The Highest call to the priesthood was that of the High Priest, who would, once a year, , enter the Holy of Holies with the blood, and with great awe stand before the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark of the Covenant was the only piece of furniture in the Holy of Holies. The Ark of the Covenant was not a type, symbol, or picture; it was God himself. Until Jesus, the Ark was God manifest to Israel. The Ark was the place of deep, intimate communion and fellowship with God. One man alone with God in His power, presence and glory.
The Tables of Stone, Pot of Manna, and Aaron’s Rod that were all in the Ark are seen in Christ who is our holiness/righteousness, the Word of God, and the Anointed One; through Him, we touch the very power, presence, and glory of God.
Exodus 25:18,22
“And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat…And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat."
“Come into the Holy of Holies, enter by the blood of the Lamb,
come into His presence with singing, worship at the throne of God…
lifting holy hands to the King of Kings. Worship Jesus. Worship Jesus.”
John Sellers
We have learned that because of a New Testament priestly ministry, the Old Testament system of sacrifice is no longer active. Our sacrifice of praise is confessing, exalting, calling to remembrance the greatness of the One who offered the Final Sacrifice, Jesus Christ. We also find that we are to offer “ourselves” as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. A sacrifice costs something. What are these seven spiritual sacrifices?
SEVEN SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES - I Peter 2:5, II Samuel 24:24, Psalm 54:6
- Thanksgiving - Psalm 107:22, Ephesians 5:20, Psalm 116:17,
I Thessalonians 5:18
- Praise - Jeremiah 33:11, Hebrews 13:15
- Joy - Psalm 27:6, Isaiah 61:3
- Repentance - Psalm 51:17, Hebrews 4:6, Psalm 40:6 (look up “contrite”)
- Righteousness - Psalm 51:19, Romans 8:4, Psalm 4:5
- Good Works - Hebrews 13:16
- Obedience - Romans 12:1
