A New and Living Way - Through Jesus Christ

God revealed in the Tabernacle of Moses a way to approach Him. The form of things in the Old Testament often shadows what the New Testament gives substance to, and the natural things commanded by God reflect spiritual realities that come to completion in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:17). Just as a shadow indicates the existence of the object caught in the light, so the natural things in scripture often indicate and reflect the existence of something of enduring substance and reality in the spiritual realm.

The Shadow of Things to Come

The shadow is not the real thing, it merely points to it. So it is with the Tabernacle of Moses. We need to understand that we are not talking about a mere method of praying here, but an actual place in heaven into which God has invited us!

We find in the Book of Hebrews that the earthly tabernacle was simply a copy (or a shadow) of the true spiritual tabernacle which exists in Heaven.

"Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””

It is in this Heavenly Tabernacle that the Father sits in royal authority over the universe, and here that Jesus Christ ministers today.

“Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man."

"But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.”

The Priesthood of All Believers

The Old Testament Tabernacle reveals a prescribed way to approach the Father in faith and holiness. In their ministry to God the priests under the Old Covenant followed clearly defined steps, which ensured that when they stood in the presence of the Lord, He would receive them and answer their requests. Under the New Covenant, every believer is a priest (1 Peter 2:9).

Of course, we can approach God freely as our Father at any time, without fear of reproach or condemnation. The mode of approach foreshadowed in the earthly Tabernacle, however, reveals to us a consecrated way of entering boldly into the presence of God, one which is well pleasing to Him. Because of this, a great grace and empowerment comes upon anyone who chooses to come to God in this way.

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Let Us Come Boldly!

I encourage you to persist and ask God to reveal these things to you, that you may enjoy this heavenly privilege of access. As sure as the Word is true, as we behold Him in all His wondrous aspects, we will be changed into the very same image (2 Cor 3:18).