The Tabernacle: God Dwelling Among His People
The tabernacle symbolized God’s presence among His people. “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8, NASB). Every article — from the altar to the mercy seat — foreshadowed Christ’s redemptive work. Yet, the tabernacle was temporary, a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 9). “The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands.” (Acts 7:48, NASB). Jesus later revealed that worship would move from a place to a presence: “The hour is coming when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, NASB).
The Spirit and Water: New Covenant Signs
The Old Covenant had physical signs — circumcision, sacrifices, altars. The New Covenant bears spiritual signs — faith, repentance, and baptism by water and Spirit. “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5, NASB). Water baptism symbolizes death to sin and new life in Christ, while Spirit baptism empowers the believer to live as God’s temple. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” (1 Corinthians 12:13, NASB).
