'While
none would deny the typical nature of the sacrifices and the work of the
priests under the Levitical law, there are few, comparatively who ever trace
the subject to its logical conclusion. By this we would not have any understand
that we favor that system of speculation which holds it necessary to find a
spiritual meaning in every loop and fold, every pin and tenon of the
tabernacle. Such a system of interpretation subverts the truth by leading into
a field of conjecture which is always unprofitable, and has a tendency to turn
away the mind from the things which are plainly revealed.
What we do
mean is this: There are few who endeavor to learn all that the type teaches of
the antitype as presented in the words of the Scriptures.
The New
Testament gives some very clear explanations of the types; but these are often
overlooked, especially by those who disregard the plain declarations of the
word, and are only satisfied when the words of the Scriptures are
“spiritualized.” And this spiritualizing process becomes a pleasing one,
because it gives license to the imagination, and each investigator feels at
liberty to put that construction upon the sacred text which best suits him. But
what a sad use is this to make of Heaven’s message to fallen man!
In a
careful study of the book of Revelation we have found that a knowledge of
certain other portions of the Bible is indispensable to an understanding of
many of its symbols. These are, the law
of Moses, the prophecy of Daniel,
and Paul’s letter to the Hebrews.
Or we may say, which amounts to the same thing in fact, that a solution of the
types in the law of Moses is found in the study of the prophecy of Daniel, the
letter to the Hebrews, and the book of Revelation.
It has
been noticed that, although the work of the priests was “continual,” or daily,
in the holy place, which may properly be considered an intercessory work, the
atonement was the work of an appointed day, occupying but a short period of the
yearly service.
- 139 - J.
H. Waggoner
And when
this work was completed,—when the sanctuary was “cleansed and hallowed from the
uncleanness of the children of Israel,” Lev.16:19, then the people stood
acquitted; then the high priest put their sins upon the head of the scape-goat,
and they were borne far away from the camp; then the high priest could
pronounce the heavenly benediction upon the waiting people of God, who had
“afflicted their souls” before the sanctuary.
As Kitto
says: “On this day the high priest gave his blessing to the whole nation.” The
work of this day was not for a few individuals; it was for the nation,—for the
whole people of Israel. This was a type of the “day of Judgment” for God’s
people.
We have
been informed by learned Jews that they looked upon it in this light; they
considered it their day of Judgment.
The
Talmudists say: “Penitence itself makes atonement for slight transgressions;
and in the case of grosser sins it obtains a respite until the coming of the
day of atonement, which completes the reconciliation.” As that day was
appointed, announced, and well known to all the people, so is provision made in
the antitype that God’s people may understand their true relation to the great
day of atonement.
In Rev.
14:6, 7 is presented one of the most interesting and important proclamations
found in the sacred word. It reads as follows:— “And I saw another angel fly in
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,
saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him, for THE HOUR OF HIS
JUDGMENT IS COME; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
the fountains of waters.”
(To be
continued)
(Excerpt
from-) THE ATONEMENT PART SECOND:
THE
ATONEMENT AS REVEALED IN THE BIBLE
(1884)
BY ELDER J. H. WAGGONER
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