7.) Cleansing from Root Problems through the Sanctuary
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The mystery of the sin problem has dogged the steps of every son and daughter of Adam since sin began in the Garden of Eden. In order to understand this more clearly, we must go back to the inception of sin which began in heaven in the heart of Lucifer.
"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: 'You were the model of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God.... You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.... Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth; I made a spectacle of you before kings. *By your many sins and dishonest trade you have desecrated your sanctuaries." Eze. 28:12-18.
*"Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic." Vs. 18 - KJV.
Traffic: trade (as peddled): -- merchandise, traffic. Strong's Conc.
Sanctuaries: a consecrated thing or place, especially a palace, sanctuary or asylum: -- chapel, hallowed part, holy place, sanctuary. Ibid.
It is significant that sin began in heaven in the very presence of God when the highest created being desecrated his inner sanctuary, or soul, through pride and rebellion! Then he began to spread his heresies by sharing with others around him the venom of his evil, distorted imagination. As a result, one-third of the angels of heaven fell from their exalted state around the throne, and eventually the disease of sin spread to our first parents in the beautiful new world that God had created for His honor and glory.
What is so appealing about sin that would cause literally millions of created beings to succumb to its power? I suggest that it is because of pride and rebellion against the control of a higher power and the necessity of obedience to His Law in order to retain our relationship with Him and the purity and sanctity of our inner soul, or "sanctuary."
God always creates beings after His own image and likeness. [Gen. 1:27.] Thus, the inner nature of man was a replica of the inner nature of God. This gave man complete access to the heart of God, and as long as man preserved his integrity, God would have full access to communicate with him at all times. The same is true of the angels in heaven, and especially the highest angel, Lucifer.
"Lucifer was first of the covering cherubs." PP 35.
"God made him good and beautiful, as near as possible like Himself." 4BC 1163.
"He held a high office in heaven, possessing a throne radiant with light." 7BC 973.
His "…mastermind, next to Christ's, was first among the hosts of God." PP 36.
"And coveting the glory with which the infinite Father had invested in His Son, the prince of angels aspired to power that was the prerogative of Christ alone." PP 35.
"Satan fell from his high position through self-exaltation.... He fell for the same reason that thousands are falling today, because of an ambition to be first, and unwillingness to be under restraint." 7BC 969.
When Lucifer was created, the Law of God was in his heart and the attributes of God were in his character. No one lured him into sin; no one tempted him to rebel against his Creator. Sin came from his own heart as he allowed himself to covet the position of Christ. This is how he "desecrated his sanctuaries," -- the most holy place of his mind, where the Law of God was placed at his creation. Thus, he broke his communion with God, set up his own kingdom, and made his own rules for how he and his followers would be governed.
How could this happen in a perfect world and a perfect environment, where before had only been light and peace and joy and willing obedience to the laws of God which were inherent, and placed within each individual at their creation? The only answer is selfishness and introspection, -- consulting with one's own thoughts and feelings without looking to God for His perspective on everything we experience, think, or feel. How can this process of self-centeredness be reversed? God's way back to perfection and holiness is expressed in the scriptures, which are written in sanctuary language. As David has written in Psalms 77:13 - KJV:
"Thy way, O God, is in the Sanctuary."
Once we understand the principles of the Sanctuary, we will be able to discern the pathway back to holiness and agreement with God's mind on every issue of our lives.
As we have noted before, "Holiness is agreement with God" [5T 743], and the goal of the Sanctuary is to bring us back into agreement with God. In our fallen nature, we consult our own feelings about the challenges in our lives and act accordingly. Our thoughts are bent toward self-protection and self-preservation, and we react to our life experiences in the way that we feel is best for us. This natural human reaction to suffering and abuse can distort our perception of life and cause us to go in unsanctified pathways of thinking and reacting.
If there is neglect or abuse of any kind in our homes during childhood, we grow into adulthood using the coping mechanisms which we have learned from these childhood experiences. Abuse causes fear, anger, resentment, bitterness, or any number ways of coping. Thus, many people grow up crippled and emotionally damaged, which they bring into their adult lives.
"The reason there are so many hardhearted men and women in our world is that true affection has been regarded as weakness and has been discouraged and repressed. The better part of the nature of persons of this class was perverted and dwarfed in childhood, and unless rays of divine light can melt away their coldness and hard-hearted selfishness, the happiness of such is buried forever. If we would have tender hearts, such as Jesus had when He was upon the earth, and sanctified sympathy, such as the angels have for sinful mortals, we must cultivate the sympathies of childhood, which are simplicity itself." ML 173.
Not only do our childhood experiences have something to do with our adult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but also, we are a product of the hereditary tendencies to evil that are passed on down to us. This principle is mentioned in the second commandment of the Decalogue.
"I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments." Ex. 20:5, 6.
"It is inevitable that children should suffer from the consequences of parental wrong-doing, but they are not punished for the parents' guilt, except as they participate in their sins. It is usually the case, however, that children walk in the steps of their parents. By inheritance and example, the sons become partakers of the father's sin. Wrong tendencies, perverted appetites, and debased morals, as well as physical disease and degeneracy, are transmitted as a legacy from father to son, to the third and fourth generation. This fearful truth should have a solemn power to restrain men from following a course of sin." PP 306.
"How many there are who reveal selfishness and unkindness in their dealings with one another. How many professing Christians seem never to be satisfied unless they are engaged in strife. How many home circles are broken because the members receive and act upon Satan's suggestions.
"No unpleasant words are spoken in heaven. There no unkind thoughts are cherished. There envy, evil surmising, hatred, and strife find no place. Perfect harmony pervades the heavenly courts.
"Well does Satan know what heaven is, and what the influence of the angels is. His work is to bring into every family the cruel elements of self-will, harshness, selfishness. Thus, he seeks to destroy the happiness of the family. He knows that the spirit governing in the home will be brought into the church." UL 163.
People who have grown up in homes where abuse is present, often have a more difficult time controlling their own thoughts, words, and behaviors. Thus, their characters -- "thoughts and feelings combined" -- [5T 310] -- are passed on to the next generation.
Prenatal influences also have much to do with the formation of our characters:
"Even before the birth of the child, the preparation should begin that will enable it to fight successfully the battle against evil. Especially does responsibility rest upon the mother. She, by whose lifeblood the child is nourished and its physical frame built up, imparts to it also mental and spiritual influences that tend to the shaping of mind and character....
"The effect of prenatal influences is by many parents looked upon as a matter of little moment; but heaven does not so regard it.... The well building being of the child will be affected by the habits of the mother.... If before the birth of her child she is self-indulgent, if she is selfish, impatient, and exacting, these traits will be reflected in the disposition of the child. Thus, many children have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil.
"But if the mother unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she is temperate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may give her child these same precious traits of character." MH 371-73.
In addition to the influence of the parents upon the children, is the fact that Satan has access to children because they are born into a world that he claims as his own.
"Children who have not experienced the cleansing power of Jesus are the lawful prey of the enemy, and evil angels have easy access to them. Some parents are careless and suffer their children to grow up with but little restraint. Parents have a great work to do in the matter of correcting and training their children and bringing them to God and claiming His blessing upon them. By the faithful and untiring efforts of the parents, and the blessing and grace bestowed upon the children in response to the prayers of the parents, the power of the evil angels may be broken, and a sanctifying influence shed upon the children. Thus, the powers of darkness will be driven back." CT 118.
Are we then doomed to carry the cross forever which was caused by the negative influences we experienced in our childhood? No, we can have complete healing and restoration as we walk with Jesus through the Sanctuary experience of cleansing. As an example, I will use the situation of parental abuse:
#1- Praise - Connecting our heart and mind with God's heart and mind:
I thank you, heavenly Father that although I suffered abuse in my childhood, I know that you have always loved me and been there for me, even though I did not realize it when I was a child. You are my Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. Without you I would not have life. My parents gave me birth, but you give me life. And as you have said through David in Psalms 27:10-14:
"Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me [take me up - KJV]. Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
I do wait for you, my Lord and Savior, to take me up and teach me your way of everlasting life that is found in your Sanctuary.
#2 - The Altar of Sacrifice - Confession of sin:
I ask you, heavenly Father, to forgive me for the anger that I have felt and harbored in my heart toward my parents all these years. I know it has made me a bitter person at times, and I have, no doubt, passed it on to my own children, as well. Thank you, dear Jesus, that you have taken my sin and bore it on the cross of Calvary, and died in my place, so that I may live to receive your salvation, your mercy, and your forgiveness. How I long to be like you, Jesus! Please help me to let go of all bitterness and anger and receive instead the imparted and imputed beautiful, perfect character that you have to give me in exchange for my sin.
#3 - The Laver - Washing my mind with the word of God:
Now I see the enormity of my sin of anger and rebellion, and I long to be free from my sin, and cleansed from my iniquity. There is no excuse for me to take up the sins of my parents, and I want a heart that is cleansed and ready to be used by you to be a blessing to everyone around me. Only you can do this, for it is a miracle, but I want your Word to be planted in my heart by your Holy Spirit. Wash me and I will be clean and prepare me to receive the fullness of your Spirit.
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.... Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you." Ps. 51:6, 10, 13.
#4 - The Seven-branched Candlestick - Receiving the infilling of the Holy Spirit:
Lord, I now ask you to fill my mind with holy thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and motives. Give me your wisdom for everything that I encounter in my life, and fill me with your love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Please cleanse me of anything that would prevent me from receiving all the gifts and aspects of the Holy Spirit. I also ask you to reveal to me your purpose and plan for my life and guide me into all truth as I walk with you so that I can not only enjoy your presence in my life, but be a blessing to everyone around me.
#5 - The table of showbread - Getting to know Jesus and assimilate His character into my life:
Lord, as I read your word and study the stories of how you handled all the abuse and rejection and suffering and sorrow of your life here on earth, I am deeply grateful for your love for me in doing this to show me the way to be like you. I want to be gentle, patient, and wise in handling people, and long-suffering, even if I am treated unfairly by others. Please help me not to lash out or hold a grudge against anyone; but to know you and hear your voice speaking to me under all circumstances is my highest desire, so that I can reflect your character to others wherever I go.
#6 - The golden altar of incense - Intercession for self and others:
Dear Father, now that you have cleansed me of all my negative thoughts and feelings about myself and others, and filled me with your Spirit, I now ask for the blessings that you have promised to give to your faithful children. Jesus, please stand by me and help me to intercede for others as you did when you were upon this earth and send me your Holy Spirit to inspire me and bring my words before the throne of grace spotless with your perfect righteousness. May you answer all my requests in the best way possible that is within your perfect will. Inspire me to pray for what you want me to pray. And give me the assurance and faith to believe that whatever I ask in your name and through the unction of your Spirit, I will receive.
#7 - The Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place - Jesus finishes the work of grace by blotting out the sins of His people who have repented, confessed, and overcome all their sins through a moment by moment connection with Him in His work in the Most Holy Place. Then He pours out His Holy Spirit in the latter rain and seals His people for eternity.
Dear heavenly Father, I praise you that you have given your Son the right to finish your work of grace in my heart and take away even the memory of my sins and blot them out of the books of heaven. I want the only voice I hear in my mind to be yours, and I thank you that I need never again to listen to the voice of the evil one and his accusations or feel any response in my heart to his temptations. Thank you, Jesus, for your death on the cross of Calvary, and your shed blood which is sufficient to cleanse me of all my sins. My only desire is to live wholly for you and glorify your name both now and for eternity. Oh, let me feel your presence walking beside me moment by moment and enable me to represent and exemplify your character to all who come within the sphere of my influence. May you be honored and glorified by what you have done in my life by taking this sinner and transforming me into a part of your cleansed bride so that I can live forever with you in heaven, praising you before your throne and magnifying what you have done for me, and for all the saved by your work of grace.
Supporting texts:
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.... Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.... Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity... Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.... The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." Ps. 51: 1, 2, 5, 9, 17.
"'Come now, let us reason together,' says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.' For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." Isa. 1:18-20.
"I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence." Isa. 43:25, 26.
"Lord, you establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. O Lord, our God, other lords have ruled over us, but your name alone do we honor. They are now dead, they live no more; those departed spirits do not rise. You punished them and brought them to ruin; you wiped out all memory of them." Isa. 26:12-14.
The goal of God's salvation is to completely eradicate every vestige of what Satan has done to spread his rebellion, first in heaven, and then to this earth to make mankind like himself. For this reason, Jesus came to rescue us from our fallen condition, and to restore us completely back to our original creation, and to holiness of character and unbroken communion with Himself. The Sanctuary is the way that God has provided to heal us of every trace of sin, and to bring us back to perfection and holiness through communion with Jesus on every issue in our lives.
In order for this to take place, we must realize and accept that God's goal for us is perfection of character. Many Christians have become discouraged with their efforts to reach perfection because they attempt to do this in their own strength, or a combination of human effort with divine grace. While it is true that human effort is essential, that effort must be to reach the state of unbroken communion with Jesus that Enoch had, and we must never be satisfied with anything less than this.
"We can have what Enoch had. We can have Christ as our constant companion. Enoch walked with God, and when assailed by the tempter, he could talk to God about it. He had no 'it is written' as we have, but he had a knowledge of his heavenly Companion. He made God his Counselor and was closely bound up with Jesus. And Enoch was honored in this course. He was translated to heaven without seeing death. And those who will be translated at the close of time will be those who commune with God on earth. Those who make manifest that their life is hid with Christ in God will ever be representing Him in all their life practices. Selfishness will be cut out by the roots." 1BC 1087.
"Refer every thought and action to Him, inquiring: 'Is this the way of the Lord?' If [we] did [we] would walk with God as did Enoch." 6T 393.
"How did Enoch walk with God? He educated his mind and heart to ever feel the presence of God, and when in perplexity his prayers would ascend to God to keep him, to teach him His will. 'What shall I do to honor thee, my God?' was his prayer." ST 12/29/1887.
"The heavenly intelligences will work with the human agent who seeks with determined faith that perfection of character which will reach out to perfection in action. To everyone engaged in this work Christ says, I am at your right hand to help you." COL 332.
Are you struggling with temptations and weaknesses of character that come from your environment, your past life or your heredity? You can be free if you cooperate with the provisions God has made through a relationship with Jesus in His Sanctuary. Let nothing deter you from hastening into His presence and receiving the help you need to come into complete harmony and agreement with Him!
"Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." Jude 24, 25 - KJV.
Article by Carol Zarska, MAR, author
