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Study 12 of 18

Chapter 11: “That I May Dwell Among Them”

The sanctuary as the mechanism for God's indwelling presence in the individual soul

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

The true purpose of the sanctuary is revealed: 'Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.' Jones argues that Israel's fatal mistake was externalizing God's presence, thinking that His dwelling in a physical building was the goal. In reality, the sanctuary and its services were designed to show how God dwells within the individual heart. The sacrifices and high priestly ministry pointed to the 'at-one-ment'—the reconciliation of the sinner to God through Christ. When sin is removed through faith in Christ's sacrifice, God can truly dwell in the soul, making the life 'holy, harmless, and undefiled.' Jones warns that formal worship without this inward reality is mockery, citing God's rejection of Israel's feasts when their hearts were not reformed. The heavenly sanctuary ministry today has the same ultimate goal: to cleanse the individual life and establish God's presence within His people.

Key points

  • The object of the sanctuary was for God to dwell among and within His people.
  • Atonement is literally 'at-one-ment,' reconciling the sinner to God.
  • Forgiveness means God 'gives-for' sin; He gives Christ, who is our righteousness.
  • External formalism without the indwelling of God is empty and offensive to Him.

Key texts

  • Exodus 25:8
  • Leviticus 16:30-34
  • Jeremiah 7:3-11

From the book

Chapter 11 · Exodus 25:8 · Read this chapter

  • “That He might 'dwell among them' was the object of the sanctuary.” (ch. 11)
  • “The sin and the guilt had separated them from God. By these services they were made at-one with God.” (ch. 11)
  • “The placing of the tabernacle in the midst of the camp of Israel was an illustration... of the truth that He would dwell in the midst of each individual.” (ch. 11)

Put it into practice

  • Check your heart for any 'lying words' of outward form without inward power.
  • Accept God's 'give-for' (forgiveness) by receiving Christ's life for your sin today.
  • Remember that you are a temple where God desires to dwell by His Spirit.
  1. Scripture

    1. What was the primary object of the sanctuary according to Exodus 25:8?

  2. Comprehension

    2. What was the 'great mistake' Israel made concerning the tabernacle?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. How does Jones define the word 'atonement'?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast inward spiritual worship with the 'lying words' mentioned in Jeremiah 7.

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does Jones say is the meaning of the word 'forgive'?

  6. Comprehension

    6. What happened to the tabernacle at Shiloh and why?

  7. Scripture

    7. According to Isaiah 1:11-18, what did God think of Israel's many sacrifices?

  8. Application

    8. How can you ensure your worship is not 'merely forms' like that of ancient Israel?