The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 416

of the sanctuary in heaven; and he saw there the “seven lamps of fire”
and “the golden altar,” represented by the golden candlestick and the
altar of incense in the sanctuary on earth. Again, “the temple of God
was opened” (Revelation 11:19), and he looked within the inner veil,
upon the holy of holies. Here he beheld “the ark of His testament,”
represented by the sacred chest constructed by Moses to contain the law
of God.
Thus those who were studying the subject found indisputable proof
of the existence of a sanctuary in heaven. Moses made the earthly
sanctuary after a pattern which was shown him. Paul teaches that that
pattern was the true sanctuary which is in heaven. And John testifies that
he saw it in heaven.
In the temple in heaven, the dwelling place of God, His throne is
established in righteousness and judgment. In the most holy place is
His law, the great rule of right by which all mankind are tested. The
ark that enshrines the tables of the law is covered with the mercy seat,
before which Christ pleads His blood in the sinner’s behalf. Thus
is represented the union of justice and mercy in the plan of human
redemption. This union infinite wisdom alone could devise and infinite
power accomplish; it is a union that fills all heaven with wonder and
adoration. The cherubim of the earthly sanctuary, looking reverently
down upon the mercy seat, represent the interest with which the heavenly
host contemplate the work of redemption. This is the mystery of mercy
into which angels desire to look—that God can be just while He justifies
the repenting sinner and renews His intercourse with the fallen race; that
Christ could stoop to raise unnumbered multitudes from the abyss of ruin
and clothe them with the spotless garments of His own righteousness
to unite with angels who have never fallen and to dwell forever in the
presence of God.
The work of Christ as man’s intercessor is presented in that beautiful
prophecy of Zechariah concerning Him “whose name is the Branch.”
Says the prophet: “He shall

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