Ellen Chat Conversation

The relationship between the earthly and heavenly sanctuaries is described as one of a copy to its original. The earthly structure, built by Moses, was constructed according to a specific pattern shown to him by God, serving as a "figure" or "shadow" of the reality in heaven (GC 414.1). While the earthly sanctuary was a physical representation designed for a specific time, the heavenly sanctuary is the "true tabernacle" which was pitched by God rather than human hands (PK 684.4). The earthly sanctuary and its two apartments were specifically designated as "patterns of things in the heavens" (SR 376).

This indicates a structural and functional correspondence between the two. For instance, the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary contains the "seven lamps of fire" and the "golden altar," which were represented on earth by the golden candlestick and the altar of incense (CIHS 54). Similarly, the ark in the earthly sanctuary was modeled after the "true ark in heaven," though the heavenly version is attended by living angels rather than golden figures (TA 100.3). While the earthly sanctuary was a magnificent structure reflecting divine wisdom and artistic skill, it served primarily as a teaching tool to reveal the plan of redemption (GC 414.1).

The entire ritual and the two holy places were intended to lead the mind toward a "better service" in the heavenly courts where Christ ministers as our High Priest (PK 684.4). Thus, the earthly was a "figure for the time then present," pointing to the greater and more perfect reality of the sanctuary in heaven (CCh 347).

You might also want to explore:What did Ellen White teach about the significance of the ark of the testament in heaven?How does the ministration of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary affect the believer today?What did she write regarding the transition from the earthly sacrificial system to the heavenly mediation?

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