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Study 08 of 18

Why the Sanctuary Service Was Given to the Israelites, Part 1

The promise of inheritance is for a renewed earth, received through the faith of Jesus Christ.

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

Synopsis

Schofield examines the promise of inheritance given to Abraham and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The session highlights that the Promised Land was never merely about the physical territory of Palestine but the entire earth made new. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived as strangers and sojourners, looking for a city built by God. The promise to Abraham's "seed" specifically refers to Christ and those who are His by faith. This study emphasizes that the sanctuary service was given to illustrate the path to this inheritance. It also warns against the pride and self-reliance that hindered ancient Israel. By understanding that we are heirs according to the promise, we learn to distrust our own power and rely solely on the Redeemer. The goal of this journey is to reach a state of rest where God's character is fully formed in His people.

Key points

  • The promise to Abraham included the length and breadth of the whole entire earth.
  • Abraham and the patriarchs recognized they were strangers looking for a heavenly city.
  • The 'seed' promised the inheritance is primarily Christ, and we are heirs in Him.
  • The sanctuary service was given to teach Israel the path to the eternal inheritance.

Key texts

  • Galatians 3:16
  • Hebrews 11:10
  • Galatians 3:29

From the book

Chapter 8 · Galatians 3 · Read this chapter

  • “The inheritance that will be given to Christ is the world made new.” (ch. 8)
  • “Those who were of the faith of Abraham did not look to the land of Palestine as their inheritance – they looked to the inheritance of Jesus Christ.” (ch. 8)
  • “As we distrust our own power, we shall trust the power of our Redeemer, and render praise to God, who is the health of our countenance, and our God.” (ch. 8)

Put it into practice

  • Evaluate whether my hopes are placed in this world or the world to come.
  • Identify with the patriarchs as a stranger and sojourner on this earth.
  • Practice trusting the Redeemer's power instead of my own strength.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What was the extent of the land promised to Abraham?

  2. Scripture

    2. Who is the 'seed' to whom the promise was made?

  3. Doctrinal Clarity

    3. Why did Abraham not worry when Lot chose the best-looking land?

  4. Scripture

    4. How does a person become an heir according to the promise today?

  5. Comprehension

    5. What was the ultimate city that Abraham looked for?

  6. Contrast

    6. What does it mean to be a 'stranger and sojourner' like the patriarchs?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What is the connection between Christ's inheritance and our own?

  8. Application

    8. In what practical ways can you live this week as a 'sojourner' rather than a 'settler' in this world?