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From Here to Forever

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The Two Apartments

The holy places of the sanctuary in heaven are represented by the two apartments in the sanctuary on earth. John was granted a view of the temple of God in heaven. He beheld there “seven lamps of fire burning before the throne.” He saw an angel “having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelation 4:5; 8:3. Here the prophet beheld the first apartment of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire” and the “golden altar,” represented by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. HF 255.1

Again, “The temple of God was opened,” and he looked within the inner veil upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of his testament,” represented by the chest constructed by Moses to contain the law of God. Revelation 11:19. HF 255.2

Thus those studying the subject found proof of the existence of a sanctuary in heaven. John testifies that he saw it in heaven. HF 255.3

In the temple in heaven, in the most holy place, is God's law. The ark that enshrines the law is covered with the mercy seat, before which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner's behalf. Thus is represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of redemption, a union that fills all heaven with wonder. This is the mystery of mercy into which angels desire to look—that God can be just while He justifies the repenting sinner, that Christ could stoop to raise multitudes from ruin and clothe them with the spotless garments of His own righteousness. HF 255.4

The work of Christ as man's intercessor is presented in Zechariah: “He shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his [the Father's] throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” Zechariah 6:12, 13. HF 255.5

“He shall build the temple of the Lord.” By His sacrifice and mediation Christ is the foundation and builder of the church of God, “the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth into an holy temple in the Lord.” Ephesians 2:20, 21. “He shall bear the glory.” The song of the ransomed ones will be: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, ... to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” Revelation 1:5, 6. HF 256.1

He “shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne.” The kingdom of glory has not yet been ushered in. Not until His work as a mediator shall be ended will God give unto Him a kingdom of which “there shall be no end.” Luke 1:33. As priest, Christ is now set down with the Father in His throne. Upon the throne is He who “hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows,” “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin,” that He might be “able to succor them that are tempted.” Isaiah 53:4; Hebrews 4:15; 2:18. The wounded hands, the pierced side, the marred feet, plead for fallen man whose redemption was purchased at such cost. HF 256.2

“And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” The love of the Father is the fountain of salvation for the lost race. Said Jesus to His disciples, “The Father himself loveth you.” God was “in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.” “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” John 16:27; 2 Corinthians 5:19; John 3:16. HF 256.3