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Study 11 of 18

Chapter 10: “The Sum”

The reality of the heavenly sanctuary and Christ's ministry as the substance of all figures

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

Synopsis

Jones summarizes the essential qualifications of Christ—His divinity, His identification with humanity, His shared nature, and His divine appointment. However, the 'sum' of Hebrews 8 is that we have such a Priest who is a 'minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.' Jones argues that the earthly sanctuary was merely a 'figure' or 'shadow' of the true Christian sanctuary in heaven. Just as Christ is the real Priest, the heavenly temple is the real sanctuary where He performs the work of redemption. Jones insists that if Christ were on earth, He would not be a priest at all. His ministry in heaven is the logical and necessary culmination of His sacrifice, where He appears in the presence of God for us. The chapter points to the visions of Revelation as proof that there is a literal temple in heaven containing the ark, the golden altar, and the seven lamps.

Key points

  • The 'sum' of Hebrews is that we have a High Priest ministering in the heavenly sanctuary.
  • The earthly sanctuary was a figure for the time then present, not the reality.
  • Christ is the true substance and meaning of all the priesthood and service of the sanctuary.
  • The heavenly sanctuary is the true sanctuary of Christianity, pitched by the Lord.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 8:1-6
  • Hebrews 9:11-12
  • Revelation 11:19

From the book

Chapter 10 · Hebrews 8:1-6 · Read this chapter

  • “As certainly as Christ is the true Priest of Christianity... so certainly the sanctuary of which Christ is minister is the true sanctuary of Christianity.” (ch. 10)
  • “Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” (ch. 10)
  • “There is therefore a Christian sanctuary, of which the former sanctuary was a figure.” (ch. 10)

Put it into practice

  • Direct your prayers to the true sanctuary in heaven where Christ ministers.
  • Understand that the earthly sanctuary services were object lessons for Christian truth.
  • Meditate on Christ's current appearance 'in the presence of God for us.'
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the 'sum' of the things spoken in the book of Hebrews?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. Why would Christ not be a priest if He were on earth?

  3. Scripture

    3. What evidence does Revelation provide for a sanctuary in heaven?

  4. Contrast

    4. Contrast the earthly sanctuary with the heavenly one in terms of their 'pitching.'

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What does it mean that the earthly sanctuary was a 'figure'?

  6. Scripture

    6. According to Hebrews 9:12, by what means did Christ enter the holy place?

  7. Comprehension

    7. What could the earthly service NOT do for the worshiper?

  8. Application

    8. How does the reality of a literal sanctuary in heaven affect your sense of Christ's current work for you?