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The Most Holy Place: A Metaphor for Our Minds

The Most Holy Place: A Metaphor for Our Minds

The Old Testament sanctuary is an object lesson that represents and teaches many truths. The sanctuary itself represents the person of Jesus, His spirit temple that was crucified and which He raised up three days later (John 2:19). It also teaches the plan of salvation, the sacrifice of Jesus and the corporate restoration of humans back into unity with God and the heavenly host.

The sanctuary also reveals lessons about our individual spirit temples, the restoration of God’s image within us, and the healing of our minds. Let’s take a closer look at this idea.

The ultimate goal of salvation is the restoration of sinners to unity with God. This “at-one-ment” is when God removes all the defects of sin from our hearts and minds, healing us to be at one with Him so that we may be reunited with Him and the heavenly angels. This is represented symbolically by the Most Holy Place—where God’s presence (Shekinah) dwells above the ark of the covenant, the angels (representing the heavenly host) appear on the lid of the ark, the lid of solid gold (representing Jesus) covers the box, and the porous wooden box (representing the hearts/minds of saved sinners) filled with pure gold (the righteousness of Christ).

The gold lid, which represents Jesus, is the link that unites or connects all the other elements: the box touches the lid, the angels touch the lid, and the Shekinah rests upon the lid. This unity of all things, which was achieved by Jesus, is the mystery of salvation:

“And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillmentto bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ” (Ephesians 1:9, 10 NIV84).

Jesus is the connecting link. He is the unifier, the One through whom God unites His universe. The apostle Paul wrote that the mystery of bringing sinners back into unity with the rest of heaven (at-one-ment) would happen when the time for it to happen was reached. We are now living in that time, the time of the fulfillment of this mystery is the time right before the second coming of Jesus. But what is this mystery?

“The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:26, 27 NIV84).

The mystery of atonement—of bringing all things into unity under one head, Jesus—is the end-time work of God that reproduces Christ in you and me. This is atonement. This is what is taught in the Most Holy Place. Unification with God is what is to happen in our hearts and minds.

The Shekinah Glory

We are to be living temples in which God dwells by His Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16). When God dwells in us, we become beacons of heavenly light, the light of God’s character, His love; God’s truth is to shine out from us to others. The Shekinah (presence) of God is to burn within us, and when it does, it not only gives us life, but it also sparks insight, inspiration, wisdom, godly creativity, hope, joy, and the burning fires of heavenly love! This light of God’s living presence is to radiate from us and lighten the world around us as it directs all our actions. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NIV84).

The Shekinah of God’s glory represents His character. This fire of God, the power of God, the glory of God, given to radiate His character, shines above the hilesterion, the golden lid that represents Jesus and His perfect character of love. If we want God to live within us, to shine out from us, to inspire us, to burn away the impurities of our unconverted life, then we must surrender our hearts to Jesus, accepting Him as our Savior and choosing His principles and methods. We must receive from Him a new heart and right spirit and, with those new desires, choose to follow where He leads. We must choose to leave behind what Jesus says, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit, is no good for us. We must choose to embrace and practice what Jesus teaches is for our health and wellness. We must choose to do that which we know Jesus would have us do. And when we choose to follow as He directs, then we receive divine power to succeed. It is in this humble, trust-centered relationship with Jesus that we develop a Christlike character.

The Three Keys to Victorious Living

The Most Holy Place object lesson teaches us the keys, the steps, to experience this victorious life in Christ, how we can have His character reproduced within us. Our hearts, our characters, which have been damaged by sin, corrupted by fear and selfishness, are symbolized by the wood with holes throughout. The holes represent our many defects of character. We, like the box, need to have all the defects filled with the pure gold of a Christlike character. And this happens for everyone who brings into their life what that box contained.

Three elements were placed into that box to teach us the sequence for the healing of our hearts and the restoration of God’s perfection within us.

The first element to be placed in the box was manna, the bread sent from heaven. Jesus said:

“I am the bread of life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever” (John 6:48–58 NIV84).

When we eat bread, it is broken down into molecules that become the building blocks of our bodies. Jesus is the Word made flesh, the living Word of truth (John 1:14). To “eat the flesh” of Jesus means that we internalize into our minds and hearts the truth that Jesus reveals. God’s truth, revealed perfectly by Jesus, becomes the building blocks of our ideas, concepts, beliefs, and worldviews. With the lies of Satan dispelled, our perspectives change and the truth about God wins us back to trust in Him. In trust we open our heart to Him, and we then receive His love, His presence, His life. (This is also symbolized by “drinking the blood,” for the life is in the blood; see Leviticus 17:11). We are transformed to be like Him, to live out His methods, principles, and design laws.

The second element placed into the box was the Ten Commandments, which represent the law of love. In the new covenant, God writes His law upon our hearts and minds (Hebrews 8:10), which is what is symbolized by the placement of the unbroken commandments into the ark. Remember that Moses was given two sets of the Ten Commandments; the first set he broke when he came down the mountain and found the people worshiping a golden calf. It was the unbroken second set that was placed in the ark.

This distinction is important because some versions of Christianity teach that the lid, which represents Jesus, “covers” the “broken law” that we sinners have violated. If that were indeed the intended lesson, God would have had Moses put the broken tablets into the ark. But He didn’t; instead, He had Moses put the unbroken law into the ark. Why? Because the object lesson doesn’t teach paying penalties for a broken law or the covering over of lawbreaking. No! It teaches the reality of God restoring His living law, the law of love, the law upon which life is built to operate, into the hearts and minds of His people.

God’s law is not a list of rules like humans make up; it is the living law of love that life itself is built to operate upon. It is only by restoring His law of love into us that we are saved. Jesus came and lived God’s law perfectly, and when we partake of the Word, have the lies dispelled and are won back to trust, we open our hearts and receive via the Spirit the mind of Christ, the love of Christ, the motives of Christ—He writes His living law of love into us, and we live to love God and others more than self.

And this new life of love is represented by the third element that went into the ark. After the manna (partaking of the Word), after the law (having had God’s living law written into us), then we become like Aaron’s rod, which budded—illustrating that we who were dead in trespass and sin (Ephesians 2:1) are made alive and bring forth the peaceable fruits of righteousness! (Philippians 1:11). When we partake of the Word, when the law of life is written within us, then our lives begin to truly thrive and the beautiful fruits of godly character are manifest—the cruel become kind, the impulsive develop patience, the selfish love others, the deceitful become honest, and the fearful live courageously.

Our lives are to be the fulfillment of this mystery of the Most Holy Place. Our hearts and minds are to be the place where God dwells via His Spirit. Having internalized the living Word, having had the living law of love written upon our hearts, having the character of Jesus reproduced within us, having the angels of God attending, protecting, and ministering to us, we will become radiant lights of God—as His Shekinah glory inspires, enlightens, empowers, ennobles, and shines forth from us into this dark and desolate world.

I encourage you to share in “the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27 NIV84).

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Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

Testimony 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 6

I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 44

We were given a gift of the DVD set, “God and Your Brain,” and we just finished watching it. The truths in this are so powerful and truly an answer to a prayer. We’re seeing hope where once we thought God wasn’t answering our prayers to be free of certain mindsets. He answered with these DVDs and we are hungry for more. Thank you!

Daniel T., Easley, SC, USA

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.