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ENCOURAGEMENT TO ETERNAL FOCUS IN UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP OF THE GOSPEL

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Tabernacle Not Made With Hands

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What pattern of the heavens does the Tabernacle picture?

• Myth: The Father has been present in this creation

• Myth: Deceased saints are in the heaven of the Father’s domain today

• Myth: Some saints have already seen the Father in fulfillment of eternal life

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As Moses talked with God face to face he received in the form of a model detailed descriptions of the current state of the Heavenly Kingdom of God. God says Moses was shown the Holy Temple of God in the Heavens. When Moses finished God’s instructions in building the Tabernacle one might wonder how much Moses understood about the application to today’s heavenly realms. Was he shown any details about the creative beginning so as to understand the basis behind the design he received?  Old Testament servants of the Lord were not completely blind to the mysteries often hidden within the religious rites God assigned. While those early verses of Genesis reveal little about the details of the Kingdom of Heaven, Moses in his subsequent writings builds upon this beginning foundation revealing much about God’s activities past, present and future in heaven.

Surprisingly Moses messages reveal hints of a great depth of understanding of the figures before him. As discussed in previous chapters Moses understood from his experience the time difference between God in the heavens and man on the earth as seen in the only Psalm recorded in His name. By only getting to listen to God without ever seeing Him he knew man was separated from God. Even then God only spoke either from the Holy Mount or from in between the Cherubim atop the ark of the covenant showing God’s home as distant and unapproachable. He discussed how man was temporary on earth eventually returning to dust in contrast to God as enduring and eternal from everlasting to everlasting. He believed each of the laws given shed some light on the operations of God’s eternal Kingdom, each offering highlighted on earth God’s work in correction of sin by the process of sacrificial redemption and the lives of Israel as God’s chosen should reflect God’s holy and righteous character. As the meekest man to ever live His life was spent reminding God’s people of these truths and recording them so even today we can benefit.

This insight about the spiritual not seen transformed the life of Moses and many others who understood it. Great blessings come from considering the grander objects of God's Kingdom called in Scripture the....

Tabernacle Not Made With Hands

A Pattern of the Kingdom of Heaven

The Tabernacle is a copy or pattern of the properties of the temporary current organization of the Kingdom of Heaven. Man cannot see or measure in earthly methods all the regions of God’s creation described in Scripture. Sin in God’s Kingdom has veiled His domain from man at this time. Yet God has used symbols on earth to teach man about various aspects. As noted in chapter In Spirit and In Truth faith is believing in these things not seen from study of their shadows on earth. The writers of God’s inspired Scripture share in great detail God’s purpose in the earthly Tabernacle picturing His work in His Kingdom. 

Colossians 2:16-17

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. NIV (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 10:1

1 The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. NIV (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 8:1-5
8:1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; hence it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "See," He says, "that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain." NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 9:21-24

21 And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. 22 And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. 23 Therefore it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ did not enter a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; NASB (Emphasis mine)

A Pattern for the Present Time

As one studies the Tabernacle there is a tendency to relegate all lessons gleaned to those of the Old Testament period. Many try to ignore the truths presented denying application for people today in New Testament times. Yet the lessons of the Tabernacle are still very relevant to understanding the current organizational structure of the Kingdom of Heaven. Hebrews 9:9 tells readers in discussion of the tabernacle “which is a symbol for the present time” NASB meaning the application to the heavens still applies even today.

The most detailed explanation of the meaning of the Tabernacle is found in the book of Hebrews. The author without doubt wanted his readers to understands the meaning behind its order as showing the work of God in Christ in the true real heavens. Consider this selected passage.

Hebrews 9:1-13

9:1 Now even the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the holy place. 3 And behind the second veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, 4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant. 5 And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things have been thus prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle , performing the divine worship, 7 but into the second only the high priest enters, once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed, while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9 which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, 10 since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle , not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12 and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. NASB (Emphasis mine)

As mentioned in chapter In Beginning God in Genesis 1:1 created according to the Hebrew language two heavens and the earth in addition to His everlasting domain from eternity past. In chapter Who Turned Out The Light? one finds the heavens and earth created are greatly expanded in darkness and temporarily separated from His Light and Holiness. When Jesus returned to the Father we are told, "...He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation..." The domain of the Father is distinct from what what created in the record of Genesis. The current creation we see was temporary even from the beginning being under the bondage of decay distant from the Father - even before the creation of man. 

From light such as Hebrews 9:11 above the symbolism of the earthly tabernacle depicting “the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation” came the initial drawing by this author of the diagram entitled Appendix 1 - The Present Heavens. The original was sketched in 1982 during a study of the Tabernacle. Since it has changed little in overall design. Only a few small details were adjusted over the years as more light was revealed about specifics of the work of God in His Kingdom. The diagram is unique in comparison to most publications about the tabernacle in that it illustrates the overall current construction of the Kingdom of Heaven in the separated state from the Father. Most of the writings by many good authors only speak of all the endless minute details of the parts of the symbolism. Pages are devoted to the metaphoric meanings of the measurements, colors, materials, and specific ministries, offerings, and observances. Few seem to look at the bigger picture of the forest made up of all the individual trees. Thus the diagram gives some reference to how all of the Tabernacle service fits together in God’s plan of redemption.

Years later with the search power of the internet I discovered others in the past came to this same conclusion. The belief that the tabernacle of Israel is a pattern of the actual heavens of the Temple of God is not new. Uninspired extra-Biblical Jewish writings^[1] state that the Tabernacle, as well as its furnishings and implements, are a picture of what is in heaven. Called the ‘Zohar’ these are a collection of Jewish writings of uncertain origin. Some attribute the book to Rabbi Simon ben Yochi around the end of the 1st century. Others criticize it saying the compilation was in the 13th century. Regardless of the time of origin some of the portions referencing the Tabernacle make application to the actual heavens.

Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 149a - "... the structure of the Tabernacle corresponds to the structure of heaven and earth."

 

Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 231a - "Now, the Tabernacle below was likewise made after the pattern of the supernal Tabernacle in all its details. For the Tabernacle in all its works embraced all the works and achievements of the upper world and the lower, whereby the Shekinah was made to abide in the world, both in the higher spheres and the lower. Similarly, the Lower Paradise is made after the pattern of the Upper Paradise, and the latter contains all the varieties of forms and images to be found in the former. Hence the work of the Tabernacle, and that of heaven and earth, come under one and the same mystery."

 

Soncino Zohar, Shemoth, Section 2, Page 235b - "Now, the lower and earthly Tabernacle was the counterpart of the upper Tabernacle, whilst the latter in its turn is the counterpart of a higher Tabernacle, the most high of all. All of them, however, are implied within each other and form one complete whole, as it says: "that the tabernacle may be one whole" (Ex. XXVI, 6). The Tabernacle was erected by Moses, he alone being allowed to raise it up, as only a husband may raise up his wife. With the erection of the lower Tabernacle there was erected another Tabernacle on high. This is indicated in the words "the tabernacle was reared up (hukam)" (Ex. XL, 17), reared up, that is, by the hand of no man, but as out of the supernal undisclosed mystery in response to the mystical force indwelling in Moses that it might be perfected with him."

A Pattern Showing Heavenly Divisions

The tabernacle overall demonstrates the dimensional division of the heavens currently in this evil age. As noted in previous chapters God has experienced many past ages and will exist many future ages in relation to what He creates. While little is revealed about the past ages God’s Word describes this current age as characterized by evil. It starts with Satan’s rebellion and ends when all evil is cast into the Lake of Fire.

Galatians 1:3-5

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father , and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father , 5 to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen. NASB

 

Acts 26:15-18

15 "And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16'But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 delivering you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God , in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me. 'NASB (Emphasis mine)

The evil necessitated the separation in the Kingdom of Heaven as depicted in the divisions of the Tabernacle. The Father is now distant due to His Holiness apart from sin. The goal of Jesus ministry as shared  to Saul on the Damascus road and in His prayer to the Father is to return all from this darkness of separation to a relationship of knowing the Father as an adopted son.

John 17:1-3

17:1 These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, 2 even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

John 1:18

18 No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. NASB

 

1 Timothy 6:16

16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. NASB

 

1 Peter 3:17-19

17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. 18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; NASB

So if Jesus goal was to bring all back to fellowship with the Father then one of the greatest questions of man is, “Where is the Father?” Where is His location that we might find or approach Him and enter into His fellowship? Where can we go to find Him?

Psalms 103:19

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. NIV

 

Psalms 11:4

4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. NIV

 

1 Chronicles 29:11

11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. NIV

A Pattern Revealing a Separated Father

God the Father is shown in heaven and above everything else both in heaven and earth. Scripture teaches us God’s presence in heaven is not that of distance but of dimension. The Father is not billions of miles away across the galaxy in another part of His Kingdom. He is actually quite close being ever so near. Heaven is actually all around us – only we cannot see it. So why are the Father and Heaven not visible? Why can’t we sense God with our eyes, ears, smell, or touch? Again it is because the Father abides in another dimension of His Kingdom now separate from our world. 

      The dimension of God’s domain and presence is veiled to the flesh of man and creation. The ‘clouds’ described in more detail later during visits hide this veiled dimension of the spiritual world. By spiritual it does not mean an existence without substance, mass, space or time. Heaven is very real with all these attributes as seen in the world to come described in Revelation 21-22. “Heaven” as it is known in Scripture is the world of God’s domain that God has chosen to remain hidden except on certain occasions. It is a world of angels, powers, principalities, and dominions we cannot see at this time. Attaching the descriptor of spirit demonstrates the invisible nature of the things of heaven to man - not that heaven is non-corporal as a vaporous ether of nothingness. There is much more to the Kingdom of Heaven than currently meets the eye.

This division of the heavens away from the Father’s fellowship is only temporary until the Lord Jesus Christ has put all evil enemies under His dominion. Thus it will continue to the end of this evil age after the 1000 year reign of Christ.  When all division is removed Jesus will give the Kingdom to the Father whereby it is once again with the Father as in eternity past.

1 Corinthians 15:20-28

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He delivers up the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

1 Peter 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Revelation 21:2-7

2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, 4 and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. "  5 And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." 6 And He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7 "He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. NASB (Emphasis mine)

A Pattern Seen By Others

On several occasions men were shown the aspects of the heavens to record for others. Additional prophets other than Moses have also seen visions of God’s throne and temple in the heavens. Scripture tells of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Elisha, David, Stephen, James, Peter, Paul, and John viewing things beyond imagination and description to the human mind. Many saw representations of this tabernacle not made with hands in the heavens. Paul even shared his experience of hearing things he could not even describe in human terms as defense of his apostleship and understanding of spiritual matters. As well the Apostle John was called up to the heavens to record prophecy.

2 Corinthians 12:1-4

1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know-God knows. 3 And I know that this man-whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows- 4 was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. NIV (Emphasis mine)

 

 Revelation 4:1

1 After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." NIV

A Pattern With Three Distinct Dimensions

Scripture describes three divisions of the current Kingdom of Heaven based upon the three main divisions of the tabernacle. Before assigning these three divisions to aspects of the current Kingdom of Heaven it would be good to first consider possible popular errors in interpretation.  Past recent scholars of Scripture by omitting the association with the Tabernacle may have misapplied the three divisions. The most popular modern interpretation as espoused by Rev. C. I. Scofield, D.D. in his notes assigned the first heaven to the sky, the second to the universe and the third to heaven of God’s domain. However in adding the analogy of the Tabernacle this would have assigned the Holy Place to the universe of stars and planets. There is little association there between the universe and the activity pictured by the Holy Place. The lack of Scriptural cohesion of the entire picture led this author to reject this comparison.

In better harmony with the Tabernacle that is a shadow or copy of these three heavens then the first heaven is all the material universe. The second heaven is a buffer created between the first and third that is very active yet not seen by those living. The third is the Father’s domain in glory and light.  See diagram of Appendix 1 - The Present Heavens and Appendix 7 - Figures 1-4 for an artists conception of the Tabernacle of God in the wilderness. This also harmonizes as written in In Beginning with the additional creation of two heavens and earth recorded in Genesis 1:1 beyond God’s domain of the third heaven unchanged from eternity past.

Outside the main tent representing the Father’s house of His light is the ‘outer court’ or as also called the ‘Court of the Gentiles.’ It was so called since Israel on earth pictured spiritual Israel in heaven. The Gentiles only allowed outside pictured the spiritually lost who rejected God’s offer of eternal life in a Savior. So the area outside the tent represents the universe that is currently dark without God’s light and fellowship. The earth and universe are in the “first” heaven.

Within the tent structure are two rooms separated by a veil. The first room is called the Holy Place. As discussed in greater detail in chapter A Room With Jesus this area is very busy in daily activity that represents the area where deceased saints abide until the Lord’s return at His second coming. The second heaven, called by names Paradise, Abraham’s bosom or the Father’s House, is an area between God’s domain and creation. This barrier or buffer between His Holiness and sinful creation is the place of the “clouds” referenced in Scriptures discussing God’s activity with mankind. More is shared later in this chapter about the significance of the clouds in application.

The author believes it is here in the second heaven the Lord spreads His tabernacle or tent over all the saints gathered in the early part of the great tribulation. As seen in chapter The Gathering Together John is given a vision of all the saints gathered below the throne at the initiation of the second coming of Jesus to earth. This represents the complete collection of all saints in God’s Kingdom up until that time. There is never a segregation of groups of believers in heaven. We should note these saints are before God’s throne yet not with God the Father for eternity in fellowship as eternal life promises. They are in His temple but not in the Holy of Holies yet. The tabernacle of his house is spread over them as they enjoy the blessings of provision yet they are not complete in their salvation receiving an eternal inheritance yet. This all comes after Jesus reigns for one thousand years. Saints are not shown in Scripture as being given the fellowship of the Father - then return back to earth with Jesus for one thousand years - then return back to the Father for eternity. There is no yo yo salvation as discussed more later in this chapter. 

Revelation 7:13-17

13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are clothed in the white robes, who are they, and from where have they come?" 14 And I said to him, "My lord, you know." And he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 "For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne shall spread His tabernacle over them. 16 "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb in the center of the throne shall be their shepherd, and shall guide them to springs of the water of life; and God shall wipe every tear from their eyes. " NASB (Emphasis mine)

The room behind the veil was called the Holy of Holies. This room represents the place of God’s presence in His Kingdom. Paul called this area a noted in Scripture preceding the “third heaven” in relation of man and creation.

These separated areas in God’s Kingdom are not places of distance in miles or kilometers but of dimension. These current “heavens” probably in fact overlay each other all the while keeping very different attributes. All that is in existence is still God’s Kingdom. These divisions resulting from Satan’s choices actually abide together. As Jesus taught in parable the wheat and tares are sill in the same field until the harvest at the end of the age. Yet while together they are actually in different perceptible realms occupying the same Kingdom. 

      For human minds it is difficult to diagram and illustrate how heaven and earth coexist in the same Kingdom of God superimposed over each other. In two-dimensional diagrams like Appendix 1 - The Present Heavens it appears that distance separates the Third Heaven from the First Heaven with Paradise or the Father’s House of the Second heaven in-between.  Yet God’s Kingdom is not two-dimensional and there is not a vector of distance. Even in a three dimensional model of spheres with one sphere within another it still does not accurately demonstrate the relationship of these current separated dominions with one another. Our current tools of understanding of such relations cannot accurately depict such existence of areas all together yet separate from view and different in nature.  

A Pattern Of Contrasting Dimensions

Another interesting teaching of God’s Word is while these heavens overlay one another in many ways they contrast each other. Consider the following table of contrasting characteristics.

Over history God has given occasional experiences and glimpses of aspects of His world. For example there are over 100 recorded appearances of angels in Scripture. These angels provide a communication interface from the heavenly to the earthly in guiding the will of the Father. Angels wield great power to protect and destroy. They both possess and act upon material substance of this world, minister to the needy as they fulfill God’s plans, and with great intellect share God’s messages at significant times.

As referenced multiple times the diagram Appendix 1 - The Present Heavens attempts to show on two dimensional paper selected major highlights of activity within the current divisions of the Kingdom of Heaven.

The Father is seen as above all in His domain of the third heaven.   God the Son left God’s domain to come as a man as seen in more detail in chapter Word Made Flesh. He suffers as the pattern of the Tabernacle sacrifices as our offering in the area of the outer court.

Hebrews 13:10-14

10 We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Matthew  27:49-53

 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, 52 and the tombs were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many. NASB

 

Ephesians 2:13-22

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, 20 having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 6:17-20

17 In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, 18 in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement, we who have fled for refuge in laying hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil , 20 where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 4:14

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. NASB

 

Hebrews 7:24-25

24 but He, on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. NASB (Emphasis mine)

A Pattern In Effect For Deceased Saints Today

Some get the idea that saints today are already in the third heaven in fellowship with the Father. Many popular songs and themes portray this common Christian myth. Yet in following the picture of the Tabernacle only Jesus as the High Priest is currently in the domain of the Father in the Holy of Holies. As priests of Jesus as patterned after the Holy Place and it’s activity saints abide in the Father’s house below the throne in the Holy Place of the Father’s tent. They as represented by the lampstand enjoy the light of the glory of God, after the table of shewbread have every need met and pray fervently to the Father as seen in the incense burned daily. This area is the room or place in the Father’s house Jesus promised in John 14. Again this is expanded in chapter A Room With Jesus.

So when do the all the saints that accept God’s offer in Jesus Christ finally fulfill Jesus prayer of ‘eternal life’ in complete fellowship of knowing the Father in intimate relationship? When will salvation be complete with our eternal inheritance from the Father as a son in the heavenly realms? The promise will happen when Jesus presents all the saints together at one time in one body as a holy church or assembly to the Father as His bride. While popular Christianity claims this comes at the gathering of the tribulation there are problems with that view. For one Scripture shares Jesus presents the Kingdom to His Father all at one time at the end of the age when all His work is complete. In Acts Peter in his sermon told his listeners only Jesus was in heaven and not David referring to the domain of God’s Holy of Holies where Jesus ascended.   No where are we told there are multiple presentations of believers or that any believers are now together with God the Father in heaven. Also the saints are promised they all will be presented to the Father at the same time. While in the Father’s House and under his tent they await that day to come.  They abide ever so close to Jesus as seen in chapter A Room With Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:20-28

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ's at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He delivers up the Kingdom to the God and Father , when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27 For He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 And when all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, that God may be all in all. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 10:19-22

19 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil , that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 11:13-16

13 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 11:39-40

39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Hebrews 9:8

8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed, while the outer tabernacle is still standing, 9 which is a symbol for the present time. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Acts 2:29-36

29 "Brethren, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 "And so, because he was a prophet, and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants upon his throne, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. 32 "This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 "Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 "For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says:

'The Lord said to my Lord,

"Sit at My right hand,

35 Until I make Thine enemies a footstool for Thy feet. "' 

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ —  this Jesus whom you crucified." NASB (Emphesis mine)

 

Hebrews 13:10-14
10 We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. NASB
 

While Jesus has torn the veil of division as our forerunner to fellowship in knowing the Father no saint as of yet has followed him there. 1 Corinthians 15:23 tells us there is an order to passing through the veil to the Father. Christ is first then those that are His at his coming with a reference to the “end” when Jesus turns the Kingdom over to the Father and all enemies are conquered including death. As noted  Hebrews 9:7  reads “7 but into the second only the high priest enters” so in reference to the Holy of Holies only Jesus has gone there thus far. As mentioned in Hebrews 9:8 as yet to saints “the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed.”

When we go there after His example in proper order we will all go together. This must include those saved on earth, those yet to be born that will be saved and those saved during the reign of Christ on earth when Israel preaches the gospel for one thousand years. No one receives the final perfection of salvation to the Father before anyone else.

This author believes this presentation to the Father will take place at the “end” of the 1000 year reign of Christ. While there are many activities assigned to the promise of the second coming of Christ to earth they all do not happen at the same time or at the initiation of that coming. The Second Coming of Christ or what is known as the Day of the Lord actually spans around one thousand years from the gathering at the beginning to the end of the age and the New Heaven and New Earth. Consider the following questions. Would it be proper to assign Jesus birth to His first coming? Could you also assign His death to His first coming? So if His first coming spanned 33 years then why cannot things of His second coming span over 1000 years? This is discussed more thoroughly in chapters of Part III Heaven Future.

A Pattern Hidden From View

Leaving these thoughts for later there are other things that should be mentioned from the diagram of The Present Heavens. As one studies Scripture regarding the appearances of God in comings and goings from heaven to earth one notes that clouds appear over and over. The Divine record tells how God approaches, ministers to mankind, and leaves more often than not with clouds perceptible to the viewer. This was even so of the copy of the Tabernacle. So what is the significance of the revelation of the clouds when God is here in visitation from heaven?

      The import of the clouds shows that God and heaven are veiled from the view of mankind and the senses of this creation. No earthly instrument can detect heaven. There are no signposts pointing to the Father’s direction north, east, south or west. God and heaven are hidden from view according to His purpose of redemption.

During many of these historical journeys clouds maintained the mystery of the boundary of heaven and earth. They cover the external form as entrance or exit is made into God’s dimension and domain of heaven.

      The cloud is another theophany^[2] or a visible manifestation of the presence of God in revelation from God to man. Remember God told Moses at his constant request to see Him that no one could see Him literally and live. It is clear from God’s Word no one living except Christ has ever seen God the Father as seen  in  Scripture listed in Who Turned Out the Light? This statement of Scripture must even include Adam and Eve prior to disobedience to God’s command. The Father’s invisible nature to man will be true until the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem when Jesus Christ shall turn the Kingdom over to God the Father. Then God the Father will be one again with His Kingdom. So until such time in loving demonstration God the Father gives views of Himself in varied forms. The presence of the clouds is an important part of understanding the Father in relation to creation.

Consider for a moment some of the Scripture records of clouds during God’s visitations:

1. God the Father represents Himself as a cloud as seen in the record of the transfiguration when Jesus reveals a view of His eternal form.

Mark 9:2-8

2 And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; 3 and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." 6 For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. 7 Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!" 8 And all at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Luke 9:34-35

34 And while he was saying this, a cloud formed and began to overshadow them; and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My Chosen One; listen to Him!" NASB (Emphasis mine)

2. Jesus disappeared up with a cloud in His transition to the Father from earth.

Acts 1:9-11

9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; 11 and they also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." NASB (Emphasis mine)

3. Jesus comes with clouds present at the Second Coming to Earth to set up His Kingdom.

Matthew 24:30

30 and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Revelation 1:6-7

 7 Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. Even so. Amen NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

Revelation 14:14-16

14 And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and sitting on the cloud was one like a son of man, having a golden crown on His head, and a sharp sickle in His hand. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying out with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle and reap, because the hour to reap has come, because the harvest of the earth is ripe." 16 And He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth; and the earth was reaped. NASB (Emphasis mine)

 

1 Thessalonians 4:17

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. NASB (Emphasis mine)

4. Moses was called to the Father on the Mount in the presence of God in the clouds. Later Moses was told to build the Tabernacle according to the pattern shown him in the Mount while in the clouds. Moses was probably actually in the second heaven for the forty days of time on earth.  It is probably there he learned of the time difference between God’s presence and earth that he recorded in Psalm 90. In all likelihood Moses stay in heaven was but a few minutes as he received instruction from the Lord. In this few hours  forty days may have passed on earth.

Exodus 24:12-18

12 Now the LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and remain there, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commandment which I have written for their instruction." 13 So Moses arose with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. 14 But to the elders he said, "Wait here for us until we return to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a legal matter, let him approach them." 15 Then Moses went up to the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. 16 And the glory of the LORD rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; and on the seventh day He called to Moses from the midst of the cloud. 17 And to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountain top. 18 And Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.  NASB (Emphasis mine)

5. Moses was only allowed to enter the tent of meeting (tabernacle) when God was not present constantly reminding all mankind was separated by sin.

Exodus 40:34-38

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 36 And throughout all their journeys whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would set out; 37 but if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out until the day when it was taken up. 38 For throughout all their journeys, the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and there was fire in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel. NASB (Emphasis mine)

6. In the Great Tribulation the two witnesses are called to heaven to God’s realm in the cloud. The area of God’s Kingdom determined by “Cloud” again is same as Second Heaven where Saints go at departure from earth.

Revelation 11:12-13

12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here." And they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies beheld them. NASB (Emphasis mine)

7. During the trial of Jesus He told His listeners when He left the Third heaven to Earth He would come by way of  “the clouds of heaven”. He comes through the buffer of the Father’s House or Paradise where saints are today. This is why these rise first as seen in other Scripture below.  

Mark 14:52

62 And Jesus said, "I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven." NASB

 

1 Thessalonians 4:17

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. NASB

8. Daniel’s vision of the Lord coming to set up His Kingdom “with the clouds of heaven.”

Daniel 7:13-14

13 "I kept looking in the night visions,

And behold, with the clouds of heaven

One like a Son of Man was coming,

And He came up to the Ancient of Days

And was presented before Him.

14 "And to Him was given dominion,

Glory and a kingdom,

That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language

Might serve Him.

His dominion is an everlasting dominion

Which will not pass away;

And His kingdom is one

Which will not be destroyed. NASB (Emphasis mine)

Thus from Scripture in comparing spiritual with spiritual the clouds are there for a reason. They are a necessary transition between the realm heaven and earth. Clouds veil from sinful man the perfection of the dominion of heaven where the Father abides today. If not present man would surely die since God the Father cannot fellowship with even the slightest sin due to His Holiness.

As I write these words I cannot help but long to see my Savior coming in the clouds. One day this barrier will be whisked away and we shall see our loving Father who sent His only Son into the world that we can have eternal life. I look forward to the worship of that day in the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem. Then the clouds will be gone!!!!

Many other matters based on the current dimensional separation of the heavens are better understood and written in other chapters. For that matter the basis of most of the writings of Heaven Past Present and Future are found in God’s earthly pictures of The Tabernacle Not Made With Hands.  In the next chapter Who Will Go For Us? these thoughts are further developed sharing why the Father just does not come Himself. He enlists our help as His ambassadors to those around us. Oh what a wonderful day when our work is completed and we are all together one with our Father we now pray to in heaven. His home will be our home and we will be sons with an inheritance in the new coming Kingdom.

Chapter 7       Chapter 9   Chapter Time Link Map

Endnotes:

^[1] Zohar. http://www.answers.com/topic/zohar

^[2] : a visible manifestation of a deity :Etymology: Medieval Latin theophania, from Late Greek theophaneia, from Greek the- + -phaneia (as in epiphaneia appearance)

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