured the Investigative Judgment (lesson #21) when Christ, our great and faithful High Priest, will vindicate the saints from all the accusations Satan has been making against them.
3. Besides God’s people, what else was cleansed on the Day of Atonement?
Leviticus 16:33 __________________________________________________
Note: Besides the saints, God’s sanctuary will also be cleansed on the Day of Atonement. It will be cleansed of all the blame that has been heaped against God by Satan. Since God justifies sinners who believe in Christ (see Romans 4:5), not only do the believers have to be vindicated but God Himself has to be vindicated. When this is accomplished, the whole universe, including Satan and his angels, will confess to God that “just and true are your ways.”
4. When, finally, the sin problem is brought to an end and everlasting righteousness is ushered in, what will the saints declare in song?
Revelation 15:3 __________________________________________________
Note: When all that the Day of Atonement pointed to is fulfilled, all doubt about God and the way He has dealt with the sin problem will be removed. Then, and then only, will we see things clearly. As the apostle Paul stated to the Corinthian believers, “now we know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:12), but in heaven we shall see God as He truly is, a God of love, mercy, and justice.
5. What two things were the people of God required to do on the Day of Atonement?
Leviticus 23:32
(i) ________________________________________________
(ii) ________________________________________________
Note: The reason why the Day of Atonement was required to be kept as a solemn day of Sabbath rest was in order to remind God’s people that only those who were resting in Christ’s righteousness — i.e., justification by faith alone — would experience the ultimate rest God is offering to mankind. (see Hebrews 4:10,11). “Afflicting the soul” simply means denying oneself all of our self-righteousness (see Philippians 3:7-9). Together, these two requirements pointed to the gospel formula of “Not I, but Christ.”
6. What two animals were used on the Day of Atonement to cleanse God’s sanctuary and His people?
Leviticus 16:7 __________________________________________________
Note: According to the law given by God through Moses, both the goats had to be spotless or without blemish. These two goats symbolized the ultimate issue in the great controversy between Christ and Satan, who is responsible for the sin problem.
7. By casting lots, who did these two goats represent?
Leviticus 16:8 __________________________________________________
Note: The goat selected for the Lord represented Jesus Christ, who bore on the cross the guilt and punishment of the sins of the world. The second goat represented Satan, who must ultimately take the blame of the sin problem he has created. That is why this goat is called the “scapegoat” or the “goat of removal.”
8. What two groups are represented by the sheep and the goats in this passage?
Matthew 25:31-34,41
Sheep ________________________________________________________
Goats ________________________________________________________
Note: The sheep represent the believers who have accepted Christ as their sin bearer. The goats represent the unbelievers who have refused the gift of salvation in Christ. Please notice that while the kingdom of heaven was prepared for humanity from “the foundation of the world,” the fire that will consume and destroy God’s enemies forever was only prepared for “the devil and his angels.” The reasons why unbelievers will be included in that fire is not because of God’s choice but because of their own (see John 3:18,36).
9. How many were reconciled to God through the redeeming work of Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:19 __________________________________________________
Note: At the cross the whole human race was reconciled to God. Therefore, there is no excuse for anyone to be lost. Those who will ultimately be lost, will be lost because they have deliberately and willfully refused and rejected the free gift of salvation in Christ.
10. In order to save mankind from sin, what did God make Christ to be?
2 Corinthians 5:21 (first part) ________________________________________________________
11. In exchange, what did God make us to be in Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:21 (second part) ____________________________________________________
12. How many of us have gone astray and on whom did God lay our iniquity?
Isaiah 53:6 __________________________________________________
Note: This is what the Lord’s goat represented on the Day of Atonement: Christ our sin bearer. Therefore, all who are resting in Christ’s righteousness for their salvation (symbolized by their Sabbath-keeping) and deny themselves of all their own self-righteousness (the significance of afflicting the soul) will be vindicated in the solemn Day of Atonement. This is the good news of the Investigative Judgment.
13. How perfect or complete was Christ’s sacrifice for our sins on the cross?
Hebrews 10:12-14 __________________________________________________
Note: When Jesus cried out at the cross “it is finished,” He meant His work of saving sinful mankind had now been accomplished. All those who have accepted this salvation by faith and are sanctified by that sacrifice stand perfect in Christ.
14. According to this text, who is the originator of the sin problem?
Ezekiel 28:14,15 __________________________________________________
Note: When God created Lucifer he was created flawless, absolutely perfect. But how could a perfect being sin? This is a mystery that our finite minds cannot comprehend. Only when we go to heaven will our eyes be opened and we will fully understand how sin could enter a perfect world. That is why the Bible declares Satan’s fall as “the mystery of iniquity.”
15. What did Lucifer say in his heart that caused his downfall?
Isaiah 14:12-14 __________________________________________________
Note: When Lucifer decided to exalt himself and take the place of God, he brought about his own downfall. At the core of every sin is the problem of self, which completely contradicts God’s agape love that “seeketh not its own” (1 Corinthians 13:5). It is the principle of self, which Satan inflicted the human race with at the Fall, that is the source of all human problems.
16. Because God is Sovereign, what is one thing He assumes the blame for?
Isaiah 45:7 __________________________________________________
Note: Since God is Sovereign, Lord of the universe, nothing happens without His permission. It is for this reason that God assumes the blame for all the bad things that have happened and that are happening in this world. In the fulfillment of the Day of Atonement, however, the blame will be put on Satan, the one who is really responsible for the sin problem. This is whom the scapegoat represents, the one who truly deserves the blame for our sin problem.
17. Who did Adam and Eve ultimately blame for eating the forbidden fruit?
Genesis 3:9-13 __________________________________________________
Note: Ultimately, Adam and Eve blamed God for their sin. Adam accused God for giving him a defective wife, while Eve put the blame on God for creating the serpent. Since then, God has assumed much of the blame for the sin problem. He will, however, settle this matter, once and for all, on the Day of Atonement, when every knee will confess to God, “just and true are your ways.”
18. When did David say he will praise God with uprightness of heart?
Psalms 119:7 __________________________________________________
Note: On the great Day of Atonement, in that final Judgment, God will be vindicated. All the blame He has assumed since the Fall will now be placed on the real culprit, Satan. Only then will God be able to eradicate sin and usher in everlasting righteousness. May you be found to be on God’s side in that final Day of Atonement.
SOURCE: Study Materials by E.H. “Jack” Sequeira