Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy centers on understanding salvation beyond just a future hope of heaven. God’s process includes deliverance, victory over the enemy, celebration, and living out His promises today. Just as Israel left Egypt, we must not only accept God’s work but also learn to walk in faith, rely on Him daily, and seek His presence. True holiness requires ongoing commitment and practical obedience throughout life’s journey.
Book Of Numbers Audio Series: How to Approach God
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Audio
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Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Scriptures used in this lesson:
Matthew 24:37, Matthew 24:40-41, Revelation 21:9-10, 1 Corinthians 10:6, Numbers 1:1, Exodus 25:21-22,
What Is Salvation? Learning from the Exodus
I want to ask you a question about the Bible, specifically, what is salvation? If you can’t define salvation, then we need to open the Bible to learn more about salvation. Without this knowledge, it is difficult to move forward in faith. Remember Moses at the Red Sea, where Moses tells the people to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. Is salvation something visible? Is it evident in the listener’s life? Are your lives changing as a result of salvation? When studying the times God saved His people, four major events commonly occurred.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
God’s Fourfold Pattern of Salvation
First, God acts on His own authority to deliver people. This is called His sovereignty. Believers are said to be taken out of the Kingdom of Darkness and placed into the Kingdom of His Son, as mentioned in Colossians 1:13. This change is something only God can do. People cannot achieve it on their own.
God’s sovereignty is also seen in the story of Israel. He brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The plagues and all the events that happened were from God. He used Moses as a leader, but the power and actions were God’s alone. God alone delivered Israel from Egypt.
Another key part of salvation is plundering. When Israel left Egypt, they took gold, silver, animals, and other valuables. They did not leave empty-handed. They took what was valuable from Egypt with them.
If salvation is visible in your life, are you taking back what the enemy has stolen, or is the enemy taking from you? Look at your finances, home, marriage, and children. These areas can show if you are living in the victory of salvation or not.
A third aspect of salvation is vengeance. God acts against the enemy. When Israel crossed the Red Sea, God destroyed their pursuers. The Egyptians washed up on the shore. This was God’s vengeance for His people. Are believers today experiencing this victory? Are they overcoming the devil, or are they being defeated?
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The fourth aspect of salvation is rejoicing. After God’s victory, there is a celebration. God’s people rejoice because of what He has done for them. Rejoicing is a natural response to God’s deliverance.
Rejoicing is highlighted as a crucial aspect of salvation. God’s people celebrate, dance, and praise Him when they experience deliverance, plundering of the enemy, and vindication. It is hard to rejoice if you do not see these things in your life. Many in the church are not rejoicing because they feel defeated, not victorious.
Jesus came to give life, not just a promise of heaven after death. The Bible says Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, not simply to offer a future reward. Many Christians are focused on heaven and the future instead of living in victory now.
The Scripture teaches that believers are meant to reign with Christ on earth, not just in heaven. The church is intended to be strong, with the gates of hell unable to prevail against it. This is not happening; people should not expect Jesus to return soon. Instead, the focus should be on living in God’s promises today, not just waiting for the future.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
God brought the people out of Egypt to take them into the Promised Land, as stated in Exodus 15. Moses and that generation were led out to enter God’s promise, but only two actually did. What stopped Moses from fully fulfilling God’s will was the people and his own frustration. Instead of speaking to the rock as God commanded, Moses struck it in anger.
Thy Kingdom Come: Living God’s Will on Earth Now
God’s purpose is to bring believers into His kingdom on earth, not just to deliver them from hardship. Many pray for God’s kingdom to come on earth, yet still hold onto the idea of escaping to heaven in a rapture. The prayer “Thy kingdom come” should mean the kingdom is established here, but much of the church still focuses on escaping to heaven rather than living in God’s kingdom now.
Rethinking the Return of Jesus: A Look at Matthew 24
Let’s look at Matthew 24 to discuss the coming of the Lord. Looking at the beginning of Matthew 24, Jesus is discussing the temple. The disciples admire its beauty, but Jesus tells them that not one stone will be left upon another. This conversation sets the stage for the discussion about the end of Jewish temple worship.
The speaker continues discussing Matthew 24, focusing on Jesus’ words about His coming. Jesus said that the generation He was speaking to would not pass away until all the things He described took place. The speaker explains that the temple was destroyed in AD 70, just as Jesus predicted. It was burned, and the gold inside melted into the stones. To retrieve the gold, the temple had to be completely dismantled.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The speaker emphasizes that this prophecy was fulfilled within that generation. They challenge the common belief that Matthew 24 refers to a future event. Many have been taught that it points to a time far off, but the speaker argues that it already happened. They urge the listeners to rethink what they’ve been taught and consider that Matthew 24 was fulfilled in the past.
Matthew 24:37
37 “For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.
38 “For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in
marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark,
39 and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the
Son of Man be.
Jesus compares His coming to the days of Noah. The Bible says the coming of the Son of Man will be “as the days of Noah.” This means life will seem normal. People will be eating, drinking, marrying, and living their lives as usual. In Noah’s time, people didn’t realize what was coming. They continued with their daily lives until the flood arrived. Verse 39 says the flood took them all away. Who did the flood take? The answer is the unrighteous, the evil, not the righteous.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The point is that the coming of the Son of Man will be similar. It will remove the unrighteous, just like in Noah’s day. People won’t expect it, and many won’t understand until it happens.
Matthew 24:40
40 “Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left.
It says two men will be in the field—one will be taken, and one will be left. This verse is often used to support the idea of the rapture, where believers are taken and others are left behind. Who was taken in the days of Noah? It was the wicked, not the righteous. The flood removed the evil people. In that context, the one taken in the field would also be the unrighteous.
Jesus compared His coming to the days of Noah. So, just like then, it is the wicked who are removed. The righteous remain. This challenges the common view that being “taken” means being saved.
Matthew 24:41
41 “Two women {will be} grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Luke also mentions two people in a bed, with one taken and one left. Who is taken? Based on the pattern from Noah’s day, it is the wicked who are taken. This should raise a key question: Who inherits the Earth? Scripture says the meek will inherit it. Yet many believers have taken these verses and built a belief around escaping to heaven. This thinking shifts focus away from victory over the devil.
We hold some misconceptions about heaven. The description of the city with streets of gold, jasper walls, and pearl gates is found in Revelation 21. Many think this is heaven, where believers go after death. This is a misunderstanding. This city is actually the bride of Christ coming down from heaven to earth. It represents the kingdom of God on earth, not just a future heavenly home. The angel shows John the bride, the wife of the Lamb, highlighting her importance. Knowing this truth is crucial and challenges traditional views about heaven and the afterlife.
Revelation 21:9-10
9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke
with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city,
Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The angel takes John in the Spirit to a high mountain and shows him the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven. This city is the bride of Christ, the church, fulfilling the prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” They talk about streets of gold (plural). The city has one street of gold, not many streets.
Do you love Jesus? How many have spent time with Him in the Bible this week? Loving Jesus means loving His Word. The Word became flesh and lived among us, becoming the light of the world.
I become concerned that many say they love Jesus but do not love or know His Word. Without understanding the Word, people do not truly love Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that love for Jesus is shown by obeying His teachings, quoting Jesus’ words, “If you love me, you will keep my…” There is a connection between love for Christ and commitment to His Word.
I have challenged and upset some of you. I am the spiritual father of the ministry and feel called by God to deliver this message. We did pray for boldness, and that boldness is influencing my words today. I have concern for those who are spiritually struggling or “dying in the wilderness.” I do not want anyone to be left behind, but I realize some may choose not to move forward. My prayer is that I get to lead the next generation, your children, into God’s promises, just as Joshua did. I pray we live long enough to see this happen and emphasize that entering into God’s promise is a personal choice for each individual.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The book of Numbers is fascinating. I have not studied it deeply before. Recently, I have spent several weeks focusing on just the first and second chapters. Let’s turn to the book of Numbers in our Bibles.
Why are we interested in the Book of Numbers? From a dispensational perspective, the experiences described in Numbers mirror those of modern churches. Most churches, including our own, are still wandering in the wilderness rather than living in the promised land. I talk to many pastors and attend seminars, but I do not see any church truly possessing the land or overcoming the enemy.
There is no major move of God in any city or church. The wilderness experience described in Numbers appears to reflect the current state of churches everywhere, with no one fully embracing the promises of God.
I see the book of Numbers from a dispensational perspective and see the church in a wilderness state. We observe people falling away and dying spiritually or leaving the church almost daily, with overall numbers staying about the same. The congregation has not grown in the past seven years; their numbers have merely maintained.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
In the book of Numbers, there are two major numberings of the people: one in the first chapter and another in chapter 26. There are actually six total numberings if you count them all. Each time, the fighting men numbered nearly 600,000. Although the numbers stayed steady, the entire first generation died during the 38 years in the wilderness.
There is a parallel to our church experience. God has maintained our numbers, which offers some encouragement. So, I’m praying the Lord will eventually bring us into the promise, but right now, we see many people falling away. Is our church willing to make the commitment to enter into God’s promises? This sense of uncertainty and the pattern of maintaining numbers without progress is why the book of Numbers feels so relevant to their situation.
Let’s discuss what needed to happen before the people of Israel could move into the land of Canaan. What did the Lord do to prepare His people for this move? What stopped them from entering the land initially? Another question is what changed in the second generation that pleased God enough to lead them into Canaan? These questions focus on the spiritual and practical requirements before progress can be made.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
At one time, the people stayed camped under the cloud. Although there were small battles and victories, they largely remained in one place. The cloud only moved when certain conditions were met. How can we maintain our readiness once we reach the Jordan River? How can we avoid the fear and discouragement that caused 38 years of wandering? These are the key questions driving our study.
1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians chapter 10, uses the story of the Exodus and the experiences in the wilderness to teach important lessons. He explains that these events were written down for our benefit. They were meant to instruct those who live at the end of the age.
The purpose of the books of Numbers and Exodus is to help us learn from the past. These writings guide us so we do not repeat the same mistakes. Through this understanding, we can receive and enter into God’s promises successfully.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Approaching God through the Tabernacle Pattern
Numbers 1:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Numbers 1:1 begins with the word “and,” showing it continues from the book of Leviticus. This highlights that God’s work with His people is an ongoing process. After God led the Israelites out of Egypt and through the sea, they rejoiced and plundered Egypt. They then built the tabernacle.
The tabernacle teaches us how to approach God in a proper manner. Its main lesson is about the right way to come before Him. The book of Hebrews continues this idea. It says we can boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find help. However, even in Hebrews, there is respect for the proper way to enter God’s presence. The tabernacle remains the model for how to come before God, emphasizing that we should not enter carelessly, but with understanding and order.
God brought the Israelites to Mount Sinai and gave them His law. He also made a covenant with them. This covenant meant the people agreed to obey whatever God commanded. They said, “Yes, Lord, we will do what you say.” This example of a covenant is also vital for Christians today. To make a covenant with God through Jesus means saying yes to Him and committing to do what He says.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
In Exodus chapter 25, God gave them detailed instructions for building the tabernacle. They followed these instructions and constructed the tabernacle. Now the tabernacle stands ready for use. The events being described take place exactly one month after the completion of the tabernacle.
Moses begins the next section with the word “and.” This shows the continuity of God’s work. It connects all that has happened before with what is about to come. The first principle here is the ongoing nature of God’s dealings with His people.
Before moving forward with God, believers must learn how to approach Him in a proper manner. Many people do not truly understand how to come before God. The message has been a focus for several weeks, with a sense that God is calling His people back into His presence, inviting them to enter the Holy of Holies.
God is gently urging, “Please come be with me.” This call has been echoed through recent teachings and worship, as the congregation sings and talks about returning to God’s presence. God wants His people to rediscover how to enter His presence, starting with learning about the blood and the process of moving through the tabernacle—the outer courts, the courts, and beyond.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Although the congregation knows scriptures like “I will enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise,” many struggle to enter in truly. Instead, people remain at a distance, distracted or hiding, rather than pressing into fellowship with God.
What does it mean to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving? It means being thankful, joyful, and praising with a shout of “Hallelujah!” However, many people do not approach God in this way. The first step in approaching God—offering thankful praise—is often overlooked.
The first piece of furniture in the tabernacle is the brazen altar, which represents the sacrifice and the blood of Jesus. This altar, where animals were sacrificed, points to atonement but also has a message for believers today. Romans 12:1 instructs people to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
This kind of self-offering is a basic requirement for anyone approaching God. Believers should be willing to give themselves fully, asking God to set them on fire and purify them by His Spirit. While it is easy to sing about purification and cleansing, there is a challenge to live it out, rather than merely remaining passive.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The laver bowl, which represents water baptism, is the second piece of furniture in the tabernacle. Many have experienced this. Also, Ephesians 5:26 says the church will be washed by the water of the Word, making her pure and without stain. How many Christians know the Word of God enough to wash themselves?
Everyone gets spiritually dirty in the world. Ministers and church members alike are affected. Even television portrays immorality and uses sexual imagery, even in advertisements. These temptations affect both men and women. The world exposes everyone to unclean influences.
Despite facing all of this, believers often neglect to cleanse themselves through God’s Word. Washing in the Word is necessary for spiritual purity, yet many Christians ignore this daily need.
As we move into the entrance of the tabernacle, there is a veil. At the moment of salvation, you do not fully understand what is happening to you. The veil has colors that symbolize important truths—purple for the kingship of Jesus, blue for the heavenlies, and red for the blood.
This veil is compared to the one a bride wears at a wedding. You can see through it a little, but you don’t know exactly what’s behind it. When you get saved, you go through this veil. On the other side, everything seems new, just as scripture says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The outer court experience is where you begin to see things in a different light. Life changes, and you realize you’re embarking on a new spiritual journey. This is only the beginning of discovering what God has for you.
From Salvation to the Holy of Holies: A Journey of Faith
Beyond the outer court is the Holy Place, and beyond that area is the Holy of Holies. Another veil blocks the way. You cannot see through this one. Approaching God requires faith, even when you do not fully understand what is ahead. Each area along the way is important for everyone who wants to experience the true presence of God in the Holy of Holies. These steps should become an integral part of your spiritual life.
In this Holy Place, there is a type of experience in receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Entering this area changes things dramatically. The environment shifts—the sounds and smells of the outer court, such as the cries of animals and the scent of blood, are replaced by the warmth and new scents of this inner room. Here you find the altar of incense, the golden candlestick, and the table of showbread, surrounded by golden walls and decorations with cherubim. This place feels heavenly and sacred.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit, as evidenced by speaking in tongues, brings a new perspective. The Bible and God’s Word seem different and more alive, mainly because you are now in a space lit by the lampstand—a symbol of God’s Spirit and fire. In this light, everything is clearer and warmer. On the table of showbread, there are twelve loaves of bread and wine. The bread represents the body of Christ, and the wine points to the joy of the Lord and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This area brings a deeper understanding of Christ’s body and a richer sense of joy in life with God.
In the back of the tabernacle stands a small altar called the Altar of Incense. David, in Psalm 142, describes incense as a symbol of prayer and the lifting of hands. This introduces a new way of worship and prayer—deeper and more intimate. Reaching this area means entering a new spiritual dimension. Those who move forward in faith experience new forms of prayer and worship at this altar. It marks further progress in our approach to God.
Behind another veil lies the Ark of the Covenant. This veil is decorated with cherubim. Looking beyond it, the place gets hotter and darker, reflecting that God is a consuming fire. His presence is intense and purifying. When the Holy Spirit comes, He brings a powerful fire that burns away impurities and produces true spiritual transformation.
At the back area of the tabernacle sits the Ark of the Covenant, representing the Lord of the whole earth. On top of the Ark is the mercy seat of God, a symbol of God’s ultimate grace and destination for His people.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Inside the Ark are several items of great significance. There are the tables of stone, which hold God’s unchangeable law. Making a covenant means accepting God’s word as fixed and eternal—it cannot be changed to suit personal preferences.
There is also a golden pot of manna inside the Ark. This manna represents God’s provision. While people often want to handle everything themselves—such as family, finances, or salvation—God must be trusted as the ultimate provider. Though human effort is involved in spiritual growth, the covenant includes God’s promise of provision.
Another item in the Ark is Aaron’s rod that budded. This symbolizes accepting leadership and being willing to receive ministry from those God has chosen. It is about allowing God’s anointed leaders to speak into your life.
Above all these things sits the mercy seat of God. This mercy seat is the destination, representing where God meets His people with grace, forgiveness, and His presence.
Meeting with God on the Mercy Seat
Exodus 25:21-22
21 ” You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you.
22 ” There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The ultimate destination for believers is to meet with God at the throne of grace. This is where believers find mercy, grace, and genuine help for every aspect of life—family, finances, marriage, and parenting. No matter how much effort you put in, real change and breakthrough will not happen until you meet with God.
God promises to meet His people above the mercy seat, between the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant. Here, God says He will commune with them and give direction. The Holy of Holies is the ultimate spiritual destination, even beyond the critical earlier steps, such as receiving forgiveness, being washed by the Word, worship, and the blessings of the Holy Spirit.
Those outer steps—praise, thanksgiving, water baptism, spiritual gifts—are all necessary, but believers are called to go deeper. Entering the Holy of Holies may feel intimidating, but God invites people to walk by faith and pursue this deeper relationship. In that innermost place, God meets, speaks, and gives direction for life. Without pressing into that place, people will remain stuck in a spiritual wilderness.
[KJV] Numbers 1:1 AND the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
[NASV} Numbers 1:1 THEN the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first of the
second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
A single word in the book of Numbers, “And” in the KJV—”then” in the NASB—which signals what happens next. Before proceeding to any further principles, we must emphasize the importance of seeking God. The first verse makes it clear: God spoke to Moses in the wilderness, in the tabernacle, the tent of meeting.
Natural Israel was in the wilderness, but Moses was also in the presence of God. It is possible to be surrounded by problems and complaining during a wilderness time in life, yet still meet with God. Even while others look back to their old ways and comfort, you can choose to be in God’s presence. But you must make that personal decision.
No program or church event can force people to seek God. Instituting prayer meetings or routines has not worked. Only when individuals decide in their own hearts to seek God will things change. Otherwise, everyone will remain spiritually stuck, overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The invitation is clear, but the decision cannot be made for anyone else.
I admit that some statements were difficult to hear today and stirred up strong feelings, but I want to clarify that my goal was not to offend anyone. Instead, the message came from a longing in my spirit to return to God’s presence.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
The only thing that prevented Moses from entering the Promised Land was the people’s actions. I have a deep love for the congregation and express a desire for everyone, not just future generations, to experience God’s fullness. The fear of missing out on God’s promises and dying in spiritual wilderness motivates a personal prayer for renewed desire and grace to seek God’s mercy seat, where true communion with Him is found.
If you felt impacted by the message, raise your hands. Most of us want to move beyond spiritual stagnation into deeper fellowship with God. My prayer is that we are sincere: I ask for mercy and for God to help us continually seek His presence in the tabernacle.
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
Approaching God Numbers 1:1 Tabernacle Example: How to Be Holy
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