The foregoing represents the “
First Step” which is symbolized by passing beneath the “
Entrance Curtain” into the Tabernacle courtyard. The entrance curtain or “
gate” as it is likewise referred represents Christ Jesus our Lord. This was the only entrance, the only gateway in which to enter the Courtyard; the
type thus testifying to the
antitype that there is but one way of access to God—one “
gate” Jesus. “
I am the way and the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” (
John 14:6)
Did you ever think why God has made known to us our justification now, but keeps it hidden from the great mass of the race until the millennial age, though the ransom price is eventually to release all mankind from sin and its penalty, and bring them to the same condition of acceptance –sinlessness--perfection which we now enjoy by faith? It is because God has a plan which He is working out according to the counsel of His own will, and a part of that plan is that He will select from among mankind a number who will eventually be transferred from the earthly conditions and human nature to spiritual conditions and the "
divine nature"--to be "
heirs of God, joint heirs with Jesus Christ our Lord."
God's object in the development of this "
little flock" is two-fold: first, He will make them everlasting monuments of His goodness, to be known and read of angels and men. As Paul expresses it (
Eph. 2:7), God's plan in the development of the Gospel church of over-comers, is, "
That in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace, in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." The second part of God's plan, in which we are directly associated, is, that He purposes to use us during the next--millennial--age as
kings (
rulers) and
priests (
teachers, instructors), when we shall reign with Christ a thousand years. (
Rev. 5:10, 20:6). Thus shall the "
seed," of which Jesus is the head, bless all the families of the earth. (
Gal. 3:29).
No sinners are called to have part in this "
high calling, which is of God in Christ Jesus." True, Jesus called "
sinners to repentance"--so does the word of God and all his children seek to bring men to repentance and faith in Christ and consequent justification. But only the justified ones are called to be "
kings and priests unto God, and to reign on the earth." It is worse than useless to present the grand prize (
the “heavenly calling”) for which we run to the attention of sinners--the unjustified. For the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God, neither can he know them, for they are spiritually discerned--they are foolishness unto him. Therefore, "
cast not your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you."
This being true, that none are called to the high calling except the justified ones, the fact that you know of your justification may be the proof to you that you are one of those whom God has "
called" to spiritual life and joint-heirship with Jesus.
What a blessed privilege to be called with such a high calling. Now do you realize that you are called to be a member of the Bride of Christ? Then remember who called you-- God; and that "
Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (
1 Thess. 5:24). Our Father mocks none with a call which they cannot attain to. His grace is sufficient for us.
Nevertheless it is important to understand that simply being called does not the new creature make, you still have something to do in this matter, after having first “
counted the cost” and accepting the terms you must enter into
covenant relationship with the Father (
Psa 50:5) i.e. follow through with
a full consecration of yourself, presenting
your body (the justified human nature)
a living sacrifice. (
Rom 12:1)
This is the “
Second Step”, which few take, mostly because they had no idea there was a second step in the first place. Having been misled by the blind guides of Christendom they have been assured of their heavenly reward simply upon a confession of faith, alas the majority of these poor souls will awaken in
the earthly phase of the kingdom, having missed their opportunity to experience a change of natures and the heavenly reward, this simply because they placed too much confidence in their ministers, rather than in the Word of the Lord.
This is the “
gate”
of which our Lord spoke that few there be that find,
the Straight gate which leads to life (life inherent, immortality),
by means of the narrow way of death by sacrifice (
Matt 7:14) “So
narrow (is this "
gate") that it admits only the Lord’s plan, the Lord’s way and only to those willing to conform to it.”
The “
Second Step” is likewise symbolized in
the Tabernacle picture; here it is represented by passing beneath the “
First Vail” depicting the surrender or death of ones will for that of the Lord’s and entering into the “
Holy” condition wherein the individual receives special light provided by means of the “
Golden Lampstand” representing the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. This light shines upon the “
Table of Showbread” in which special food, spiritual food is provided for the growth and encouragement of the new creature. The “
Holy” of the Tabernacle could be said to be a testing or schooling ground for the new creature.
Once again I must continue with another post due to character limits, sorry.