Question: Where is the Scriptural proof that the tabernacle of Moses was a shadow or type of the New Testament Church and the steps by which one enters into it?
Answer: In the 9th chapter of Hebrews, the first eight verses give a detailed description of the Old Testament Sanctuary with its altars, furnishings and all the appurtenances thereto. Then in verse 9 it says, “Which was a FIGURE for the time then present.” This makes it clear that the tabernacle of the First Covenant was a figure of something. But what? In Hebrews 9:24 it says, “…the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the TRUE….” In the 8th chapter of Hebrews, the 1st verse speaks of the High Priesthood of Jesus and then verse two describing this further says, “A minister of the sanctuary, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man.” (Hebrews 8:1-2) Further, Hebrews 9:11, “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building.” In Matthew 16:18 we see clearly what the greater and more perfect tabernacle was which the Lord pitched and not man and which was not made with hands. Here Jesus says, “…upon this rock I will BUILD my church….” Then it is clear that the tabernacle which the Lord pitched (built) is His church. You may ask: “Is the church referred to in the New Testament as a tabernacle?” It certainly is in a number of places. However, we must remember that the tabernacle was set up during the Israelite’s wanderings in the wilderness and was of necessity a portable structure. When they became settled in the promised land and were permanently established, then the portable structure (tabernacle) was replaced by a permanent structure (the temple) which was identical with the tabernacle in its arrangements and served the same purpose in the exact same way. In the New Testament, the church is more generally referred to as a TEMPLE rather than a TABERNACLE. See Ephesians 2:19-22 and II Corinthians 6:16. However, it is also referred to as a TABERNACLE in Hebrews 8:2; Hebrews 9:11; and Revelation 21:3.
The steps by which we enter the tabernacle or temple of the Lord His New Testament Church are clearly typified in the Old Testament Tabernacle also. In Exodus 38:1-20 is description of the court surrounding the tabernacle, the brazen altar of sin, burnt offerings and the laver; all of which were outside the tabernacle proper, but necessary appurtenances to it; consequently typifying necessary steps to enter into the tabernacle or church. Into the court came the sinning Israelite with his sin offering to be offered on the altar of burnt offering. The court would typify the state of the convicted sinner. Just as this court was an enclosure separated from the outside world and general activities of the people into which the Israelite entered to make his offering unto God for his sins; so the convicted sinner stricken with remorse and godly sorrow today becomes withdrawn from the world and reckless, sinful living. His state is described in II Corinthians 7:9-11 where it describes the person stricken with godly sorrow as having a great carefulness wrought in him not sinning recklessly and with a high hand as before. Also, it speaks of him clearing himself and having a strong indignation against sin and wrong that has ruined his life. Also he has a vehement desire to be delivered and set free and a strong feeling for revenge against the works of the devil that has brought him to this ruined state.
Then as he follows these strong urges and impulses in his soul and approaches unto the altar of sin offering, which typifies Christ Himself (see Hebrews 13:10-12 & 16, together with I Peter 2:5, which presents Christ as our altar), and in deep penitence and humbleness of heart offers himself dead in trespasses and sins on the altar of Christ (His mercy and love manifested at Calvary), putting his faith in the merits of the shed blood of the son of God and that only for his pardon and forgiveness of sins, his sins are forgiven him for Jesus’ sake.
Then he approaches the laver which stood just before the door of the tabernacle and was always filled with water in which the priests were required to wash their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle (this water typified the Word of God John 15:3 and Ephesians 5:26 and I Peter 1:22, and the blood of Jesus, Revelation 1:5 and I John 1:7), and is washed from his sins and enters into the tabernacle of the Lord through Christ, the Door. John 10:9.
