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PrintTabernacle, Not Made With Hands (1)
"A greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands..." (Hebrews 9: 11)
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands,..." (Hebrews 9: 24)
The expressions in these verses are similar to those we considered in connection with "circumcision made without hands,..." (Col. 2: 11). The contrast with regard to circumcision was seen to be between what was outward and what was inward; the inward replacing the outward. Romans 2: 28-29 explains this. In our present study it will be seen that the permanent replaces the temporary.
Tabernacle Made with Hands
In Hebrews 9 a little is said about the tabernacle in the wilderness. Verses 1-5 give a brief description of the Holy place and the Holiest of all, and the furniture that was found therein is referred to. It must be remembered that the instructions were given by God to His servant Moses. Earlier, in Hebrews 8: 5, quoting from Exodus 25: 40, it says: "See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount." The holy places made with hands are said to be figures of the true, that is, the tabernacle Moses produced on earth answered exactly to the pattern shewn him on the mount. It is much to the credit of Moses that it is said: "And Moses verily was faithful in all His house, as a servant,..." (Heb. 3: 5). Faithfulness becomes servants, whether we think of Moses in his day, or ourselves in our day. Paul writes in another place: "Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful" (1 Cor. 4: 2).
The Production of the Holy Places Made with Hands
Moses had the overall responsibility of producing and constructing the tabernacle. When it was finished and erected it is said: "So Moses finished the work" (Ex. 40: 33). But Moses wasn't alone in this. Two men were called to make the various parts of the building.
The Work of Bezaleel and Aholiab
Of the first it is said: "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (Ex. 31: 3). To Christians it may seem strange to consider men filled with the Spirit in order to give craftsmanship and skill, but so it was. "To devise artistic work-to work in gold, and in silver, and in copper, and in cutting of stones, for setting, and for carving of timber-to work all manner of work" (Ex. 31: 4-5, J.N.D. Trans.). The artistic ability was given by God. We recognise that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual power, altering our lives and enabling us to offer spiritual sacrifices, but in Exodus the things produced were tangible. Yet, though made with hands, Divine power was needed. This should not really surprise us, because all the things Bezaleel made were types of Christ. It says in Exodus 37 and 38:
"And Bezaleel made the ark..." (Ex. 37: 1)
"And he made the mercy seat..." (Ex. 37: 6)
"And he made the table..." (Ex. 37: 10)
"And he made the candlestick..." (Ex. 37: 17)
"And he made the incense altar..." (Ex. 37: 25)
"And he made the altar of burnt offering..." (Ex. 38: 1)
"And he made the laver of brass..." (Ex. 38: 8)
What typical value is in these seven items of tabernacle furniture, all pointing to Christ in various aspects! It is little wonder that the filling of the Spirit alone imparted the skills to produce them.
With regard to us today it is said of the Comforter, the Spirit of truth: "He shall glorify Me: for he shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16: 14). It is only in the power of the Spirit of God that likeness to Christ may be seen in us. We are to walk in the Spirit. Guidance into the truth is also in that same power. So even though the vessels made by Bezaleel were produced by hand, were tangible and lifeless, Divine power was exercised in the making of them as being figures of the Lord Jesus.
The Women Involved in the Work
Mention is made of the women who played their part. It is interesting that with them the heart is mentioned. "And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair" (Ex. 35: 25-26). What a scene of activity is seen here in producing the tabernacle. Would that there was more of this heart work in our day, seeking to promote the interests of our Lord Jesus among His own.
Not Made with Hands
In dealing with the expression "not made with hands..." as found in Hebrews 9, the section from verse 11 to 14 dwells mainly on the inadequacy of the Jewish sacrifices contrasted with the completed offering of the Lord Jesus. In the section from verse 24 to 28 the emphasis seems to lie upon the present position of Christ in "heaven itself..." In all, the day of atonement is never far away from the writer's mind. "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh; How much more shall the blood of Christ..." (Heb. 9: 12-13). In these two verses, "the blood of goats and calves..." (v. 12) and "the blood of bulls and of goats..." (v. 13), reference is clearly to Leviticus 16, the chapter that is central to that book. Also, "and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean,..." has obvious reference to Numbers 19, which is central to that book.
Summing it up, the best result achieved is given: "sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh..." Even these chief offerings were totally inadequate to deal with the heart and conscience.
A Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle
In verse 11 reference is made to: "a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands,..." We have considered the tabernacle made with hands, set up in the wilderness. It is said to be a pattern of things in the heavens, but it was set up on earth as suitable to an earthly people. Now, because Christ has come and redemption has been accomplished, there is a heavenly sanctuary, suitable to a heavenly people. It is "not made with hands..." We have come to the heavenly things themselves.
House, Not Made With Hands (2)
"For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5: 1)
God's Purpose and the earnest of the Spirit
We have already seen that being "clothed upon" is the true hope of the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only is this so but verse 5 assures us that it is the purpose of God for us: "Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit" (2 Cor. 5: 5). This is put just as clearly in Romans 8: 29: "For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." To emphasise once more what has been said, to be "clothed upon with our house which is from heaven" is equivalent to being "conformed to the image of His Son." However, there is also God's sovereign work within. This is described in the words, "Now He that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God." Sinful creatures as we are by nature, only the work of God could bring about such a radical change. This, and the work of redemption done by Another, has made us suitable for such a glorious end: to be like Him. We may pause and reflect on how indebted we are to God's sovereignty. There is nothing of ourselves for we were unable to contribute anything. It should draw from our hearts the worship which is rightly due to God. It might also be asked, "What manner of life ought to be seen in those who are the subjects of God's purpose and grace?"
As we wait for that time of being "clothed upon," God has given us the "earnest of the Spirit." This is a wonderful subject referred to in other Scriptures. In this same epistle, chapter 1, Paul refers to "the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts" (v. 22). And in Ephesians 1: 14 the Holy Spirit of promise is said to be the "earnest of our inheritance." The Holy Spirit is the guarantee or part-payment of the whole. The two references in 2 Corinthians teach us that there is present blessing to be enjoyed as we look forward in anticipation and the expression "in our hearts" confirms this.
At Home-Absent
The next three verses in 2 Corinthians 5 give us light as to the condition of the believer between falling asleep and the resurrection (v. 6-8). The state described in the earlier part of the chapter as "unclothed" is here given as "absent from the body," and "present with the Lord" (v. 8). Before this Paul describes believers while alive as being "at home in the body" and "absent from the Lord" (v. 6). What is said here is in line with the earlier portion of the chapter that speaks of "our earthly house of this tabernacle." It is but a temporary dwelling and while we are at home in it we are absent from the Lord.
Verse 7 is a very important parenthesis: "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This governs the whole of our lives while in our present flesh and blood condition. All the spiritual blessings we possess are true to faith but are not visible or tangible. If absent from the Lord, we have not seen Him with natural vision. However, faith carries with it great certainty and Hebrews 11 comes to mind in this connection: "Now faith is the substantiating of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Heb. 11: 1, J.N.D. Trans.).
Faith gives certainty "But we see Jesus..." (Heb. 2: 9)
Faith attracts our hearts to Him "Whom having not seen, ye love" (1 Peter 1: 8)
Faith gives us endurance "He (Moses) endured, as seeing Him who is invisible"
(Heb. 11: 27)
Yet with all the certainty which faith gives, keeping within the context of our chapter, it is still true that we are "at home in the body" and "absent from the Lord."
Thinking again of the "unclothed" condition, referred to above, it is to be "present with the Lord." Paul does not elaborate upon this state but the word "present" may be rendered "at home" (RV). This is a comforting word. At death the spirit leaves the mortal body but for the believer there is the consciousness of being at home. There is no such thought in Scripture as "soul sleep." It is the body that is asleep, awaiting the shout of the Lord (1 Thess. 4: 16). This "unclothed" condition is referred to in another place as being "with Christ; which is far better" (Phil. 1: 23). There is no doubt about this. The Lord Jesus made this promise to the dying thief: "To day shalt thou be with Me in paradise" (Luke 23: 43). How sweet is the thought, "with Me"-it is His desire. When the Lord comes again, to raise the sleeping saints and to change the living saints, the apostle says, "and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4: 17). To go back again to our original theme, we will spend that eternal day "with Him," having "a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
The Christian's Ambition
Verse 9 brings us to the practical response. The apostle speaks for himself and his fellow-labourers. "Wherefore also we are zealous, whether present or absent, to be agreeable to Him" (J.N.D. Trans.). The word used here is "ambition." The literal translation is, "Wherefore we are ambitious." It has also been rendered, "We make it our aim." While it was perfectly true that the apostle groaned, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with "our house which is from heaven," as long as the Lord left him here he was ambitious to please Him. His sentiments are similar in the Epistle to the Philippians: "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil. 1: 23). It seems as though he was in a quandary, not knowing which way it should be. He then thinks of the encouragement and help needed by the saints. He goes on, "Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you" (v. 24).
This is where his ambition lay. Caring for the saints was all part of his intense desire to please the Lord. There cannot be a greater aim in life than to please Him. This should be the over-riding motive in every department of the believer's life. There are ambitions we all have which are legitimate. Young believers have to make decisions as to choosing a career and a marriage partner. But over and above this there is to be that single eye to please the Lord. The believer's body, of which so much has been said in 2 Corinthians 4 and 5, is to be presented to God as a "living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service" (Rom. 12: 1).
The Judgment Seat of Christ
"For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of the Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to those he has done, whether it be good or evil" (2 Cor. 5: 10, J.N.D. Trans.). This verse raises very sobering concerns. It appears to be much wider in its scope than the more familiar passage in 1 Corinthians 3: 12 to 17 which deals with our service. Rather, the verse here deals with the "things done in the body." Whichever way we view 2 Corinthians 5: 10, one thing is certain: "we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of the Christ." Everything will be assessed at its true value. Thinking of this day, Paul writes of "the righteous judge" (2 Tim. 4: 8).
It is not to be judged for our sins that we will be manifested there but that the value of our lives and conduct in His sight may be made known. The matter of our acceptance before God has been settled once and for all and the closing verse of this chapter is adequate proof of this: "For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Cor. 5: 21).
G. Bell
Tabernacle, Not Made With Hands (2)
"A greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands..." (Hebrews 9: 11)"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands..." (Hebrews 9: 24)
"He entered in once"
It is by virtue of His own blood that Christ has entered into the Holiest of all. He has gone in permanently. When Aaron entered the Holiest of all in the tabernacle in the wilderness it was on a temporary basis, and only once a year did it take place. The expression "by His own blood" is significant. In verse 25 reference is again made to the day of atonement which was year by year. Referring to the required offerings of that day it says "with blood of others." There was no permanence connected with those offerings. How beautiful to contrast these with "His own blood" by which He has entered in "once," never to be repeated. Added to this is the obtaining of an "eternal redemption." There was no thought in the Old Testament of an eternal redemption. It is only by the Lord's death that this has been effected. There is therefore a setting aside now of the inadequate offerings of the Old Testament times.
One of the most striking verses in the whole of the Epistle to the Hebrews is verse 14 of our chapter: "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" The first thing to take our attention is the involvement of all three Persons of the Godhead.
(a) The blood of Christ.
(b) The Eternal Spirit.
(c) The Living God.
We have already commented upon the blood of Christ as obtaining an eternal redemption. In the Old Testament offerings there was always the distinction between the offerer and the offering. But here is shown the perfection of His sacrifice, in that He "offered Himself without spot to God." The priests who offered were failing men and the offerings themselves were inadequate. With regard to Christ's offering, how perfect it was! It was "without spot." In all His life there was no flaw. As we often meditate upon that perfect pathway we are reminded of the meal offering described in Leviticus 2. It was of fine flour, mingled with oil and anointed with oil. Frankincense was put thereon which was all burnt, speaking of that which ascended to God as a sweet savour. There was to be no leaven in the meal offering. No taint of sin was found in Him. The offering of Himself tells of His devotion and obedience to God to the end.
We have already noticed that the very best that could have been secured by the sacrifices under Judaism only brought about, "the purifying of the flesh." But in this verse we are dealing with the result of the Lord's sacrifice which is so much greater: "How much more shall the blood of Christ... purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God." The offering of Himself "to God" may suggest the work of Christ as it is presented in the burnt offering, that is, for God's pleasure. We ourselves having a purged conscience and sin having been fully dealt with once for all, point to the work of Christ as the sin offering. In the light of this perfect offering, works must be seen as dead works. Perfect liberty is now ours to serve the living God; serve here meaning worship. The Holy Spirit being referred to as the "Eternal Spirit" emphasises the unchangeable and abiding results of the finished work of Christ.
Into Heaven Itself (Hebrews 9: 24-28)
"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (v. 24). Of the three appearings referred to in this section, the first is His appearing in the presence of God for us, that is, "heaven itself." This place is in contrast to the "holy places made with hands" that are now set to one side.
Looking at all three appearings, we see that these are past (v. 26), present (v. 24), and future (v. 28). If we had been writing we would have commented upon them in this order. However, the apostle as being inspired by the Holy Spirit gives first place to His present appearing. It is obvious that this is pre-eminent. It is a signal truth, belonging to our day, that Christ has entered heaven itself permanently as man.
Christ Our Representative Before God
"Now to appear in the presence of God for us." The two words "for us" assure us of His place as our representative before God. In Exodus 28 a full account is given of the garments of Aaron, the High Priest. Upon each shoulder of the ephod there was an onyx stone. Upon each stone six of the names of the children of Israel were engraved: all twelve names were upon his shoulders. "And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial" (Ex. 28: 12). The shoulders speak of strength. They speak of Christ's ability to represent us in God's presence, maintaining us there in a perfect acceptance.
There was also a breastplate in which were set twelve different precious stones, and the breastplate was securely attached to the ephod. "And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes" (Exodus 28: 21). These types from the Old Testament serve us well as illustrating the meaning of the expression "for us." The breastplate speaks of the love of Christ. We cannot refrain from another quotation from this wonderful chapter: "And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually" (Exodus 28: 29). There is no doubt as to our acceptance before God, neither is there any diminishing of His strength and love toward us. Notice the words, "upon his heart." We are continually and always there.
Christ's Past Appearing
"But now once in the end of the world (age) hath He appeared, to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself" (Heb. 9: 26). When the ages had run their course the Great Redeemer appeared. None other could take up this momentous task. To "put sin away" points to the Lord's work as making "propitiation." The day of atonement again comes to mind. On that day the blood of the bullock and the blood of the goat were taken into the Holiest of all and sprinkled upon the mercy seat once, and seven times before the mercy seat. In type this points to the Lord's work as a propitiation by which God has been glorified and His justice vindicated. It is in virtue of His blood and its value to God that sin has been put away. Indeed, such is its value that ere long all taint of sin will be put away for ever.
In verse 28 of Hebrews 9 another reference is made to the Lord's offering, conveying to us the thought of substitution. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many." It is not a matter here of the putting away of sin but of bearing "the sins of many." On that same day of atonement, described in Leviticus 16, the blood was taken within the veil into the Holiest of all. Then followed that which typified the substitutionary aspect of the Lord's death. "And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness" (See Leviticus 16: 1-21). What a beautiful illustration this is of Him who "bear the sins of many." This aspect of the Lord's death refers to those who have availed themselves of His offering and know that their sins have been forgiven. In both verses in Hebrews 9, verses 26 and 28, the word "once" is emphasised, cancelling out the Old Testament offerings.
Christ's Future Appearing
There is a third mention of the English word "appearing" and in this case it is future. "And unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation" (v. 28). Writing to converted Jews, there may very well be an allusion to the time when the Lord Jesus will appear to the remnant of Israel. It is of interest to note that the Greek word here translated "appear" is different from the other two. The actual word is "optomai" and is that from which we get our English word "optics." He is coming to be seen. And it is to them that look for Him that He will appear. There is a reminder here of Zechariah 12: 10: "and they shall look upon Me whom they have pierced." Whether this is the correct explanation or not, we should all be looking. This is not the rapture but His appearing when He will be seen by all. Everyone of us should "love His appearing" (2 Tim. 4: 8).
House, Not Made With Hands (3)
"For we know, that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (2 Corinthians 5: 1)
In the previous articles on the theme, "Without hands," we have seen that the inward replaced the outward (circumcision) and that the permanent replaced the temporary (tabernacle). In this third article we shall see that the heavenly replaces the earthly (house).
What does the "house" mentioned in this verse refer to? Looking back over the previous chapter a lot is said about the body of the believer. It is described as an "earthen vessel(s)" (2 Cor. 4: 7); "our mortal flesh" (2 Cor. 4: 11); and "our outward man" (2 Cor. 4: 16). These three expressions describe the character of the body. The first emphasises that it is fragile. Some have paraphrased this as a "body of fragile clay." The second points to its being subject to death. In the third it is shown to be a body which is affected by pressures from without. When the apostle writes, "but though our outward man perish," and also of "our light affliction," he seems to have in mind the way his physical body was being worn out in his service for the Lord. Reading Scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 11 it is not difficult to see why this was so.
Coming now to our chapter, the body is referred to as "our earthly house of this tabernacle." Looking at this verse carefully certain contrasts are seen:
- Tent Building
- Made with hands Of God
- Earthly In the heavens
- Dissolved Eternal
The description of the body as a tabernacle-house suggests something temporary. It is not a fixed abode. No foundations are needed, only guy ropes and tent pegs. Furthermore, a tent is easily moved from one place to another. In contrast to this a building is permanent. It has foundations and it is meant to last.
One day the tent-house will be dissolved, for if the Lord has not come we shall die. But if this be the case we have a building of God, a house not made with hands. This refers to the resurrection body which we shall have at the time of the Lord's return. We do not receive it at the time of the dissolution of the tent-house, as will become clear as we proceed. The tent-house is also described as "earthly." The writer of the epistle is not dealing with moral issues here, but with the body which we now have and which is earthly in the sense of being suitable for earthly conditions. The "building of God" is said to be "in the heavens." It will be a heavenly body, suitable to conditions in heaven. In contrast to the tent-house which is subject to death, the new body is said to be "eternal."
Going back to the beginning of the verse, comment must be made on the expression, "we know." The particular word used for "know" indicates conscious knowledge. There is certainty about it which produces an inward impression. It is because of this that there is the groan, the feeling how contrary everything is here where we are in this tent-house. The word "groan" used here and in verse 4 is the same word used by the apostle in Romans 8: 23. As being connected with a groaning creation he writes: "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." The truth embodied in this verse is very close in teaching to 2 Corinthians 5: 2 and 4. However, in 2 Corinthians 5 Paul uses different terms. The earnest desire of the believer is "to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven." The words "from heaven" mean not that our house comes down to us, but that it is "out of" as being heavenly in source and character.
There are three expressions in these early verses which call for explanation: "clothed upon;" "unclothed;" and "naked." We will leave the third for the moment and turn our attention to the first two. The words "clothed upon" refer to the occasion when we shall receive our new body. This will be when the Lord comes for His saints. The second expression, "unclothed," points to the intermediate condition of the saint between falling asleep and the Lord's coming. There is no thought of the saint receiving the new body at the time of falling asleep, for this awaits the rapture. In the light of this verse 4 gives us the true hope of the believer: "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." The hope of the believer is not the intermediate state. Later in this chapter more is said about this condition. It is described as being "absent from the body" and "present with the Lord" (v. 8). In other passages this state is said to be a happy one. I quote the familiar words of Philippians 1: 23: "For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." These sentiments do not in any way clash with 2 Corinthians 5: 4, because the theme is different from Philippians 1. The principal thought here is the desire and groaning to be clothed upon with the "house not made with hands." The closing words of 2 Corinthians 5: 4 underline what is being said: "that mortality might be swallowed up of life." In the unclothed condition the body returns to dust and corruption but when the Lord comes it will be raised.
"This corruptible must put on incorruption" (1 Cor. 15: 53). This will be true of all who "sleep in Jesus." But in our passage in 2 Corinthians 5 it says that, "not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." This is because the eye of the apostle is not set upon the unclothed state, but rather the clothed state, when at the Lord's coming we shall put on our house which is from heaven. This is in line with the second half of the verse quoted from 1 Corinthians 15: 53, which says: "this mortal must put on immortality."
It may be well to say here that while I have used the expression "new body," it is new as to condition. The body sown (buried) is that which will be raised. "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body" (1 Cor. 15: 44).
Clothed, Yet Naked
"If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked" (2 Cor. 5: 3). The third of the expressions noted at the beginning of this article has given most difficulty in interpretation. It is a paradox. Looking at the two words in a natural way, they refer to two opposite conditions. The apostle had in mind those among the Corinthians who had only made a profession of faith. It is a very solemn warning. We must remember that all men must stand before God. The unconverted will appear before Him at the great white throne. This must necessitate their having bodies in which to appear. But spiritually they are "naked," with no fitness for the presence of God eternally. All who appear at that awesome throne are cast into the lake of fire. As far as the believer is concerned, being "clothed upon" is to have a body like Christ's. Philippians 3: 21 has taught us this: "Who shall transform our body of humiliation into conformity to His body of glory" (J.N.D. Trans.).
G. Bell.
