A Better Tabernacle - Guy Orbison - 2017 Lectureship
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the 2017 Lectureship class titled “A Better Tabernacle,” Guy Orbison examined Hebrews chapter 9, emphasizing the contrast between the earthly tabernacle and the heavenly sanctuary accomplished by Christ. He began by defining the term tabernacle as a temporary tent, noting its original purpose as God’s dwelling place (Exodus 25:8) and its significance in Jewish worship. Orbison highlighted three guiding questions: the nature and purpose of the tabernacle, why the New Testament author references the tabernacle instead of the temple, and the centrality of the tabernacle in Israel’s religious life. Orbison then traced the structure of the tabernacle—outer sanctuary and holy of holies—explaining their symbolic roles and the priestly rituals, particularly the annual high‑priest entry (Leviticus 16:13). He pointed to Hebrews 9:1‑4, 24 to show that the earthly sanctuary was a copy of a heavenly reality, and that Christ entered not a man‑made holy place but heaven itself. By linking John 1:14 and the transfiguration narrative (Matthew 17), he illustrated how Jesus temporarily “tabernacled” among humanity, fulfilling the deeper covenant. The class concluded with practical study advice, urging participants to ask probing questions of the text and recognize the tabernacle’s enduring spiritual significance.
Key Scriptures
Now the first covenant had regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstands and the table and the sacred bread. This is called the holy place. Behind the second veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the holy of holies. Having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold. In which was a golden jar holding the manna. And Aaron's rod which budded. And the tables of the covenant. And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. But of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things have been so prepared, the priests are continually entering the outer tabernacle, performing the divine worship. But into the second only the high priest enters once a year, not without taking blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the holy place has not yet been disclosed while the outer tabernacle is still standing, which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly, both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience, since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until a time of reformation.