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True Education
teach the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Savior for
obedience unto life.
Through Christ was to be fulfilled the purpose of which the taber-
nacle was a symbol—that glorious building, its walls of glistening
gold reflecting in rainbow hues the curtains inwrought with cheru-
bim, the fragrance of ever-burning incense pervading all, the priests
robed in spotless white, and in the deep mystery of the inner place,
above the mercy seat, between the figures of the bowed, worshiping
angels, the glory of the Holiest. In all, God desired His people to
read His purpose for the human soul. It was the same purpose long
afterward set forth by the apostle Paul, speaking by the Holy Spirit:
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit
dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy
that person. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.”
1
Corinthians 3:16, 17
, NRSV.
A Stupendous Task
Great was the privilege and honor granted Israel in the prepa-
ration of the sanctuary; and great also was the responsibility. A
structure of surpassing splendor, demanding for its construction the
most costly material and the highest artistic skill, was to be erected
in the wilderness by a people just escaped from slavery. It seemed
a stupendous task. But He who had given the plan of the building
stood pledged to cooperate with the builders.
“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘See, I have called by name
Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I
have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding,
and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. ... And I,
indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach,
of the tribe of Dan; and have put wisdom in the hearts of all the
gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you.’”
Exodus 31:1-6
.
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What a school was that in the wilderness, offering training in
industries and having for its instructors Christ and His angels!
All the people were to cooperate in the preparation and furnish-
ing of the sanctuary. There was work for brain and hand. A great
variety of material was required, and all were invited to contribute.