The Forgotten Plan
TimeWatch Editorial
March 29, 2017
The Sanctuary System is by no means an accidental or transitional tool. It is in fact the story of salvation. There are so many today whose responsibility it is to deliver an understanding of this story, who, because of their subverted intelligence prefer to wallow in the pointlessness of their error. The path of righteousness is consistent in every regard. Those who first received the Word of God and his instruction will ultimately be gathered together with those who were the last to receive the truth at the end of time. For truth is both consistent and absolute, and is based upon unchanging principles. Listen to how Stephen Haskell introduces his book entitled “The Cross and its Shadow.”
“In the government of God, law is the basis upon which everything is made to rest. Law is the foundation of God's throne, the stability of His government and character, and the expression of His love and wisdom. Disobedience of this law caused the fall of Satan and his host. Disobedience to God's commands by Adam and Eve opened the flood gates of woe upon the world, and plunged the whole human family into impenetrable darkness. But divine love had conceived a plan whereby man might be redeemed. This plan was revealed in the promise, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise His heel." Stephen Haskell, “The Cross and its Shadow “Page 8
The path to restoration has always been the same and will remain so until the return of our Lord. The idea that God has changed his mind and now we no longer need embrace the instruction once delivered to the saints is of the father of lies. The plan of salvation is one, prepared before the fall of man and requires the same response in every generation.
“Since the divine law is as sacred as God Himself, only one equal with God could make atonement for its transgression. Hence, the seed of the woman could refer to none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. In this promise to our first parents a gleam of hope penetrated the gloom that enveloped the minds of the sinful pair, and when a system of sacrifices was made known to them that demanded the life of an innocent victim, they could see more clearly the import of the promise,-that it involved the death of God's dear Son to atone for their sin and meet the claims of the broken law.” Stephen Haskell, “The Cross and its Shadow “Page 9
We often begin the process of salvation at the cross, but the plan to redeem reaches back to the fall of mankind. The sacrifice of the first lamb that Adam presented was representative of the ultimate death of Christ upon the cross.
“Through this system of sacrifices, the shadow of the Cross reached back to the beginning, and became a star of hope, illuminating the dark and terrible future, and relieving it of its utter desolation. It was the reflection from the Cross that reached back to the antediluvian age, and kept alive the hope of the faithful few in those years of weary waiting. It was the faith in the Cross that sustained Noah and his family during that terrible experience when God was punishing the world for its transgression of His holy law. It was knowledge of the Cross and its significance that caused Abraham to forsake his country, his kindred, and his father's house, and sojourn with his sons in a land of strangers.” Stephen Haskell, “The Cross and its Shadow “Page 9
It is clear then, that Stephen Haskell is making the point that the shadow of the cross is the Sanctuary Service. Careful examination of the detail that is found in the Sanctuary Service reveals the exquisite detail of every element in the plan of forgiveness, and transformation.
“The simple system of sacrifices instituted by the Lord in the beginning to symbolize, or prefigure, Christ, was almost totally lost sight of during the bondage of the children of Israel in Egypt. Upon their return to Canaan, Moses, by divine direction, gave them a more elaborate system, designated in the Scriptures as the "sanctuary and its services." This earthly sanctuary, with every minutia of its construction, equipment, and service, was to be built and operated in harmony with the pattern of the heavenly shown to him in Mount Sinai. Every form, ceremony, and detail of this service had significance, and was designed to give the worshiper a more complete understanding of the great remedial system.” Stephen Haskell, “The Cross and its Shadow “Page 9
Satan understands that the Sanctuary and its Services proclaim the plan of Salvation. He understands the unity of truth that exists therein. This is why he has sought to negate its significance, persuading those who stand in the desk that meaningless noise and vain repetition truly represents worship. Quiet reflection and study of the Word, however, transforms the mind, allowing the third person of the Godhead, The Holy Spirit, to reproduce the Character of Christ in the life. Careful study and application of this plan of heaven will bring joy and peace to the troubled heart.
“In the sanctuary, the Cross of Christ is the great center of the whole scheme of human redemption. Around it clusters every truth of the Bible. From it radiates light from the beginning to the end of both dispensations. Nor does it stop here. It penetrates the great beyond, and gives the child of faith a glimpse of the glories of the future eternal state. Yea, more than this is accomplished by the Cross. The love of God is manifest to the universe. The prince of this world is cast out. The accusations which Satan has brought against God are refuted, and the reproach which he has cast upon heaven is forever removed. The justice and immutability of God's law are sustained, and angels, as well as men, are drawn to the Redeemer. The Cross of Christ becomes the science and song of the universe.” Stephen Haskell, “The Cross and its Shadow “Page 10
We will continue to take a further look at the Sanctuary in our next Editorial.
Cameron A. Bowen
