Three Kinds of Lighting

The salvation aspect of redemption (outer court of the Tabernacle of the Congregation) is lighted by the sun, to speak figuratively. Christ was crucified out in the open for all people, young and old, rich and poor, to behold. We come as lost sinners to receive the atonement and to wash away our sins in the waters of baptism.

The sanctification aspect of redemption (Holy Place of the Tabernacle) is lighted by the Holy Spirit (the golden Lampstand). The Holy Place was lighted at night, unlike the Courtyard that was dark at that time. The Lampstand was kept burning throughout the night.

The processes of sanctification are for the Church only, never for the world. The holy things of the Church are not to be displayed before the curious gaze of the world. The Communion service, for example, is not to be made a public spectacle, although from our personal point of view, sinners are welcome to come and be saved by receiving of the body and blood of the Lord. All may not agree with us on this point.

It is true also that if one member of a family is part of Christ the entire family is holy. Thus if a believing woman comes to church with her unbelieving husband and children, and they so desire, they may partake of the Communion elements. It is a lamb for a house. If one member of the family is holy the entire family is holy.

This does not mean that all the members are saved or have eternal life. It means that the believing member is a firstfruits to the Lord, and if the believer prays it may be that God will bring the whole family into His Kingdom.

The Holy Place of the Tabernacle was seen by no one except the priests of the Lord. There should be occasions when the disciples of the Lord gather together for their own edification. At such times there will be the heavenly Presence of the Holy Spirit of God. A sacred, pure atmosphere should be maintained. This is no place for groups of unbelievers; it is for the servants of Christ. The unbelievers can be ministered to on other occasions.

The conquest aspect of redemption (Most Holy Place) is lighted by the Glory of God in Christ. The light from the Lampstand did not penetrate into the Most Holy Place except one day each year when the high priest went past the veil in order to sprinkle blood upon and before the Mercy Seat.

The light of the Glory of God in Christ (II Corinthians 4:6) is a greater light, a greater understanding, than that of the ministries and gifts of the Spirit. We are moving toward that knowledge of God "in the face of Jesus Christ." It is "that which is perfect."

Back to Three Deaths and Three Resurrections: Vol 2