The Tabernacle

It was God’s own mind from before the creation of the world to have a people and to dwell among them. After Adam’s fall in sin, mankind was driven from God’s presence, and the way of return was barred by Cherubim with flaming swords. But God’s plan of redemption was already set in place. He called a people to himself, made them great, and raised up Moses to deliver them from bondage. Taking them into the wilderness, God commanded Moses to build the Tabernacle according to His perfect and detailed instructions—a house for the great God of creation to dwell among his people. The key to understanding everything in the Tabernacle is the central Person of the entire Scripture, Jesus Christ. God intended this holy structure to be the most visual presentation of the glory of Jesus Christ. It’s really the gospel in the Old Testament.

Deep inside the Tabernacle Building, the Holy of Holies was separated by a veil depicting the Cherubim barring the way back into God’s presence. The Ark of the Covenant is there, a small chest made of shittim wood, and covered with gold. But the lid is one solid piece of beaten gold, with two Cherubim on the top. It is called the Mercy Seat, symbolizing the place where God meets with his people. Though God is holy and just, he is also a God of mercy and grace. He sent his own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pay the penalty of our sins, to fulfill his just law. God himself provided the way back into his presence for all who will come by faith in Jesus Christ.

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Rev. A.T. Vergunst is minister of the Gospel in the Reformed Congregation of Carterton, New Zealand.