Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Share Posted May 3, 2019 INTRODUCTION The predominant aim of God`s word I believe, is to reveal Christ to us and through Him His plan and purpose for mankind. There are many figures, shadows, symbols, types, patterns, persons and buildings found in God`s word that are used to reveal Christ and His ministries to us. The wonderful climax is reached in the book of Revelation which sets forth the splendors of the Lord as He is known in the heavenly realms. There are over 330 references to figures, types, symbols etc to reveal Christ in all His glory. Thus, I believe, when we look at the finale, the glorious city coming down from heaven, we need to appreciate what it is of the Lord we are being shown. We need to lift our vision higher than thinking it is a mere earthly type of construct, but see it as God reveals by His figures, symbols, types etc. There are 3 main figures that reveal Christ and His ministry in the heavenly city, and they are - the Tabernacle, the Temple and the Throne. `Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.` (Rev. 21: 3) `…the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its Temple.` (Rev. 21: 22) `…the Throne of God and of the Lamb.` (Rev. 22: 1) Each of these miniature models were revealed in order that the mind of man might be instructed to grasp the magnitude of the divine purpose for humanity and the manifold grace of heaven`s beneficent design. The Tabernacle for dwelling. The Temple for blessing. The Throne for ruling. Thus, I believe, to understand what the city reveals we need to see what God has shown in His word concerning these three figures - Tabernacle, Temple and Throne. (Note: there are threads for discussion for those who think the city described is literal, whereas this thread is for looking at the symbols etc.) Marilyn. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 The Tabernacle for dwelling. `Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to the pattern of the Tabernacle and the furnishings, just so you shall make it.` (Ex. 25: 8 & 9) `And the word became flesh and dwelt (Tabernacled) among us, and we beheld His glory,..` (John 1: 14) “Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them,..` (Rev. 21:3) In the sphere of typology no figurative structure exists that expresses such a wide range of illumination and instruction as does the tabernacle and its services. This model was a miniature in material form of the Messiah`s many ministries. The Lord gave to Moses, in the plan a set of signs, symbols and shadows which foretell of the true substance - Christ and His ministry. The ritual portrayed the function of the priest, king and prophet, and the Son of Man operates in these three offices. The purpose of the Tabernacle was as a sanctuary for God to dwell with His people. The vehicle for God dwelling was the Ark of the Covenant. This Ark, with the mercy seat in the holy of holies, prefigures Christ. Christ came to represent the God of mercy in the character of a merciful and faithful high priest. `Therefore, in all things he had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God,…` (Heb. 2: 17) So when Christ the true `tabernacle ` of God was manifest on earth we read - `And the word became flesh and dwelt (Tabernacled) among us, and we beheld His glory,..` (John 1: 14) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 Christ the High Priest. Thus we see that the Tabernacle speaks of Christ Himself for He is the merciful and faithful High priest. The 12 precious stones on the High Priest`s breastplate are represented as on the `walls` of the city. `And the foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones; …jasper…..sapphire….chalcedony…emerald…etc.` (Rev. 21: 19 & 20) Walls are for protection and security, however it is the Lord`s victory, His salvation, over the enemy that is the eternal protection from all evil. `God will appoint salvation for walls and bulwarks.` (Isa. 26: 1) The Priests. Where there is a High Priest, there are other priests also. These we see are the 144, 000 priests of Israel and they are included in the figure of the `walls.` `Then he measured its walls, 144 cubits…` (Rev. 21: 17) 144 cubits - 144,000 bonded priests of God. (Ex. 19: 6 Rev. 14: 1 - 5) Cubit - Heb. `amah,` a bond & `emah,` a multiple of 10, eg, 1,000. God promised to Israel that they would be to Him a kingdom of priests. `And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.` (Ex. 19: 6) The Holy Nation. God promised Israel that they would be not only priests but a holy nation. These are the righteous ones, (Old Testament saints) that looked for this city. `..they all died in faith, not having received the promises….Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 9, 10 & 16) `…you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,…` (Heb. 12: 22)` `..Then I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven….”Behold the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them,..` (Rev. 21: 2 & 3) Summing up - God dwells, (Tabernacles) with His people, (Priests & Old Testament saints) through Christ, whose High priestly ministry, enables this community, to be made righteous. This is the inheritance that was promised to them. (Heb. 11 & Ex. 19: 6) It is Christ`s salvation that is the protection from all evil, not great high walls. It is Christ`s priesthood (not precious stones) through the 144,000 priests that will render to God the praise and worship from the nations. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 The Temple for blessing. The pattern of this wonderful sanctuary was received by revelation, (1 Chron. 28: 12 & 19) The Spirit of God, who imparted to David the plan and purpose, had the understanding of what the magnificent structure was to prefigure, namely the function and vocation that the Son of Man would fulfill as mediator, on behalf of mankind. The temple, when built in Jerusalem, made offer the privilege of access to God in prayer, irrespective of people`s origin or race. (Matt. 21: 13) `For my house shall be called a house of prayer for ALL NATIONS.` (Isa. 56: 7) Christ came to transplace the function of the Temple and is certainly far greater. The Temple had stood for a thousand years as a meeting place between the soul and God, but after the manifestation of Christ, He drew attention to Himself as the way of access to the Father. (John 14: 6) The Temple was a storehouse of the wealth of Israel, yet Christ is of greater wealth. `…the unsearchable riches of Christ..` (Eph. 3: 8) `..in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge..` (Col. 2: 3) The riches of His love, His kindness & mercy, His wisdom & knowledge are all greater than the temple`s earthly riches. And the glory of Christ far exceeds any sun or moon, no wonder that the kings of the earth desire to enter this wondrous place. (Rev. 21: 22 - 27) The blessings within the New Jerusalem are shown to us symbolically as a river and a tree with all kinds of fruit. These are spiritual realities. The River of Life is Christ`s own divine life that is sent forth from God by the Holy Spirit to refresh, energize and give continuous life to the people.(Rev. 22: 1) The Tree of Life is Christ`s life of service. The 12 fruits each month represent the life of service from Christ that enables the community to function and serve, being fruitful in every good work with the leaves, representing drawing nutriment for continuous health. (Rev. 22: 2) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 The Throne for ruling. `And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God & of the lamb shall be in it`(Rev. 22: 3) The word, `throne,` represents the rule & authority of God. We know that God`s eternal throne is in the highest heavens whereas this `throne,` in the New Jerusalem is just above the earth in the universal heavens. It is God & the Lamb`s rule & authority through Israel out to the nations of the world. Christ`s servants (Israel) will not only be able to serve Him but will be able to know Him & have His character outworked in the minds, (foreheads). They will walk in the `light` of His truth & reign with Him forever & ever. (Rev. 22: 3 - 5) The prophet Isaiah was also given a vision of this wonderful time for Israel where those of the nations of earth will call the New Jerusalem the City of the LORD. And Israel will know that it is the LORD Himself who is their Saviour & Redeemer. `in My favour (says the LORD) I have had mercy on you. Therefore your gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day or night, that men may bring to you the wealth of the Gentiles, & their kings in procession.....they shall call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel...... You will know that I, the LORD, am your Saviour & your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob....you shall call your walls Salvation, & your gates Praise. The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; but the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory.`(Isa. 60: 10 – 19) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 Summing up we see that the city, the New Jerusalem is not only the dwelling place of God by the Holy Spirit, but the place where He can manifest His glory. The glory comes through the ministries and rulership of the Lord Jesus Christ. As High priest, Christ has made the way for the blessings coming forth from this city out to others, and as Supreme Ruler through the kings and priests, justice and peace will prevail. There are many other symbols, types etc that are in this city - the size of the city, the gates, the pearls, the foundations, the individual precious stones, etc. What are your thoughts on these? Marilyn. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 3, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 3, 2019 The City: a community of faith people, covenanted by God. `And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city,....` (Rev. 21: 15) This city is a community of people & here we see that it is being measured by a gold reed. In spiritual terms gold is in relation to faith. (1 Peter 1: 7) This community of people had faith in God that He would take them to this city. `they all died in faith, not having received the promises.... Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.` (Heb. 11: 9, 10 & 16) This is the promise of the covenant God made with His people – a City. The physical description of the city is a cube - its length, breadth & height are equal. This shape is that of the Holy of Holies & is the place where God dwells & speaks to His people. Symbols – ` And the city is laid out as a square & its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed; 12 thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, & height are equal.` (Rev. 21: 16) 4 square city (cube) – vehicle of God`s presence & voice.(Holy of Holies) 12,000 – 12 tribes of Israel. (12 x 1000, (10 cubed – perfect number) Furlongs – measurement - fig. a covenant. (Gk. `stao,`) Christ is the covenant God made with His people Israel & it is through Him that God can dwell & speak with His people in the New Jerusalem. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heybro Posted May 4, 2019 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 19 Topic Count: 12 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,360 Content Per Day: 0.66 Reputation: 2,139 Days Won: 0 Joined: 09/03/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted May 4, 2019 Marilyn, you are a precious "gem" to collate all this for our better understanding of what our Heavenly Father has in store for us, His children, is just wonderful and beautiful, to God be the Glory, Great things He has done... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marilyn C Posted May 4, 2019 Group: Worthy Ministers Followers: 30 Topic Count: 266 Topics Per Day: 0.07 Content Count: 13,175 Content Per Day: 3.49 Reputation: 8,479 Days Won: 12 Joined: 12/21/2013 Status: Offline Birthday: 10/06/1947 Author Share Posted May 4, 2019 2 hours ago, Heybro said: Marilyn, you are a precious "gem" to collate all this for our better understanding of what our Heavenly Father has in store for us, His children, is just wonderful and beautiful, to God be the Glory, Great things He has done... Hi Heybro, Thank you for the encouragement. The Body of Christ will certainly be able to go visit in the city, however it is for the Old Testament saints and the 144,000 priests. I would like to do another thread some time on the inheritance of the Body of Christ, which is in the higher heaven. regards, Marilyn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missmuffet Posted May 4, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 34 Topic Count: 1,990 Topics Per Day: 0.48 Content Count: 48,688 Content Per Day: 11.83 Reputation: 30,343 Days Won: 226 Joined: 01/11/2013 Status: Offline Share Posted May 4, 2019 2 hours ago, Marilyn C said: Hi Heybro, Thank you for the encouragement. The Body of Christ will certainly be able to go visit in the city, however it is for the Old Testament saints and the 144,000 priests. I would like to do another thread some time on the inheritance of the Body of Christ, which is in the higher heaven. regards, Marilyn. The Citizens of the New Jerusalem will also include all those in the Lamb's book of Life. Revelation 21:25-27 New King James Version (NKJV) Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into [a]it. 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything [b]that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Do you know who is written in the Lamb's Book of Life Marilyn? It is all the born again believers in Jesus Christ who are saved. Revelation 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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