Salvation by Sacrifice

God and His Son were prepared to initiate the plan of salvation when sin in mankind manifested. Following sin, Adam and Eve were clothed in animal skins indicating both a loss of life as a consequence of sin, but the innocent life of another, and the covering of man’s shame made possible through the death of the animal sacrifice. This sacrifice God performed Himself and clothed Adam and Eve personally. Cain and Abel provide the first recorded instance of religious conflict over the offering of sacrifices to God. These sacrifices did not provide salvation but were given as a typification of the sacrifice of the Son of God which would bring salvation.

Noah offered burnt offerings to God. Abraham offered sacrifices to God and is well known for the test God gave Abraham regarding the sacrifice of Isaac, Abraham’s only son. (Genesis 22:2) These point to the future symbolic system of sacrifices performed by the Israelites following their exodus from Egypt. As well, there existed priests prior to the Mosaic tabernacle system. Melchizedek and Jethro are mentioned as priests prior to the beginning of the Aaronic priesthood. Jesus is said to be of the order of Melchizedek.

Sacrifice is the solution for sin. Sin is transgression of the law of God. Sin occurred in Eden which means that God’s law was given prior to that. The Sabbath was specifically established as part of God’s law at creation. Neither the Law of God nor the sacrificial system typified by the Mosaic tabernacle and its particulars originated with Moses. Both God’s Law and the plan of salvation by sacrifice existed at least as early as Eden.

The Bible is also quite clear about a heavenly sanctuary and its ministration. Moses was instructed to make the tabernacle in the wilderness according to the pattern of the heavenly sanctuary that he was shown on the mount. (Exodus 25:9,40;26:30;27:8;Hebrews 8:5;9:23) All the earthly practices and systems were given to man to illustrate what to expect would be done to truly provide a worthy sacrifice to save mankind from sin.

Sin did not begin with Adam and Eve. Sin pre-existed the creation of the earth and mankind. Sin was originated by Lucifer and was motivated by Lucifer desiring to be equal with Christ, the only begotten Son of God. God’s law cannot tolerate sin, but God’s love doesn’t force obedience. Sin is something that must be dealt with through choice. With choices made, God will honor our choices and render either destruction or eternal life. Lucifer and one third of the angels chose to sin well before the earth or mankind were created which we know because Satan, the serpent, was present on earth already cast out of Heaven when Adam and Eve were newly created in Eden. (Genesis 3:1) Lucifer’s battle is with Jesus. Jesus accepted the challenge and responded by demonstrating the love of God through the sacrifice of His own life. While the mystery of the full nature of God and how the sacrifice of Jesus accomplishes salvation for mankind is beyond our comprehension, the fact of Christ’s sacrifice has been made plain for us to understand.

12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. Isaiah 14:12-15

11 Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more. Ezekiel 28:11-19

9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9

It is interesting as well that it is not Eve who is credited with the sin that caused mankind to fall. It is Adam who is held responsible for mankind's sin. Jesus is called the second Adam. Eve was the first to fall to temptation and it was Eve that brought the forbidden fruit to Adam, but it was Adam that God holds responsible for the sin. Adam knew when he took the fruit from Eve what he was doing.

Adam was made first. Adam was made from dust and given life by the breath and Spirit of God. Eve was brought forth in an entirely different manner and with enormous significance. Lucifer challenged Jesus because Jesus was included in the private counsel of God. Jesus was included in God’s counsel because Jesus was not created. Jesus had been brought forth from the very material of God as God’s only begotten Son. This made Jesus divine. Lucifer was created but he desired to be divine and to receive worship. Adam and Eve were made in the image of God. Adam pre-existed Eve but Eve was brought forth from Adam as one-flesh with Adam. Furthermore, Adam and Eve possessed the capacity to procreate. Mankind has been made, in the image of God, to illustrate to the universe the relationship of God and His Son and the oneness they enjoy. Adam and Eve as husband and wife are ordained by God to be one-flesh even though they are two individuals. God knew that the angels and other beings of the universe did not understand the begotten nature of Jesus. This we know because one third of the angels (Revelation 12:4) chose to believe Lucifer’s claims that Jesus was not God’s Son but just another created being with whom Lucifer desired to be equal. Lucifer accused God of being unfair and unjust. These false accusations are why we call Lucifer Diablo which comes from the Greek word for slanderer and Satan which is from Hebrew for accuser.

The conflict in Heaven organized by Lucifer was precisely about whether the angels believed that Jesus was the Son of God and worthy of worship. That a full one third of the angels could be persuaded to doubt the legitimacy of Christ's sonship is evidence that this was a serious matter. This understanding puts a great deal more importance on the truth given in John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." This truth about Satan's challenge of Christ is punctuated in the wilderness temptation experience. Satan said to Jesus, "And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread." (Matthew 4:3) Satan repeated this challenge, "And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." Satan finally pulls out all stops and makes his ultimate attempt to persuade Jesus to deny His sonship and the divinity it entails, "And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me." Satan showed his full pathetic play to be equal with God. This is the mystery of iniquity. This is sin. Satan again shows his hatred towards the Son of God, "... and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born." (Revelation 12:4) God made it all the more clear at the baptism of Jesus when He declared in His own voice, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17) Christ came to overcome sin and to make it possible for us to be restored to relationship with God predicated on whether we acknowledge the sonship of Christ and the authority of His Father. This is what it's all about. Jesus confirms His victory over Satan, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me." (John 14:30) Our part is to decide what we believe, and demonstrate it by repenting.

The last and ultimate phase of this conflict will be in fulfillment of the prophecy in Revelation 14:9. "And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand," Jesus resisted this temptation in the wilderness and He promises to give us the strength to resist as well if we obey Him. Those who succeed in resisting Satan are described by Jesus in Revelation 14:12. "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." In simple terms, this means to obey and believe. Is that worth doing to have eternal life and relationship with our Creator?

In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not [those who reject John 3:16], lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God [the only begotten Son of God], should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 2 Corinthians 4:4-5 (emphasis and explanation provided)

Satan's objective from before the creation of mankind was to receive worship, to claim equality with Jesus. As the prince, or god, of this world Satan acts to receive the worship of all those who fall for his deceptions. Satan masquerades as Jesus which is to be antichrist - against Christ as Christ.

Being in the image of God is fantastically special and unique among other created beings. Two people being one-flesh, procreation and knowing good and evil like God and His Son puts mankind in a very unique place. God and Christ anticipated the plan of salvation before the world began. (2 Timothy 1:9) They could not have anticipated the plan of salvation without simultaneously anticipating that mankind would need a plan of salvation, that mankind would fall to sin.

Lucifer and the angels are not offered the opportunity for salvation following being cast out of Heaven. It seems reasonable that mankind is offered an opportunity for salvation because mankind has had to endure sin that was brought to the race through the temptations and deceptions of Lucifer. Mankind is held responsible for rejecting salvation and incurring the consequence of sin, but mankind is offered a second chance just by accepting it. Salvation is rendered by Christ. The power to change our sinful natures is given freely by God. All we have to do is choose to honor, obey and worship God and His Son, i.e. to believe in Him. We are motivated to choose to obey God not because He is vengeful or controlling but because His law is love. Love is to be obeyed but doing so is not grievous or difficult. Obeying God is our most natural inclination. Obeying God is not so natural for us as fallen, sinful beings, but that’s what Jesus solves by offering what He calls His robe of righteousness. Righteousness means right doing. We behave well towards God and others when and because we are transformed back into what God designed us to be which for us is only possible through the sacrifice of Jesus.

We are indeed the theater of the universe. All eyes are on us. Everything we do is being watched and recorded with intense interest. Will we choose to honor being made in the image of God? Will we reflect the character and love of God in our one-flesh relationships that no other beings in the universe enjoy? Will we choose God or not? The third angel’s message in Revelation is all about that final moment when every person will be accountable for their choice. Will we choose the seal of God or the mark of the beast?

Marriage is the institution God made to describe a man and woman becoming one flesh ordained by Him. Jesus is called a bridegroom. People who have chosen to be faithful to Him are called His church which is called the bride of Christ. Adultery and idolatry are fatal violations of relationship with God and His Son. When Christ goes into the Most Holy Place in the Heavenly Sanctuary, which according to prophecy is going on right now, we are told that He is being married to His church. When that marriage ceremony is completed, Christ will come to claim His bride. We anticipate this as the second coming of Jesus. Being in the image of God, one-flesh and marriage are all highly unique aspects of being human. Will we forfeit eternal life by rejecting anything that God has ordained for us?

The Sanctuary

The sanctuary model given to Moses should be of intense interest to us as it is the roadmap to being ready to meet the bridegroom when He comes for His church. Jesus will only accept a chaste bride without spot or wrinkle. Only those who prepare themselves according to God’s Word will be ready to meet Jesus when He comes. Mankind retains the option to reject God by failing to be prepared and ready. Only by submitting to Christ’s grace and His robe of righteousness can we be ready. Doing so is not hard, but it is specific. Disregarding God’s Word and choosing to do things our own way puts us in the same place as Eve with the serpent, Cain when he killed Abel and all other examples of humans who refuse to obey God.

The sanctuary specifications given by God to Moses in the wilderness are found mainly in Exodus 25-31, 35-40. All the details of the structure and service point us towards the actual sanctuary in Heaven, the actual sacrifice by Jesus on the cross, and the actual ministration by our High Priest who is Jesus. Understanding all we can about the earthly sanctuary and its services will help us to make sense of what the Bible tells us is happening in Heaven to actually make salvation possible through the forgiveness of sins. In addition to the structure and service, the Bible provides prophetic insight concerning the timing of the final scenes in the heavenly sanctuary.

Hebrews speaks of the true tabernacle of which the Mosaic tabernacle was modeled.

1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; 2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. 4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. Hebrews 8:1-6

Acts recounts how Stephen connects the ministry of the earthly tabernacle with the heavenly temple where Jesus ministers at the right hand of God. As today, the religious majority was angered by the acknowledgment that Jesus served as the High Priest in the heavenly temple. This was the occasion where the apostle Paul before he was converted held the coats of them who stoned Stephen for speaking of this truth.

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. 45 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built him an house. 48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 50 Hath not my hand made all these things? 51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Acts 7:44-56

Stephen quoted from Isaiah.

1 Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest? 2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. Isaiah 66:1-2

The parable of the ten virgins is about being ready for Jesus to complete His ministry in the Most Holy Place, to be married to His church. God's people are to prepare themselves illustrated by having their lamps filled with oil to be ready for Jesus to come. Not everyone will have prepared sufficiently even though they appear to be waiting with those who are prepared. At that appointed time when Jesus does come, those who aren't prepared will expect others to supply their need, but it will be too late. In addition to the lesson to be fully prepared, this parable describes the completion of Christ's ministry in the heavenly sanctuary and the time when He comes to redeem His bride, His church.

1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. Matthew 25:1-13

Paul's first sermon after he was converted by Jesus on the road to damaascus was to acknowledge Jesus as the son of God. "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God." Acts 9:20 Paul consistently affirmed the significance of Jesus as the Son of God. "For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea." 2 Corinthians 1:19

Jesus declared to Peter that upon the rock of the knowledge that Jesus is the Son of God will He build His church.

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16:15-18

Jesus does save us by His grace and we cannot save ourselves, but Jesus plainly teaches us that we must prepare ourselves to receive His salvation and that failing to do so will find us on the wrong side of the shut door. This is what's called a very fair warning. The love and salvation of God is not a last minute deal. There really is a close of probation after which the opportunity for salvation is withdrawn. Being prepared for the moment when Jesus completes His ministry in the Most Holy Place and then comes to redeem His people is emphasized repeatedly in the Bible.

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Matthew 24:43

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 1 Thessalonians 5:2

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame. Revelation 16:15