How Are Jesus and the Tabernacle Related?

PRAY OVER THIS

“This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.”

1 John 5:6

 

PONDER THIS

The tabernacle in the Old Testament was a prophecy of Jesus. When one entered the tabernacle there was a brazen altar on which blood would have been shed. Next you would come to a great basin of water called a laver. (See Exodus 30:17-21.) Those who entered the tabernacle would come first through the blood and then to the water. The blood saves from the penalty of sin; the water cleanses from the pollution of sin. Likewise, Jesus came by blood and water. It’s significant that when they put a spear in His side, out came blood and water. (See John 19:34.)

Now what does that have to do with the assurance of salvation? We wouldn’t have a hope of Heaven apart from the water and the blood, apart from the death of the Lord Jesus Christ upon that cross and the cleansing that makes us pure. That’s the solid rock on which we stand.

What are you tempted to try to find assurance in outside of Jesus’ work on your behalf?

How does the image of the tabernacle in the Old Testament point you to the finished work of Jesus? How does this remind you the importance of seeing all Scripture in light of Jesus?

PRACTICE THIS

Take time to review God’s instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 26–30. List the ways these instructions pointed forward to the needed Messiah.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers