The Biblical Covenant has been Changed!
Before the tabernacle can be considered as a model for understanding the relationship of the Christian with God, the covenant must be considered. Why? It is the changes in the covenant that allows for a new interpretation of the tabernacle and its ministry. This study is taken out of the Letter to the Hebrews in the New Testament.
Some refer to the covenants as old and new for that is how the writer of Hebrews refers to them. Some refer to them as the first and second covenants for that is also how the writer of Hebrews refers to them. Both descriptions are true, but they present a problem. It was not that the old became new in substance or in additions. Rather, the old or first was given a new application, which required a new interpretation and fulfillment. The truths contained in the original remained. However, they would be given a new interpretation and application based upon changes in the covenant. The changes are what the phrases of the old and new and first and second refer too.
If the first or old covenant had been faultless or blameless, then no place or position would have been sought for the new or second (Heb 8:7). He made the first or old obsolete (perfect active tense) and called for a new or second, for the old or first was not meant to bring forth life (Heb 8:13). The old or first had the earthly sanctuary (Heb 9:1).
While the first or the old tabernacle was still standing, it indicated that the Holy Spirit had not yet manifested the way into the holiest of all (Heb 9:8). Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant by means of His death for the redemption of transgressions under the first 0r old covenant (Heb 9:15). The first or old covenant was inaugurated and dedicated with blood (Heb 9:18). He takes away the first or the old, so that he could set (put, place, set, bring) the second or new in place (Heb 10:9). God did this through the death of His Son (Heb 10:7).
The first or old covenant has been set aside for it had served a part of its purpose. Its purpose was to point the way to a spiritual reality that was not in place. Jesus spoke of this action when He stated, “I did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it” (Mat 5:17). The law under the old and first covenant remained to be needed for instructional purposes. They pave the way to understanding the spiritual dynamics and realities of the Christian life. The law was not the covenant. It contained the written statement of the covenant. The law was fulfilled by Jesus in His death, which brought righteousness to all believers. It was not possible for the individual to fulfill the law in completeness. The law served as a light and continues to serve as a light.
Only the divine side of the covenant was fulfilled by Christ. Christ continues to uphold His part of the covenant. The Christian is responsible and accountable for fulfilling the human side of the covenant. When the writer of Hebrews speaks of a new or second covenant he is not speaking of the old or first covenant having been destroyed, but rather changed to accommodate the new interpretation and application in the new creation for its spiritual fulfillment.
The old or first covenant was capable of fulfilling it purpose, which was to instruct the individual. It was incapable of giving life for it lacked the power of life. It was not meant to give life. Even if one lived a perfect life in accordance with the law and the covenant, they would not experience the power of life flowing in their being. Only the shed blood of Christ and its application to the soul could bring forth the power of life.
The covenant was given at Mt. Sinai at the time of the giving of the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its actual construction. The covenant was the declaration by God as to how He would relate to his people, the Jewish people. It was an agreement between God and Israel. Yet, it was not an agreement in which Israel had a say in composing or changing any part of the agreement. God stated what the covenant was and Israel accepted it. This covenant was initiated by God and written out by Him. Israel’s only participation in the agreement was whether she would choose to follow it or not.
One branch of biblical studies in the twentieth century placed a strong emphasis upon the covenant being the central theme throughout the Old Testament.1 However, Terrien makes a strong case for the presence of God being the central motif and the covenant being a secondary motif.2 The covenant is closely associated with the cultic side of Israel’s worship. Terrien points out that the two motifs, covenant and cultic, go hand in hand. The cultic ritual that went along with the covenant can only be understand by the theology of the covenant.3
Terrien gives direction to the thesis of this research when he states, “To recognize the centrality of the theology of presence and the integral mutuality of cultus and faith in ancient Israel opens up the possibility of a new approach to the study of biblical religion.”4 In line with Terrien’s position the study of the tabernacle and its ministry is more of a study of the presence of God in the heart of the Christian than in cultic ritual. It is the tabernacle and its ministry that enables the Christian to understand the dynamics of the impact of the intimacy of the divine in the human. It is changes in the old covenant that results in a new covenant that allows for this to happen.
The covenant was made at Mt. Sinai and was part of a total package that included the tabernacle and its ministry. The covenant spelled out what God accepted as the way man could come into His presence. Under David’s ministry God further revealed that the means for implementing the covenant would change in the future. Not that the covenant per se would change, but how it was to be carried out and by whom. This change becomes the key to understanding the Christian life in the light of the tabernacle.
When it came time for the change to take place there was much confusion on the part of the first Jewish Christians (Heb 9:10). They did not understand how to handle the old covenant in light of the new covenant being brought in (Heb 7:11-12; Gal 5:4). Jesus Himself stated that He did not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it (Mat 5:17-18). Rather than change the covenant, He expanded the application of the covenant. God took the initiative to inspire the Christian leadership to write out how the old covenant took on a new application, which then became identified as the new covenant. The written documents of the old covenant were still needed in order to instruct the Christians in the new covenant.
The human relationship with God changed because of Christ. The changes in the Old Testament covenant are due to the death of Christ. These changes resulted in a new covenant and are understood by the physical structure and priestly ministry in the tabernacle.
The new covenant was the spiritual reality of the old covenant. It had to be explained by the first century Christian leadership to the people. It was the explanation of the spiritual dynamics of that reality that became the foundation for the message in Hebrews. Until the Christian understands the changes made in the covenant, the Christian life is filled with emotions and feelings that drive the Christian like the wind-driven storm on the open seas. The direction changes often and quickly.
What were the changes in the old covenant? These changes can be identified in the New Testament writings and particularly in the message of Hebrews. It was the direction that Jesus attempted to point His disciples in as He tried to help them understand His life and ministry. It was the message that the Apostle Paul struggled with in trying to help the churches understand why they were different compared to those attending the synagogue services. One of the issues that Paul struggled with among his converts was that the new covenant brought all, Jew and Gentile, under one covenant. Jesus made this happen by being a Jew who would identify with the Jewish cultic practices and by becoming a High Priest identified after the order of a Gentile high priest.
These changes do not point to a change as in initiating a new standard or a different covenant. Rather they point to the replacement of the physical with spiritual, or the fulfillment of the physical with spiritual fulfillment in the life of the Christian by the indwelling of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in the heart of the Christian. It is a change from a physical application to a spiritual application. It is a change in focus from just the Jew to all humanity. It is the author of Hebrews who points out these changes and how the changes affect the Christian. The writer of Hebrews draws his information regarding these changes primarily from the writings of David in the Psalms (Psa 51:16-17).
The author of Hebrews points out that Jesus initiated the beginning of the last days (Heb 1:2). The believer living in the last days would be governed by the new covenant. He specifically stated that the physical tabernacle and its ministry were in effect until the time of change. He refers to this time of change as the beginning of the “reformation or the new order” (Heb 9:10).
At least nineteen changes in the covenant can be identified in Hebrews. They point to the restoration of the intimate divine/human relationship that was established in creation. These changes will be viewed in light of the theme of perfection, the four biblical concepts that constitute perfection, the spiritual ministry in the tabernacle, and the situation that the recipients of the letter are in. The nineteen changes are:
1. Change in the covenant from a literal physical tabernacle to now a spiritual tabernacle.7
The physical tabernacle of Moses was designated to be God’s sanctuary or dwelling place (Exo 25:8). The structure and ministry in the physical tabernacle went through a change with the ministry of David. The tabernacle of David was simply the ark placed in a tent with a priesthood of its own. The original tabernacle remained in Shiloah. When Solomon built the temple the ark was brought into the temple (2 Chr 5:7). The temple was built on the same pattern as the tabernacle of Moses, but in an expanded version (1 Chr 22:5; 28:11-12, 19-20).
The new covenant called for a change from a literal physical tabernacle to now a spiritual tabernacle that extends into heaven and includes the Christian: “the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary” (Heb 9:1-2); “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Heb 9:11); “Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb 9:24); and “having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near … ” (Heb 10:19-22).
Everything that applied to the physical tabernacle now applies to the Christian, who is God’s dwelling place upon the earth. The writer of Hebrews identifies the Christian (collective as the body of Christ) as the house of God (Heb 3:6; 10:21). The Apostle Paul used the temple to identify the Christian as God’s dwelling place upon the earth (1 Cor 3:16; 6:19; 2 Cor 6:16 ). The Apostle Peter referred to his physical body as his tabernacle (2 Pet 1:14).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. This change enable the Christian to perform in the spiritual tabernacle, which included the Christian having access to the Holy of Holies in the heavens (Heb 10:19; Eph 2:5-6).
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The new spiritual tabernacle took on the identity of the Christian in dialogue and fellowship with Christ the Lord God.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The change enabled the Christian to go directly to God to ask for an understanding of their situation and how to deal with it. The Christian would hear directly from the High Priest, Jesus Christ the Lord.
In counseling this change established a very important concept for counseling, which is the individual does not stand-alone. The concept of the Christian being God’s sanctuary or dwelling place upon the earth is understood by the conceptual imagery of the tabernacle, temple, and the house of God.
The Almighty Creator of the universe dwells in the individual in every day living. All problems must be viewed in the light of this divine/human intimacy. This is where the definition of a biblical Hebrew psychology begins, “A person in fellowship and dialogue with God about Himself, the individual, the relationship of the two, and the situation the individual is in.”
2. Change in the covenant in the mediator of the covenant from Moses to now Jesus Christ.8
The Old Testament presents Moses as the mediator of the old covenant (Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). However, in the Old Testament the covenant was not identified as “old.” It was identified as “old” by the New Testament writers who saw the “new.”
Under the new covenant the change in a mediator went from Moses to now Jesus Christ, “Jesus has become a guarantee of a better covenant” (Heb 7:22); “He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises (Heb 8:6); “He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death” (Heb 9:15); and “you have come … to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant” (Heb 12:24).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. Under the old covenant Moses was not able to help the believer in their performance in coming into the Presence of God. Now under the new covenant Jesus as High Priest is able to render the Christian aid in their performance. The change allowed Jesus to perform as the Mediator in the Presence of God for the Christian.
How did the change in mediator impact the tabernacle ministry? The mediator of the physical tabernacle, Moses, died, whereas, Jesus, the new and living Mediator is able to perform in the spiritual tabernacle at all times to assist the Christian. This was one the elements that the writer of Hebrews was pointing to in his statement, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8).
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? With Jesus being the new Mediator, He would be able to adjust the situation of the Christian.
In counseling, the concept of change in mediators becomes extremely important. It is critical to the counselee receiving spiritual help and guidance from God. In presenting the written word of God to the counselee as the means for solving his or her problem, the counselor simply shifts the solution to the problem to the shoulders of the counselee by directing them to live by the law. One aspect of this change in mediators is to shift the solution of the problem to the shoulders of Jesus Christ, who can resolve the problem. The counselee’s relationship with God is no longer through the law, but through the grace of the living God, who resides within the heart of the individual.
3. Change in the covenant from the high priest chosen from the tribe of Levi to now a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.9
Aaron’s family line was designated to be the priestly family (Exo 28:1, 4). The high priest was to be chosen from the family line of Aaron.
One of the changes in the covenant that would have been most disturbing to the Jews was a change from the high priest being chosen from the tribe of Levi to now a high priest chosen after the order of Melchizedek. Jesus was not of the tribe of Levi from whom the high priests were chosen, but rather from the tribe of Judah (Heb 7:14). And even beyond that, His High Priestly order was not understood by His association with the tribe of Judea, but with a Gentile high priest whom Abraham had paid tithes too (Heb 7:1-10). The writer of Hebrews states: “Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He (Father) who said to Him … you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 5:6); and “having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 5:9-10).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. This change allowed the Christian to develop a different understanding of how to perform in coming into the Presence of God.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The ministry in the spiritual tabernacle was longer restricted to family orientations. Everyone was responsible for the ministry within his or her own tabernacle.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The Christian did not stand alone in their situation. Jesus as the High Priest stood with them. The Christian has direct assess to Jesus the High Priest, therefore, they can always be in conversation with Him about their situation.
This aspect of Jesus as the High Priest serves two groups. The Jews can identify with Him because of their background in the cultic practices of the tabernacle. The Gentile can identify with Him because He is a High Priest after the order of a Gentile High Priest, Melchizedek.
In counseling a person with a Jewish background this would be a most difficult concept to present. It could be the turning point in a counselee’s acceptance of Christ. Given the line of reasoning that the writer of Hebrews uses, there would have to be an acceptance on the part of a Jewish counselee to accept that the incident between Abraham and Melchizedek takes precedence over Moses and the law based upon a preexisting event. For a person of a Gentile background the concept would be appealing due to the High Priestly role of Jesus now being identified with a Gentile.
4. Change in the covenant from a changing priesthood to now an unchangeable priesthood.10
Under the old covenant the priests died, thereby, allowing for a new generation of priests to take the place of the dead ones. If one views the role of the high priest in this context it becomes fairly easy to see how the High Priestly role of Jesus could be called unchanging. He lives forever to minister to His people.
The new covenant brought about a change from a changing priesthood to now an unchangeable priesthood: “many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing, but He (Christ), because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood” (Heb 23-24).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. Performance in perfection was the standard of operation from the first day of creation. Now that it was restored, it would never change.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The new spiritual tabernacle had two unchanging characteristics: (1) the priesthood of Christ would never change; and (2) the priesthood of the believer would never change.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? Because of the unchanging priesthood of Jesus, there would be no possibility of failure in the particular situation that Jesus placed the Christian in.
In counseling this concept of the unchanging priesthood of Jesus brings comfort to the soul searching for stability. The writer brings this concept into focus in, “they (the physical universe) will change, but You are the same and Your years will not fail” (Heb 1:12); and “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb 13:8). These words present a foundation for trusting the gospel accounts of Jesus and His Lordship over His creation. Many of the problems that we encounter are due to changes in circumstances and relationships. The message of Jesus brings hope for stability.
5. Change in the covenant of high priest from a human person to now the living resurrected Christ.11
The Old Testament high priests were simply men full of the weaknesses and failures of all men (Heb 5:2). There was a change from a high priest full of weaknesses to now the sinless, all powerful, eternal, and living resurrected Christ: “He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God … He is able to aid those who are tempted“ (Heb 2:17-18); “Holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus” (Heb 3:1); “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God” (Heb 4:14); “ … the presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb 6:19-20); “We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man” (Heb 8:1-2); “Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb 9:11-12); “Christ … has entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb 9:24); “We have a High Priest over the house of God [whose house we are Heb 3:6] (Heb 10:21); and “let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach” (Heb 13:13).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The living resurrected Christ is the core and essence of perfection. This perfection is unchanging.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The believer would no longer be limited to the physical location of the tabernacle. He carried the tabernacle with and within him. The High Priest of this living tabernacle would always be present to help in every situation.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? It is the living resurrected Christ who orchestrates the situation of the Christian for the performance of good works that will glorify the Father (Heb 13:21).
In counseling the concept behind this change is the heart of the good news of the gospel: Jesus was dead, but now He lives forever. Because He lives, He lives to help all who call upon Him. The counselee must be shown from the Scriptures that Jesus is alive and available to help in any and all situations.
6. Change in the covenant in the priesthood from the tribe of Levi to now all Christians.12
There was a change in the priesthood from the tribe of Levi to now all Christians: “the priesthood being changed” (Heb 7:12); “it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb 7:14). The letters of the Apostles Peter and John carry this same message, “you also are… a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet 2:5); “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood” (1 Pet 2:9); “He (Jesus) has made us a kingdom of priests to His God and Father” (Rev 1:6); and “Jesus has made us a kingdom of priests to our God” (Rev 5:10).
This is one of the changes that disrupted the life and culture of Israel. King David made some preparations for this move by appointing priests to minister before the ark. However, to view all believers, including the Gentiles, as priests would have been difficult for the Jewish people in the synagogues to accept. This change would be very disrupting to the Jewish society, but to the Gentile societies it is the greatest news in the world.
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The Old Testament saints could not be perfected because the blood of Christ had not been shed for the forgiveness of sins and for cleansing of the conscience. Now all are perfected. Christ is waiting for each one to realize and act upon that perfection.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The new spiritual tabernacle took on the identity of the Christian in dialogue and fellowship with Christ the Lord God.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? Each Christian becomes responsible and accountable for their response to their situation. This is the message of Hebrews 4:12-16.
In counseling the responsibility and accountability of the individual must be presented. One cannot fall back on the rabbi or priest or pastor or elder. It is the individual that God deals directly with.
7. Change in the covenant in who can approach the holy of holies from the High Priest to now the Christian.13
There are laws and regulations in the torah written by Moses at Mt. Sinai that identify who can enter the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest was allowed to look upon the ark. Even those responsible for setting it up and taking it down had specific instructions so that they did not look upon it. However, King David was instructed by the Lord to set up a priestly ministry before the ark. The New Testament church is established upon the revelation given to David.
A change was made in who can approach the holy of holies from the high priest to now the Christian: “every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God … no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Heb 5:1-4); “the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle … but into the second part the high priest went alone“(Heb 6:19); “let us come boldly to the throne of grace” (Heb 4:16); and “having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a renewed and living way … let us draw near” (Heb 10:19-22).
This change would be devastating to the biblical Jewish culture and their type of government. Did this mean that the Jewish culture was meant to change in the new age? To move from a privileged individual to the man off the street would be a giant step for a believing Jews.
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. God has equipped all believers to come into His Presence. There is no excuse for not coming into the Presence of God. The believer has been equipped and given immediate access to the throne of grace. The only mediator now is Jesus the Christ, the High Priest.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? No longer would God require the cultic practices of the ministry in the tabernacle. However, He would require the spiritual walk through the spiritual tabernacle. This change removed the responsibility from the High Priest to the individual for performing the spiritual ministry in the spiritual tabernacle.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? If the Christian would take advantage of this change, many changes could be made in the Christian’s situation. And what changes could not be made God would give an answer as to why.
In counseling a person with a Jewish background, this would be one of those impossible hurdles to get over. For a Gentile this would be part of the good news. For a Gentile to hear that they have direct access to God would not only be good news, but news so good, could it be trusted.
8. Change in the covenant in the sacrifice of an animal to now Jesus having been sacrificed.14
Under the old covenant it was an animal that was sacrificed. The sacrifice of a human being was an abomination unto the Lord. Under the new covenant the change would be from the sacrifice of an animal to now Jesus having been sacrificed: “He does not, like the priests, offer up sacrifice for his own sins and for the people, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself” (Heb 7:27); “every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer” (Heb 8:3); “Christ came as High Priest … with His own blood … who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God” (Heb 9:11-14); “once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself“ (Heb 9:26); and “this Man (Jesus Christ) after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb 10:12).
After the sacrifice of Jesus there would be another change in the object being sacrificed. After the sacrifice of the Lamb of God animal sacrifices were to be done away with. Yet, a new type of sacrifice was to be made. The Christian would be called upon to sacrifice his/herself daily in a spiritual and psychological sense (Heb 12:1-11; Rom 12:1).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The reality of perfection came into being with the sacrifice of Christ. Before the sacrifice of Christ no one was perfected. No one was equipped with the capabilities of performing in perfection.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The daily and annual sacrifices were no longer required. Spiritual sacrifices would now be required in the spiritual tabernacle.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The Christian was no longer exposed to the public view or critique. The only way the Christian could be identified would be by the attitudes and the spirit they display out in public.
In counseling, the thought of not having to literally sacrifice an animal is good news. But far greater good news is hearing that one’s sins have been judged and paid for. The great love of Jesus for His creation, which caused Him to make such a sacrifice, is beyond human comprehension. The child of God is now called upon to sacrifice the desires of Self and allow Jesus Christ to become the Lord of one’s life (Rom 8:13).
It is the good news that the church proclaims to the world. It is the good news that the counselee needs to hear. Jesus paid the price for the forgiveness of all sin. The problems that the Christian now faces can be resolved, because Jesus paid it all and is available to help His child in any situation.
9. Change in the covenant from the continual sacrificing of animals to now a once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ.15
There was a change from the continual sacrificing of animals to now a once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ: “to offer up sacrifices … this He did once-for-all when He offered up Himself” (Heb 7:27); “With His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb 9:12); “Once at the end of the ages He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself … Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many” (Heb 9:26); “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once-for-all” (Heb10:10); and “this Man (Jesus Christ) after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” (Heb 10:12).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The Christian was perfected once-and-for-all; therefore, the performance could always be perfect.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The tabernacle ministry before the public would never again be viewed. The focus was on a spiritual tabernacle. If the public did not see Christ-likeness in the members of the body of Christ, there would be no public witness of the living Christ.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The change allowed the Christian to mingle with the public unnoticed. The only thing to show would be a change in attitude in love, joy, and peace in the Christian.
In counseling this change would be the same as number eight. There are many things that the counselee must deal with and resolve, but one of them, the major one, is not contemplating some ritual and attempting to fulfill it in order to receive God’s forgiveness for their sins.
10. Change in the covenant in the method of forgiveness by sacrificing an animal to now the once for-all-sin-sacrifice of Jesus.16
There was a change in the method of forgiveness by sacrificing an animal to now the once-for-all-sin-sacrifice of Jesus: “According to the law almost all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness … He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb 9:22-26); and “the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect” (Heb 10:1).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. This change would manifest whether the Christian was truly relying upon the finished work of Christ.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? There was no longer a public display of sacrifice. However, the requirements for sacrifice remained to be performed spiritual in a spiritual tabernacle.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The Christian could now lose his or her identity in the crowd. The light of the gospel could be snuffed out and no one would know the difference. The change required that the Christian step forward in Christ-likeness revealing their true identity to the world.
In counseling this change is comparable to numbers eight and nine. This should be good news for the counselee who has a perplexing problem. However, the counselee’s focus is probably not on this kind of solution. It is up to the counselor to stay focused on the real solution and in gentleness and kindness presents this aspect of the new covenant in terms that the counselee can grasp.
11. Change in the covenant in the agent used for cleansing from sin by the blood of an animal to now the blood of Jesus Christ.17
There was a change in the agent used for cleansing from sin by the blood of an animal to now the blood of Jesus Christ: “Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once-for-all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Heb 9:12-14); “He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Heb 9:26); and “it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins … we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once-for-all” (Heb 10:4-9).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? This action is the key to the message in Hebrews. It is the application of the blood of Jesus Christ to the conscience that restores the perfection of the individual that was part of creation’s original intent.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? It did away with the earthly tabernacle ministry. To go back to the physical tabernacle was to deny the power of the blood of Christ. The recipients of the letter were cautioned not to forsake the blood covenant of Christ. If they did so, they would lose the benefits of the grace of God working in their life and situations. This call to not forsake the covenant of the shed blood of Christ was the focus of the message.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? Because of the shed blood of Christ the Christians were now able to come into the Presence of God to speak to Him directly about their situation and receive His help relating to their situation. God can change the situation if need be. It is the blood of Christ that allows God to hear the prayers of His people concerning their situations.
The reality of the spiritual and psychological dynamics behind this concept is life changing. The counselee carries a lot of guilt that needs to be lifted and removed. If the counselee is willing to acknowledge and accept Christ, the lifting of the burden of guilt will be life changing; for the blood of Christ is applied to the individual’s conscience by Christ Himself washing it free from dead works to serve the living God (Heb 9:14).
12. Change in the covenant in the object of cleansing from the priest and the tabernacle to now the conscience and heart of the Christian.18
There was a change in the object of cleansing from the priest and the tabernacle to now the heart of the Christian: “Moses sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. According to the law almost all things are cleansed with blood” (Heb 9:21-22). “How much more shall the blood of Christ … cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” (Heb 9:14); and “having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Heb 10:22).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. That performance cannot be a reality until Christ has been made Lord and Savior of one’s life. Once the conscience has been cleansed, perfection can go into action.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The old dispensation was over. The high priest and the priests would no longer be in sight of the people. This change would have to manifest itself in another form. That manifestation would be Christ-likeness in the believer’s life.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? It would allow the Christian to speak directly to God about their situation.
For the psychology of counseling this speaks tons. It is a clean person on the inside that we should desire. Most of Christianity has viewed the clean life by outward behavior. Jesus addressed this issue in the Sermon on the Mount when He stated that the religious leaders worked hard at changing others, and the end result was that the convert was steeped deeper in legalism than the leader (Mat 23:15). It is the internal work of Jesus in the heart that becomes the power of evangelical Christianity.
13. Change in the covenant in how repentance is expressed by the sacrifice of an animal to now a change in behavior.19
There was a change in how repentance was expressed by the sacrifice of an animal to now a change in behavior: “according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness (Heb 9:22); “let us go on from a repentance from dead works and faith toward God” (Heb 6:1); “if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God” (Heb 6:6); and “lest anyone fall short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble …” (Heb 12:17).
How did this change in the covenant impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. With a clean conscience the Christian would be able to carry on as a witness of the living resurrected Christ. This clean conscience would develop a different mind-set that would result in a different behavior pattern.
How did the change in the covenant impact the tabernacle ministry? There would no longer be a need for a physical tabernacle to meet God’s requirements for being accepted by Him (Heb 10:5-10). However, the tabernacle and its ministry, but not its practical applications, would be required for instruction in these matters. What would be required of God now would be the changed lifestyle of the believer. This is Paul message of “putting off and putting on” (Col 3:9-10; Eph 4:22-24).
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? Without having to produce an animal for sacrifice, the Christian was now out of the scrutiny of the public eye. However, it placed a great responsibility and accountability upon the Christian for being Christ-like in actions and thought.
Counseling is focused on changed behavior. The behavior indicates whether true repentance has taken place. When the act of repentance does not produce Christ-like behavior, the motives behind the repentance must be questioned. Most want to lip service repentance, but the identity of true repentance is a changed life. The change is the result of the spiritual work of Christ and the Holy Spirit within the true tabernacle.
14. Change in the covenant in the location of the law from inside the ark to now being located in the mind and heart of the Christian.20
There was a change in the location of the law from inside the ark to now being located in the mind and heart of the Christian: “the part of the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all … had the ark … which had the tablets of the covenant within it” (Heb 9:3-4); “this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord, I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts” (Heb 8:10); and “this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them” (Heb10:16).
The writer of Hebrews identifies this reality, “this hope we have as an anchor for the soul, sure and steadfast, which enters the Presence behind the veil” (Heb 6:19); and “having boldness to enter the holiest place by the blood of Jesus Christ, by a renewed and living way which He consecrated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near … ” (Heb 10:19-22). The heart of this reality is found in the biblical concept of being taught by God, “none of them shall teach his neighbor and his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them” (Heb 8:11)
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The meaning of perfection in Hebrews is the restructuring of the individual, so that the individual can operate in accordance with God’s ways and judgments. That restructuring allows for the individual to operate in the spiritual realm, which was not possible before the death of Jesus. In order for the individual to operate in the spiritual realm, the conscience had to be washed in the blood of Jesus in order to remove all guilt associated with sin. The conscience is the psychological evaluation system that the soul or inner person operates upon. This system operates upon the basis of information in making its evaluations. This change in the covenant would impact this perfection because the new information would be the law of God, which would be placed in the mind and heart of the Christian.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? In the old covenant the law was placed inside the ark. That written word was God’s revelation to humanity as to what God expected from humanity. That written word would continue to be used, but a new dimension was to be added to it under the new covenant. Under the new covenant the spiritual dynamic behind that written word would come into play. Now, the living word of God would be at work in the mind and heart of the individual. This living word would result in dialogue and fellowship with the living God.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? With the living word of God at work in the mind and heart of the individual, the individual was not alone in dealing with their situation. They were no longer free to analyze their situation in the context of their own reasoning. Jesus would have all the right answers to their situation. Jesus Himself would be the solution to their problems and situations. The Christian would be operating under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and receiving help from Jesus the High Priest in relationship to their situation. However, they would have to learn how to hear and distinguish the voice of Christ, and find the reason within themselves as to why they should obey that message.
This is a difficult reality to reach for in counseling. Did not the Jews before the days of the Pentecost have the law written in their minds and hearts? It would seem that the text is pointing to something beyond the written law that is put in our minds and hearts. It is a short step to see that the law written in the mind and heart is the presence of the living word of God that we identify as Jesus Christ.
15. Change in the covenant in the recipient of the voice of God to the high priest in the physical holy of holies to now the voice of Christ the High Priest in the Holy of Holies in heaven to the Christian on earth.21
The purpose of the ministry of the High Priest was to make atonement for the children of Israel. He did this annually. He stood before the ark to hear the voice of God. Yet, when we search the Scriptures we find no message from a high priest that was given to him while standing before the ark. The only servant who stood before the ark and received the living word of God that is recorded was Moses the prophet. Later in Israel’s history it was the prophet who heard from God and delivered His message. It was the prophet King David who received God’s revelation at Mt. Zion. It was God’s prophet Messiah Jesus at Mt. Zion, who received the voice of His Father.
There is change in the covenant in the recipient of the voice of God, from the high priest in the physical holy of holies to now the voice of Christ the High Priest in the Holy of Holies in heaven to the Christian on earth: “the voice of words … that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore“ (Heb 12:19). This voice is explained by the tabernacle, “there I will meet with you, and speak with you from above the mercy seat … about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel” (Exo 25:22; Lev 16:2). The Christian in the message is strongly encouraged to listen to the voice of Christ: “Today, if you hear His voice” (Heb 3:7); “Today, if you hear His voice” (Heb 3:14); “Today, if you hear His voice” (Heb 4:7); and “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks” (Heb 12:25).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is the restructuring of the individual for an acceptable performance in spiritual matters. The earthly high priest would no longer be needed to hear from God. Part of the restructuring was the establishment of a spiritual communication system, whereby the Christian would hear directly from God. This is the message in Hebrews.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The earthly tabernacle was to become inoperative as a religious system for coming into the Presence of God. The Christian now became a part of the new spiritual tabernacle system.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? With direct access to Jesus Christ the Christian had immediate answers and help for dealing with their situation(s).
This great promise and hope is a counseling tool, “Today, if you hear His voice … do not refuse Him” (Heb 3:7; 12:25). Until the living voice of Christ is heard in the heart of the counselee, then the written word of God will suffice. The counselee must be brought to an acceptance and commitment to the written word of God. The next step beyond that is to learn to discern the Presence of the Lord in our lives.
16. Change in the covenant in how prayers were offered by incense to now the voice of the Christian.22
There was a change in how prayers were offered by incense on the golden altar of incense to now the voice of the Christian: “He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens” (Heb 7:25); and “pray for us” (Heb13:18). The Apostle John reveals the symbolism of the prayers in the incense “… golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8).
It would seem that offering incense and lighting candles are strong reminders to pray. However, to substitute these for the voice of the Christian is disheartening to God, who is listening for a voice and seeking for a face behind that voice (SS 2:14; 8:13).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The performance of the Christian was now on the front line of action. By the time the incense was offered up it could only represent past events. The Christian needed an instantaneous communication system for handling frontline action. This equipping the Christian with an instantaneous communication system by God was part of the state of perfection. Now a much more enhanced performance in perfection was obtained.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The new spiritual tabernacle replaced the earthly tabernacle and its ministries. This would affect the production of incense and created economical problems.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The change enabled the Christian to go directly to God at a moments notice. It would also impact the church in the coming ages by denying the need for indulgences and confession before the priest.
The counselee must be taught the art of prayer. It is simple. The Lord’s Prayer is basic to the prayer life of the Christian. The Christian’s daily life is full of needs and desires so that the Christian is never without a topic for talking to the Lord.
Most Christians use a prayer list, so as not to forget. However, the Christian must learn to move beyond the list to a present interaction of fellowship and dialogue with God in the heart.
17. Change in the covenant in the tone of the voice of God from a stern warning about getting to close to a holy God to now a warm invitation to come into the holy place.23
There was a change in the tone of the voice of God from a stern warning about getting to close to a holy God to now a warm invitation to come into the holy place: “you have not come to the mountain … they could not endure … so terrifying” (Heb 12:18-21; “you have come to Mt. Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem … to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant” (Heb 12:22-24); “let us come boldly to the throne of grace” (Heb 4:16); “He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens” (Heb 7:25); and “having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near” (Heb 10:19).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? The theme of perfection as presented by the writer of Hebrews does away with a key element of the Jewish religious system that is carried over into Christianity. The Jewish culture and much of Christendom operate on the basis of fear. This is seen in the Jewish culture where the name of the Lord is not pronounced. It was held to be too sacred for common use. In Christendom many groups use the figure head of the group to instill a fear toward authority that prevents the Christian from expressing their true feelings. The perfection in Hebrews undermines that authoritative fear that is use as a controlling factor.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? Mt. Zion presented a different kind of spiritual worship as compared to worship spirit at Mt. Sinai. The music that David brought into the worship before the ark became the pattern for worship in the New Testament.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The Christian could face his or her situation with a song in their heart, rather than the message that all is doom and gloom.
Counseling must be conducted by the counselor in a state of trust and confidence in the Lord. There can be no holding back. Many times the written word has strong rebuke and judgment in it. The voice of Christ to the counselor’s heart must be obey, even when that message is hard and difficult to deliver. The counselor expects this from the counselee.
18. Change in the covenant in the human response to keeping the law to now a faith/trust in the living voice of the living resurrected Christ.24
There was a change in the human response to keeping the law to now a faith/trust in the living voice of the living resurrected Christ: “there is an annulling of the former commandments because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect” (Heb 7:18-19); “for the law … can never with these same sacrifices … make those who approach perfect … with no consciousness of sins” (Heb10:1-2); “sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (Heb 10:8); “the gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it” (Heb 4:2); “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Heb10:22); “the just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him” (Heb 10:38); and “Without faith it is impossible to please Him … He must believe that He is … and a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb 11:6).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Faith/trust is one of the pivotal psychological points in a person’s inner being, the soul. One facet of the soul is that it is an informational processing being. This process has a structured psychological path that it follows. The various aspects in this psychological assembly line handling information are described by the various nuances of the Greek concept of faith. God had declared that the Christian has to live by this process. It is the only way by which He will work with the individual. This process is part of the state of perfection.
That which this change in the covenant impacted in perfection was that when one responded to the law, there was no counter response from the law. The law does not have life in it (Heb 7:16). However, the living resurrected Christ is life and can respond to the individual. The problem encountered in this response of Christ to the Christian is whether the Christian wants to honor and obey what Christ speaks to the Christian.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? This change brought about a change of the object of faith and trust. In the earthly tabernacle ministry the expression of faith was shown in performing the various rituals. Under this change in the covenant the object of faith/trust would be in the unseen.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? There is a great difference in a love affairs carried on by written letters, and the love affair carried on sitting together on the couch.
In counseling and preaching this seems to be a most difficult concept to get across to the people. The subject of faith, which has not always been presented with biblical understanding, must have as its object either the written word of God or the voice of the living resurrected Jesus. Usually the response to the teaching of hearing the voice of Christ is, Do you hear an audible voice? At times, we do. We need training in hearing and discerning the voice of Christ.
19. Change in the covenant from a law of fleshly commandments to the power of an endless life.25
The change from a law of fleshly commandments to the power of an endless life becomes the testimony of Christ Jesus living in the heart of the Christian (Heb 7:16). It is this present power that enable the Christian to overcome. This was the revelation given to the Apostle Paul, “if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law” (Gal 3:21).
How did this change impact the theme of perfection? Perfection is performance in perfection. The power of an endless life presence in the person of the living resurrected Christ became the motivation of the Christian to enter into an active life of fellowship and dialogue with Christ. This interaction on the part of Christ and the Christian was meant to be the end result of the state of perfection.
How did the change impact the tabernacle ministry? The ministry in the earthly tabernacle was lifeless, until one stood before the ark to hear the voice of the living God. However, this experience was limited to the High Priest and that was only once a year. For the rest of Israel the tabernacle was an object to be revered and serviced. Now the spiritual tabernacle brought forth true spiritual realities of self-control, self-image, Christ-like attitudes, and the ultimate motivation of hearing the voice of Christ within the heart.
How did the change impact the situation of the Christian? The change enable the Christian to get in touch with Jesus, who had orchestrated the situation of the Christian and was present to help with Christian within that situation in order that through good works the heavenly Father would be glorified.
For the counselee who comes with a problem to be solved or resolved, what is the best answer? A law that the counselee has to accept and live up too? Or, the power of an endless life of love, joy, peace, and patience, which power lifts the counselee above the problem? The power of that endless life is the presence and person of Jesus Christ. Tap in first and instruct later. Both methods of communication are needed; one supplements the other.
Conclusion
These changes in the covenant bring about a change in how the Christian community moves into a spiritual way of worshipping the Lord and coming into His presence. The changes for the Jewish community would be devastating to their order of worship in the synagogue and the temple. On a far grander scale, if these changes were adhered to, they could possibly do away with the Jewish culture that has developed around the cultic practices over the centuries. However, it would not need to be so, for some of the leaders of the church continued with the temple/tabernacle services. The Apostle Paul continued celebrating the feasts days.
David and Jeremiah prophesied these changes. David demonstrated some of the coming changes by setting up the tabernacle of David that had only the ark in it (2 Sam 6:17; 1 Chr 15:1-3; 16:1-43). He established a musical priestly ministry before the ark (1 Chr 6:31-32; 13:3; 15:16-17, 28; 16:1-43) that had not been part of the priestly ministry in the tabernacle of Moses. Jeremiah prophesied that in the new covenant the law would be placed in the mind and heart of the Christian (Jer 31:31). The author of Hebrews quoted from these men’s writings to show that the changes did in fact take place in Christ Jesus.
These changes from the literal physical meaning to a spiritual application did not change the truth of the reality behind the old covenant. The changes only indicated that the cultic practices had become obsolete, when the reality they pointed to came into being in the person of Jesus Christ and the Christian and the interrelatedness of the two (Heb 8:13). The old covenant and the tabernacle ministry are still needed today as models to educate the Christian community in these realities.
These changes indicate that counseling must move from a text-oriented position to an awareness of and a walk in the spiritual reality of the union of the Christian with God. The printed text is the first step, but it must not end there. It has to move into the reality of the presence of Christ.
What is the source for the author of Hebrews to develop his message of change in the covenant? When we view his quotes from the Old Testament we find that over half of them are taken from the writings of David. It was to the prophet David that God revealed the coming changes. It so affected the mind of David that he instituted the cultic worship at Mt. Zion with just a part of the tabernacle service in Shiloah. He did not destroy or nullify the tabernacle service. He physically separated the tabernacle and added to its ministry. In physically separating the tabernacle, he initiated four changes: (1) he installed a new high priest (Heb 2:17); (2) he installed a new priesthood (Heb 7:12); (3) he initiated a new type of priestly ministry (1 Chr 16:4-6; 37-38; 16:39-40; 21:29-30); and (4) he initiated a musical ministry to play and sing before the ark continuously (2 Sam 6:5, 21; 1 Chr 6:17, 31-32; 13:8; 15:16, 22, 27-29; 16:5; 26:6; 2 Chr 5:13; 7:6; 34:12).
The tabernacle of Moses remained at Mt. Shiloah, but had no ark in it. The ark had been removed by King Saul for military purposes and was in storage at the home of Abinadab. His son, Eleazar, was appointed to oversee it (1 Sam 7:1). It was not returned to Mt. Shiloah. When King David desired to take the ark out of storage, he did not take it back to Mt. Shiloah and place it in the tabernacle. Instead, he built a tent for it at Mt. Zion and placed the ark there (2 Sam 6:17).
This new location required David to initiate some changes. He had no priesthood to minister before the ark. He had no high priest to minister before the ark. He had no outer or inner court for the altar of burnt sacrifice, laver, lamp stand, table of shewbread, and the golden altar of incense. From the text of Hebrews 9:4 a question could be raised about whether he established the golden altar of incense before the ark. The golden altar of incense was placed in the inner court, but it was vital to the ministry in the holy of holies before the ark.
It is the ministry before the ark that sets the pattern for New Testament worship. David established a musical ministry before the ark that sang praises of thanksgiving daily before the Lord. David and others of his day became songwriters, whose songs became the Book of Psalms.
One of the ways in which the tabernacle of David stood apart from the tabernacle of Moses was the spirit or demeanor of the worship service performed at each tabernacle. The spirit of service at the tabernacle of Moses was stern and harsh. The spirit of service at the tabernacle of David was filled with music, singing, and joy.
It is important that the Christian understand the changes in the old covenant. What do the changes say to us? How do the changes impact us? The changes gave the Christian direct access to Jesus Christ, who dwells in the heart of the Christian. He is waiting there to hear from His child.
The changes in the old covenant resulted in God establishing a structured state of perfection. The structured state of perfection allows the Christian to spiritually walk through the spiritual ministry in a spiritual tabernacle.
In searching through these changes in the covenant it is possible to develop an understanding of the spiritual and psychological dynamics of the Christian. For example the change from the appointed high priest in Israel to the ever-present living resurrected Jesus Christ. Since Christ lives within the Christian it is now possible give to the Christian supernatural guidance in career orientations, family designing and building, etc. Whatever a person’s situation is there is an immediate counselor, teacher, guide, comforter, sustainer, and savior.
The Apostle Paul states, “that God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ … and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly place in Christ Jesus … ” (Eph 2:4-6). The Apostle John states, “Blessed are those who have washed their robes white, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city (the new Jerusalem) (Rev 21:2; 22:14). The writer of the Song of Songs reveals how intently the Lord is waiting to hear from His child: “show Me your face, let Me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely”(SS 2:14); and “you who dwell in the gardens, your friends listen for your voice, let Me hear it” (SS 8:13). As the Christian longs to hear the voice of Christ, so Christ longs to hear the voice of His child (SS 8:13). In Hebrews Christ calls us to, “come to the throne of grace” (Heb 10:19); and declares, “you have come to Mt. Zion, the city of the living God … ” (Heb 12:22).
These changes in the covenant brought about a change in how the Christian comes into the presence of God. As the new covenant was explained by the old covenant, so the new approach unto God is explained by the old approach. Under the old covenant the approach unto God was through the tabernacle and its ministry. Under the new covenant, the tabernacle and its ministry reveal the spiritual applications of the tabernacle and its ministry to the Christian. By giving the tabernacle and its ministry a proper spiritual application it becomes a major tool for counseling and developing a biblical based psychology. That is why I have chosen to call it Tabernacle Counseling.
1 Roland Kenneth Harrison; Introduction to the Old Testament; Prince Press Edition; Peabody, Mass.: First printing 1999; pp. 417-442.
2 S. Terrien; The Elusive Presence; San Francisco: Harper and Row; 1978; p 3.
3 Ibid: p 4.
4 Ibid: p 5.
7 Paul moves from a literal physical temple to the spiritual temple being the Christian (1 Corinthians 3:15; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16).
8 Paul uses the term covenant 9 x; mediator 3 x; and Moses 10 x.
9 Paul makes no reference to Levi or Melchizedek.
10 Paul uses the word iepoupgeo translated as priestly and referring to the priestly ministry in the tabernacle (Romans 15:16). Other than the one reference he does not refer to the priest or the priesthood. So what are the concepts that he uses in addressing the ministry of the believer; apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and ministers.
11 In the events surrounding Paul’s conversion he went with orders from the high priest in Jerusalem to the High Priest Jesus Christ of God’s kingdom.
12 Paul addressed the issue of there being no distinction between Jew and Gentile.
13 Paul does not address the issue of the spiritual applications of the tabernacle or temple. However, he does address the issue of Christ dwelling in the Christian and the Christian in Christ. And to address those issues he is making a spiritual application of the tabernacle/temple to the Christian.
14 Paul states that Jesus gave Himself as an offering and a sacrifice in His death (Ephesians 5:2). He addresses the Christian making sacrifices (Romans 12:1 and Philippians 2:17; 4:18).
15 Paul does not use the phrase “once-for-all,” but it is implied in Ephesians 5:2.
16 Paul moves from the sacrifice of an animal to Jesus as the sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2).
17 Paul states in four of his letters that it is the blood of Jesus Christ that forgives sins, brings all Christians together, and reconciles all things unto Himself. (Romans 3:25; 5:9; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:25, 27; Ephesians 1:7; 2:13; Colossians 1:14, 20).
18 Paul does not use tabernacle imagery. However, in his imagery of the temple he devotes several passages to keeping the temple clean: 1 Cor 3:10-17; 6:8-20; 2 Cor 6:14-7:1; 2 The 2:3-4.
19 Paul does not move entirely away from cultic services for we read of him going to the temple in Jerusalem to participate in the Pentecost feast (Act 18:18; 20:6, 16; 21:26-28). However, Paul moves from the cultic service as a means of expressing repentance and moves to a change in behavior. This change in behavior is strong emphasis in Galatians 5:16-25; Colossians 3:1-17; and Romans 8:1-13. His terminology for describing this repentance is “putting off and putting on.” This dichotomy of behavior is presented in all the writings of the New Testament and is probably based on the dichotomy of behavior as found in Proverbs. The Society of Christian Psychology is holding a conference in September 2010 to discuss the biblical dichotomy of behavior.
20 Paul worked his way through the struggle to understand that the law of God is written in the heart (Romans 2:15).
21 Paul began his Christian life in the trauma of meeting Jesus. He did not see Jesus. He heard a voice who identified himself as Jesus. No longer was the voice of Christ just for the priviledged few such as the High Priest and the prophet. Taught by the triune Godhead.
22 Prayer for Paul was no longer a ritual. His prayer life went to a public display to an internal living relationship with Christ. Since that relationship was living and vivable, his prayer life was in constant motion.
23 Paul reveals this fear toward God based upon ignorance. The kind loving Jesus came to him on the Road to Damascus and he fell down in fear and trembling (Acts 9:6).
24 This change is basic to Paul’s understanding of the Christian life. The people whom Paul wrote to struggled with these two concepts. How could the law of God be set aside? How could one come into the presence of God simply by faith/trust in the living resurrected Christ. This struggle in part is due to not developing the ontological structure of being and personality. In the modern western world the concept of faith is wrapped up in emotion and feelings. In biblical Hebrew psychology faith is wrapped up in how a created being is designed to operate.
25 Paul had to rethink his Jewish theology when he met Jesus on the Road to Damascus. He thought that his connection with God came through the law. Yet, the law was not involved in him meeting Jesus. This remains the basic problem in Judaism and Christianity making contact with God without the aid of the law or some kind of ritual service. Even under the old covenant a Gentile could enter into the presence of God, but that was not seen by the Jewish culture. Paul refers to that in Romans 2:14-15.