The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Church and the World, #2

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. (Hebrews 8:5)

The design of the Tabernacle of the Congregation reveals the relationship of the Church to the saved peoples of the earth. The Most Holy Place typifies the firstfruits of the Church, the holy, warlike remnant. The Holy Place portrays the Church. The Most Holy Place and Holy Place taken together represent God's elect, Israel, the Temple of God, the eternal center of government of the Kingdom of God.

The Courtyard speaks of the nations of the saved. All are within the linen fence of righteousness. All are saved. All are part of the eternal Kingdom of God.

Some other names for the Church are as follows: the elect, the saints, Israel, the sons of God, the victorious saints, the Wife of the Lamb, the Body of Christ, the new Jerusalem, the holy city, the brothers of Christ, the royal priesthood, the Church of the Firstborn.

The design of the Tabernacle of the Congregation is the design of the Kingdom of God. The Church has been called out from the nations of the earth that it may become, through Christ, the Presence of God among people.

We will not discuss at this time the godly remnant, the firstfruits, the strongest among the members of the Church. The firstfruits of the Church will, as Christ enables and directs, assist the weaker members of Israel as they come into the fullness of the new covenant.

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (Revelation 14:4)

We think the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle speaks of a firstfruits to God and the Lamb who will be raised in the first resurrection. The balance of Israel is portrayed by the Holy Place, and they will receive back their bodies at a later time, according to our understanding.

By the end of the thousand-year Kingdom Age the Tabernacle will be one whole. All of God's elect, all Israel, will have become the perfected Wife of the Lamb.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)

Our emphasis in the present article is on the Church, the Tabernacle building, including the Most Holy and Holy places as one whole.

The entire Kingdom of God includes the saved who rule (Israel, the elect of God) and the saved who are ruled (the nations of saved peoples of the earth).

In addition there will be those (hopefully few in number) who are lost forever to God and His saints.

The Prophets of Israel declare plainly that the Israel of God will govern the nations of saved peoples of the earth. In fact, apart from the doctrine of Israel governing the nations of saved peoples of the earth the Prophets are not understandable.

For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted. (Isaiah 60:12)

To be continued.