5. What is the main message of the sanctuary system?

Worship and sacrifice are inseparable in the sanctuary narrative, illustrating for us the message of salvation through Christ. The animal sacrifices of the Old Testament sanctuary services pointed forward to Jesus’ death on the cross of Calvary, a sacrificial substitution through which the Lord provided a means of redemption for every repentant sinner. As our High Priest, Jesus intercedes on our behalf, purifying the believer by His blood and righteousness. Just as the Israelites met with God at the sanctuary, so the heavenly temple is also a center of worship, from where God interacts with His people on Earth. Heaven’s sanctuary is the place from which God grants us forgiveness today, teaching us how to live for Him and rescuing us from our distress.JTL4 3.7