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Sanctuary - Advanced

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Contents

Complete the 8th Grade Encounter Curriculum Unit 8.4 "Sanctuary" or equivalent academic program regarding the sanctuary, or complete the following.

1. Earn the Sanctuary honor.

For tips and instruction see Sanctuary.

2. Discuss the following:

a. How does the sanctuary help us understand God's reaction to the "sin problem" that has been present from Genesis 3 through the Exodus (and is present until the End of Sin after the millennium)?

b. How do the different parts of the sanctuary service on earth illustrate the role of Christ as our Savior? Consult Hebrews 4:14-16 and Hebrews 9:1-10:22 as part of your discovery.

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
— Hebrews 4:14-16 (NKJV)

Read Hebrews 9:1 - 10:22 by following the link here.

3. Do the following:

a. Read the instructions for the Daily Sacrifice and the Day of Atonement found in Exodus 29:38-42, Numbers 28:3-8, Leviticus 16, Romans 12:1-2. Define "sacrifices" and "atonement." Since the sanctuary was a symbol of Christ's ministry, what can be learned from these services that have meaning for us today? Evaluate through discussion or journaling how you think these symbols illustrate God's ongoing love and care for YOU.

“Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight. With the one lamb shall be one-tenth of an ephah of flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering. And the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; and you shall offer with it the grain offering and the drink offering, as in the morning, for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you.
— Exodus 29:38-42 (NKJV)

“And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to the Lord: two male lambs in their first year without blemish, day by day, as a regular burnt offering. The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, the other lamb you shall offer in the evening, and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil. It is a regular burnt offering which was ordained at Mount Sinai for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. And its drink offering shall be one-fourth of a hin for each lamb; in a holy place you shall pour out the drink to the Lord as an offering. The other lamb you shall offer in the evening; as the morning grain offering and its drink offering, you shall offer it as an offering made by fire, a [a]sweet aroma to the Lord.
— Numbers 28:3-8 (NKJV)

Read Leviticus 16 by following the link here.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
— Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)

b. Read Daniel 8:14 and the SDA Bible Commentary on the passage. What is the role of the sanctuary in this passage? How does Daniel see the sanctuary having a role in his 2300 day/year prophecy? How might the "cleansing" mentioned here be like the cleansing on the Day of Atonement?

And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.”
— Daniel 8:14 (NKJV)

Further depth for this prophecy can be found in the Prophets & Prophecy - Advanced honor. The purpose of this requirement is for a simple introduction of the ongoing role of the sanctuary into modern times.

4. Journal then discuss the following questions:

a. What environment makes God's presence most real to you?

b. If you could design a special place where you could feel close to God, what would it be like?

c. What would be the focal point? How would you furnish this place?

d. How might you come into God's presence when you can't go to a place of worship?

e. How do you think "sanctuaries" of today can meaningfully provide special places to feel God's presence?

5. Determine the key messages of the sanctuary. Then, do one of the following individually or in pairs:

a. Create a Bible study with more than five texts that shows how the sanctuary foreshadows Christ's ministry for sinners, demonstrates a solution for the sin problem, and is the overarching answer to Christ's role throughout history. Present the study.

b. Create a board or card "trivia" game that requires knowledge recall and critical thinking about topics presented in this honor. Demonstrate the game.

c. Create a presentation for younger children's group, Sabbath School class, or group worship about one or more portions of the information about the sanctuary you have learned while earning the Sanctuary honors. Center your presentation around one key point (ex. God's forgiveness). Include at least one Bible text and one illustration in your presentation (no more than 5 minutes in length).

6. In your discovery and study of the sanctuary, a lot of bloodshed has been covered and mentioned. Why did God require so much sacrifice and bloodshed?

7. Do one of the following reflectively at the conclusion of your honor study:

a. Choose, listen to, and evaluate three songs that illustrate the themes present in the doctrine/teachings of the sanctuary. Share your playlist and evaluation with others.

b. Create a poem, song, whiteboard animation, or equivalent that demonstrates your understanding of the key theme(s) from the sanctuary that you feel are of most value to young people today.

c. Participate in a planned and formally organized "Sanctuary Prayer Walk." After completing the prayer walk, journal about your experience.

d. Write a prayer or series of shorter prayers that you imagine having with God as you envision walking to each of the pieces of furniture in the sanctuary. Focus each portion of the prayer on things in your life or experiences related to the significance of that piece of furniture.

e. Plan a service (vespers or equivalent) on the topic of God's mercy. Include a hands-on application of the forgiveness Christ offers as a part of the service.

References

AY Honors/Sanctuary - Advanced/Answer Key