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Then Shall the Sanctuary Be Cleansed - Donald K. Short

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like no o<strong>the</strong>r single truth. It has a history that we<br />

dare not ignore.<br />

The nation of Israel was conceived in <strong>the</strong><br />

temple service. From <strong>the</strong> embryonic model<br />

followed by Abel to <strong>the</strong> soul-wrenching experience<br />

of Abraham on Mount Moriah, <strong>the</strong> voice of God<br />

was clear. The direct instruction Moses received to<br />

build a sanctuary "after <strong>the</strong> pattern which was<br />

shewed <strong>the</strong>e in <strong>the</strong> mount" (Hebrews 8:5) portrays<br />

a divine plan awaiting <strong>the</strong> complete understanding<br />

of God's people. The identity of <strong>the</strong> nation of Israel<br />

with a religion inspired by heaven took form at <strong>the</strong><br />

foot of Sinai. As long as <strong>the</strong>y had <strong>the</strong> sanctuary and<br />

<strong>the</strong> temple <strong>the</strong>y were confident of <strong>the</strong>ir destiny.<br />

Thus, when Jerusalem fell under siege, <strong>the</strong> last<br />

stronghold relinquished was <strong>the</strong> temple.<br />

It was this supposed reverence for <strong>the</strong> temple<br />

that brought <strong>the</strong> sentence of death upon Jesus. He<br />

had sustained many libelous accusations, but at last<br />

"<strong>the</strong>re arose certain, and bare false witness against<br />

Him, saying, we heard Him say, I will destroy this<br />

temple that is made with hands, and within three<br />

12

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