Our Greatest Need Ron Spear - The Eternal Gospel Church

Chapter Seven71PURPOSES OF THE SANCTUARYAKNOWLEDGE of the when and where of the atonement asdiscussed in the preceding chapter is of value to us only as ithelps us to participate in that atonement in a personal manner.The purpose of the earthly sanctuary and temple, and their services,was to teach man how, and illicit man’s participation in, the cleansingfrom sin. Again, let us turn to the past for the lessons recorded for ourexample and edification:Precious were the lessons taught to Israel during their sojournat Sinai. This was a period of special training for theinheritance of Canaan. And their surroundings here were favorablefor the accomplishing of God’s purpose. On the summitof Sinai, overshadowing the plain where the people spreadtheir tents, rested the pillar of cloud which had been the guideof their journey. A pillar of fire by night, it assured them of thedivine protection; and while they were locked in slumber, thebread of heaven fell gently upon the encampment. On everyhand, vast, rugged heights, in their solemn grandeur, spokeof eternal endurance and majesty. Man was made to feel hisignorance and weakness in the presence of Him who hath“weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance.”Isaiah 40:12. Here, by the manifestation of His glory, Godsought to impress Israel with the holiness of His characterand requirements, and the exceeding guilt of transgression.But the people were slow to learn the lesson. Accustomedas they had been in Egypt to material representations of theDeity, and these of the most degrading nature, it was difficultfor them to conceive of the existence or the character of the71