Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 11
At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.
Our series is Kingdom Foreshadowed, and this week, we will continue with more on the Tabernacle.
In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is portrayed as the ultimate fulfillment of all the Old Testament types and shadows, particularly the Tabernacle and the sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:19-23 provides a powerful illustration of how Jesus, as the true tabernacle, has restored our access to the glory and presence of God.
Hebrews 10:19–23 (NIV)
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was God’s dwelling place among His people. It was a sacred space where God’s presence was manifest, but it was also largely inaccessible to the common people. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the tabernacle where God’s presence dwelled, and even then, only once a year on the Day of Atonement. This restricted access symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Hebrews 10:19-23 begins by declaring, “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…” Here, the Hebrews writer contrasts the old covenant’s limited access with the unlimited access now available through Jesus Christ. The “Most Holy Place” refers to the Holy of Holies and the “curtain” that separated it from the rest of the Tabernacle is now identified with the body of Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, the physical curtain in the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that through His sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity was removed.
Jesus, as the true Tabernacle, has made it possible for us to come directly into God’s presence. His body was the perfect sacrifice that fully atoned for sin, fulfilling all the requirements of the old covenant sacrificial system. Because of His work, believers are now invited to “draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Hebrews 10:22). This invitation is not based on our righteousness but on the completed work of Christ. Jesus has restored our access to the glory and presence of God by tearing down the barriers that once separated us. Through His sacrifice, we are invited to draw near to God confidently, knowing He is faithful to fulfill His promises.
We will discuss all this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
