From the time of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt a moveable temple, called a tabernacle or sanctuary, was used as a center of worship for God's people. Later Solomon built a magnificent temple which was rebuilt a number of times and was finally destroyed in A.D. 70. These earthly structures were built following a scaled-down design of the temple in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-5). The heavenly temple, where Jesus ministers as your great High Priest (Hebrews 7:10) is mentioned at least sixteen times in Revelation and is certainly very real, although it is used to symbolize many wonderful features of the plan of salvation. Sometimes Jesus is seen in the Holy Place of the temple where the candlesticks and altar of incense are located. At other times, however, the curtain is drawn aside and He is seen in the Most Holy Place with the sacred ark.
Has a church building ever made you feel close to God or far from God? Why did you feel that way? What have others said?
If you could say one sentence to God in favor of each member of your family what would it be? What have others said?
The Temple and Its Royal Law
How is the temple of God clearly identified in Revelation 15:5? What have others said?
Cross Reference
The people of the Bible were very familiar with the meaning of "testimony" in connection with the tabernacle or temple.
In what way is the "testimony" defined as a very central part of the religion of the Bible? Exodus 34:28, 29 What have others said?
Because the Ten Commandments were placed in the sacred ark within the tabernacle, how was this structure and ark identified? Exodus 25:16; 26:33; 38:21 What have others said?
What possible reasons can you see for God showing John that the temple in heaven contained the Ten Commandments? What have others said?
Read the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:3-17 and notice that the first four involve worship. How do these four commandments explain the following aspects of true worship?
Whom to worship:
Way of worship:
How to worship:
Day of worship: (see Leviticus 23:3)
What part of public worship do you enjoy the most? The least? What have others said?
True and false worship is mentioned twenty-five times in Revelation. How can the Ten commandments help you discern between the true and false? What have others said?
The Temple and Its Loyal People
What is the sacred ark also called in Revelation 11:19? What have others said?
Cross Reference:
How does the new covenant agreement of God with His people change the place where the commandments are written? Hebrews 10:16 What have others said?
If a civil or religious law is written on your heart, how will that affect you differently than a law that is just written in a book? What have others said?
Can you remember a time when you had a drastic change in attitude to a law? What happened? What have others said?
Jesus' death on the cross finished all of the ceremonial laws and ordinances of the earthly temple. The fact, however, that God shows John the temple in heaven and calls it the "temple of the testimony" is a clear statement that the Ten Commandments remain unchanged.
How are God's true people recognized by their relationship to His commandments? Revelation 12:17; 14:12 What have others said?
John is certainly not a legalist, but he does emphasize a number of times that God's people are obedient and desire the victory over sin.
What does the connection between "keep the commandments" and "faith to Jesus" in Revelation 14:12 tell you about salvation? What have others said?
The Temple and Its Loving Lamb
John states that sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4) and Paul say that the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23
How is the way of salvation, made possible by the Lamb, proclaimed in the temple? Revelation 5:9; 7:14 What have others said?
As Satan tries, because of your sins, to claim you as his own, notice how Jesus can defend you in the temple of heaven: 1 John 1:9--2:1. Look at the way Hebrews uses the symbolism of the ancient High Priest. Hebrews 7:25-27
Does the realization the Jesus can be speaking for you in the temple right now give you a feeling of awe, gratitude, importance, or relief? Why? What have others said?
How can you, without seeming to be a legalist, explain to a Christian and a non-Christian your desire and motivation to keep all of God's commandments? What have others said?
What motive will a true Christian have for living according to the Ten Commandments? What have others said?
Do you believe that your salvation was expensive or cheap for the Lamb of God? Why? What have others said?
Does one part of the temple mean more to you now -- the ark, the lamps, or the altar of incense? Why? What have others said?
Continue to the next lesson
If you wish to send us your responses to the questions above just enter your name and email address then click on the send button below.
Your Name
Your Email Address Please accurately enter your full email address!
Comments or Questions:
There have been visitors to this page since 03/10/2000
This page maintained by Allen Roy. Last update on 03/10/2000