We conclude our study of Romans with this lesson. We shall retrace our steps and journey once more through this marvellous epistle. We have noticed in our studies the similarity of the teaching of Romans and that of the Tabernacle in the wilderness as recorded in the book of Exodus. In both we have the story of God’s salvation. Beginning with the separation caused by sin we travel the blood-stained way until we reach the goal —the glory of God. The wilderness in which the tabernacle was pitched represents the world in which we find ourselves.
1. The Wilderness
Our condition in the outside place is described in Romans one to three—guilty and undone, outside the holy place. We look towards the house of God—the tabernacle. What do we see? Just a vast expanse of white linen; a wall of spotless white that surrounds God’s holy habitation. What a contrast it is to our sinful hearts and lives. It tells us one thing and that is that if we are to live with God we must meet His requirements. What does He demand? Perfect righteousness. We measure ourselves by what He requires and discover that we all come short. If it is a question of our merit we must forever be shut out from the presence of God and the joy and blessings of His home.
2. The Court
Inside the wall of linen was an enclosure called the court. In it were the brazen altar, the brazen laver and the house of God. It signified salvation. There was a gate that opened into it, a beautiful gate of linen—blue and purple and scarlet. Christ said when on earth “I am the door” and the gate points to Christ. If God demands righteousness, He provides it in Christ and every believer possesses it. In Romans 3:22 we enter this gate, it is “the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.”
Once inside the enclosure, the first object seen is the brazen altar. Here we see the blood of the sacrifice and the fire that consumes it. It speaks of the Cross of Calvary where God settled the sin question. There He meets our need according to His own holy requirements and there we receive a welcome to all the gladness of God’s house for He accepts us in all the value of the sacrifice. The brazen laver speaks of that continual cleansing that we need if we are to enjoy fellowship with God through washing with water by the Word of God.
3. The House
If we were in the outside place in ch. 1-3 and we enter the gate in ch. 3:21 and find ourselves inside in ch. 4 we are brought near in chap. 5-8. We enter the house provided for the justified ones—the house beautiful— and pass from blessing to blessing until we reach the Holiest of all in the close of the 8th chapter. Thus we have travelled from Guilt to Glory and find ourselves in the loving embrace of the arms of God.
The table and the candlestick, the golden altar and the ark and their teachings are known to most of our readers. May God enable us by His grace to enjoy sweet and happy fellowship with himself.
In chaps. 9 and 10 we have what corresponds to Israel’s High Priest within the veil of heaven, hidden from their view, but soon to appear in glory as we learned in ch. 11. In the light of that glory we serve now and praise God that unto Him shall be the glory among all nations and throughout all ages, yea for ever and ever. Amen.
Questions On Review
1. What was the first object seen as one approached the tabernacle?
2. Describe the similarity between the teaching of Romans and that of the Tabernacle.
3. How is it possible for God to welcome a guilty sinner into His holy presence?