Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.
Synopsis
The cleansing of the sanctuary, as typified by the ancient Day of Atonement, represents the concluding work of Christ's high priestly ministry in the heavenly tabernacle. A. T. Jones elucidates that this cleansing is twofold: it involves the removal of the record of sins from the heavenly sanctuary and the eradication of the presence of sin from the lives of God's people. This process is known as the 'blotting out of sins.' While forgiveness is available throughout the ages to remove guilt, the blotting out of sins is the final act that prepares a people to stand in the presence of a holy God without a mediator. Jones emphasizes that the heavenly sanctuary is cleansed only as the 'living temple'—the believers themselves—are cleansed. This final atonement is the pinnacle of the plan of salvation, resulting in a community that is 'without spot or wrinkle,' ready to meet Christ at His second coming without having experienced death.
Key points
- The cleansing of the sanctuary is the blotting out of sins from the record and the soul.
- This work corresponds to the anti-typical Day of Atonement starting in 1844.
- Forgiveness removes guilt, but blotting out removes the very presence and record of sin.
- The final atonement produces a people who reflect Christ's character perfectly.
Key texts
- Acts 3:19
- Leviticus 16
- Isaiah 43:25
From the book
Chapter 15 · Leviticus 16 · Read this chapter
- “The cleansing of the sanctuary is the blotting out of sins.” (ch. 15)
- “The sanctuary is cleansed when the people are cleansed, for they are the temple of God.” (ch. 15)
- “This final atonement is the culmination of the plan of salvation.” (ch. 15)
Put it into practice
- Engage in deep heart-searching to identify any cherished sins.
- Cooperate with Christ in the work of blotting out sin from your life.
- Live with the consciousness of being in the anti-typical Day of Atonement.
- Comprehension
1. What are the two aspects of the cleansing of the sanctuary?
- Doctrinal Clarity
2. What is the difference between forgiveness and the blotting out of sins?
- Scripture
3. How did the ancient Day of Atonement illustrate this cleansing?
- Contrast
4. Why does Jones say the people must be cleansed for the sanctuary to be cleansed?
- Scripture
5. What should be the attitude of God's people during this time?
- Doctrinal Clarity
6. What is the result of the final atonement for the believer?
- Contrast
7. How does Isaiah 43:25 describe God's role in this work?
- Application
8. How does the reality of the ongoing judgment affect your daily choices?