The Sunday Bible School of Maranatha Christian Church on February 1st was held live from Mahanaim in Domingos Martins, Espírito Santo, Brazil, with participation from Pastors Gilson Sousa, Luiz Fernando Pitta, and Gerson Beluci.

Pastor Luiz Fernando Pitta emphasized the ongoing study of the Lord Jesus revealed in the Tabernacle. He recalled that the Old Covenant, revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, declared God’s holiness and His requirements regarding sin. The Law made clear that sin results in death, but also pointed prophetically to the gift of eternal life that would be revealed in Christ Jesus.

Through figures and symbols, God revealed the pattern of worship and service by which He would dwell among His people. The ceremonies of the Tabernacle expressed God’s desire to be gracious and favorable, foreshadowing the realities that would be fully manifested in the New Covenant.

All the rituals of the Tabernacle were prophetic shadows, fulfilled in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. In the New Covenant, there would no longer be repeated animal sacrifices, but one perfect atoning sacrifice. The blood of animals would give way to the blood of Jesus, shed once and for all. Sanctification would no longer come through ritual washing, but through the Word of God. Jesus would be revealed as the Bread of Life, the Light of the world, and our eternal Intercessor before the Father.

The High Priest

In the Old Covenant, only the High Priest from the family of Aaron could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. In the New Covenant, however, Jesus is our eternal High Priest, not according to the order of Aaron, but according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus entered the true Holy of Holies through His own blood, presenting Himself before the Father as our Advocate. His priesthood is everlasting, unchangeable, and sufficient to save completely all who come to God through Him, for He lives forever to intercede for us.

Pastor Gerson Beluci addressed the priest’s role, focusing on the sprinkling of blood. In the Old Covenant, the High Priest entered the Most Holy Place with the blood of sacrifices, which was sprinkled on the mercy seat. This act was essential, for the mercy seat represented the place where God manifested His presence and grace among His people.

In the New Covenant, Jesus entered the heavenly Most Holy Place with His own blood, securing eternal redemption. The number eight, associated with the sprinkling of the blood, was highlighted as a symbol of God’s grace. Through Christ’s sacrifice, forgiveness was definitively secured for the family of God.

Jesus, as our High Priest, destroyed the power of death, lives forever, and continually intercedes for each believer. Every member of the church is the object of His glorious intercession.

The Mercy Seat and the Cherubim

The mercy seat, which covered the ark, revealed God as favorable and gracious once the blood was applied. In the New Covenant, Jesus did not present animal blood, but His own blood, offered once for all as a perfect and eternal sacrifice.

Above the mercy seat were the cherubim, heavenly beings associated with God’s presence and glory. Their position speaks of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the church today. The manifestation of spiritual gifts and the operation of divine power reveal the glory of God among His people.

What Was Inside the Ark

Inside the ark were three items: the tablets of the Law, the jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. These elements point to the Trinity:

• The Law speaks of God the Father
• The manna points to God the Son, the living Bread from heaven
• Aaron’s rod represents God, the Holy Spirit, who gives life

God dwelt in the Most Holy Place, and today, through Christ, He dwells among His people.

The Torn Veil

At the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, opening access to the fullness of God’s presence. Through the blood of Jesus, believers now have bold access to the throne of grace.

The blood of Jesus forgives, cleanses, justifies, and reconciles us to God. Through His sacrifice, peace and fellowship with God are restored. Jesus, the spotless Lamb, fulfilled the Law and revealed God’s mercy to humanity.

All glory, honor, and praise belong to the Lamb who was slain — our High Priest, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

To Continue the Study

If you would like to go further in this study, click here to access the full Sunday Bible School Bulletin.
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