In the tabernacle of Moses, we see the bronze basin and the bronze altar in the outer court. (Bronze in scripture is usually a picture of judgement, just as silver represents redemption and gold represents God’s divine nature.) The bronze altar is a picture of God’s judgement on the sin within our lives. Approaching it with a substitutionary animal is the same as putting our faith in Christ (Messiah) Jesus, the goat from the herd who was killed for the forgiveness of our sins. (Leviticus 16:9; John 1:29) As Hebrews 9:22 says, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. The bronze altar is the first encounter with the Lord – when we turn away from the sinful ‘crowd’ – to commence a new life in Jesus. (We will speak of this in more detail under our class on Repentance from Dead Works.)
The bronze basin (where the priests washed up) continues the picture of becoming born again (by water, and the Spirit) and receiving eyes to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). 1 John 5:8 tells us that the water, the Spirit, and the blood bear witness on earth. The bronze basin is a picture of the word of God as the mirror with which we examine our thoughts and actions (Exodus 38:8). When we see our reflections in the mirror of the perfect law of liberty, we make adjustments to our present conduct in obedience to the word of God (James 2:22-25). Earlier on, through faith(trust) that came from hearing the gospel (good news), we gained access through the gate (Jesus the Way) into the tabernacle grounds; and through His blood we are admitted into the household of God where we behold the glory of the Lord revealed in the Scriptures and through His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Then the Lord through these two, convict us of the reality concerning sin, righteousness and judgment. (John 16:8)
So we must believe in Jesus the Lord as a kinsman redeemer who can save us from the penalty of sin (Leviticus 25:47-49). Thereafter, we must believe (Jesus – the Truth) as revealed in Scripture (John 17:17). John 8:44 illustrates that those who believe in Jesus can be ‘children’ of the devil if they do the devil’s works, and not His. Jesus was speaking to people who believed in Him, but at the end of the discourse, they were offended and took up stones to stone Him. (See John 8:31-59). In whatever area and aspect of our lives we do not believe (or continue to believe), we will not truly be free (or we are not saved or enjoying salvation). For example, if we don’t believe that Jesus heals, then we may not enjoy healing from Him – Luke 8:50. See also James 1:5-8, 1 John 3:1-10.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17.
NOTE
This is a part of the BELIEVER’S BIBLE SCHOOL Course. To view all parts, click the link below.
