In the field of mathematics, I especially enjoy solid geometry. There is just something fascinating about all the various shapes. For a moment, I’d like you to consider the cube.
A cube is a 6-sided object with all measurements equal. Think of a box with the length, width, and height all being the same. A child’s building blocks would be a good example.
There are only 2 perfect cubes found in the Bible. One is introduced in the Old Testament and the other near the end of the New Testament. A look at the 2 makes for a thrilling study.
In the book of 1 Kings, we have the account of Solomon building the temple. After years of wandering and worshipping in the temporary structure known as the tabernacle, it was time for a more permanent structure to be built in the city of Jerusalem. David’s son, Solomon, was charged with the task that took seven years to complete.
Solomon built the temple according to the specifications given by the LORD. In 1 Kings 6:20, the inner sanctuary’s measurements are given as 20 cubits long, 20 cubits wide, and 20 cubits high. It was a perfect cube!
This inner sanctuary was a very special place. Hebrews 9 tells us it was separated from the first part of the temple by a veil. The inner sanctuary was called the Holiest of All or the Most Holy Place. It contained specified items. The only man allowed in this place was the high priest, as he went into this part alone once a year to offer sacrifices.
The only other perfect cube is found in Revelation 21:16-17, with the description of the Heavenly City. The city is laid out with the following measurements: 12,000 furlongs of equal length, breadth, and height.
Is there a connection between the two cubes? Absolutely! The symbolism between the 2 perfect cubes is clear from a further reading of Hebrews 9. According to verse 9, it was all symbolic and beginning in verse 11, the comparison is made between the earthly and the heavenly sanctuary. Under the Old Law, the high priest went into the earthly sanctuary to make sacrifices for the people. Jesus, after His death on the cross, went back to the heavenly sanctuary having provided the ultimate sacrifice giving us a means for our forgiveness.
The earthly sanctuary, the inner sanctuary of the temple, was simply a symbol or copy for the heavenly sanctuary to come. And both appeared in the Scriptures as perfect cubes.
Hebrews 9:11 begins, But Christ came as High Priest… And everything changed after that!
The veil that separated the Most Holy Place and kept the common man from entering, was torn in two when Christ was crucified. Because of His death and subsequent return to heaven, all of mankind now has the chance to enter the heavenly sanctuary.
And Hebrews 9:24 is a thrilling truth to consider.
For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of GOD for us.
Did you catch the last two words? He has entered heaven and appears before GOD the Father for us. FOR ME! A thrilling truth indeed!
1 John 2:1 tells me Christ is my Advocate and as such stands before GOD as my representative.
This is my only hope for entering heaven! My hope is Christ Jesus appearing before GOD, on my behalf, acting as my Advocate.
On my own, I have no hope. But with His representation, I have no doubts.
So which will it be for you, No hope or No doubt?
Really excellent picture of the indivisible relationship of Father, Son, Holy Spirit and the invitation for humanity to be just that intimate with God but for the violence of our sin against Him.
And then He Himself brings about our reconciliation in Christ so that we will live in that incredible degree of intimacy with God for eternity.