Righteousness and Holiness. Exodus 27:9-21 Anyone approaching the Tabernacle would notice from a distance that a pure white barrier surrounded the building, creating a courtyard. The fence measured 150 feet long, 75 feet wide, and had only one entrance—a colored gate serving as the sole way in. The cords securing the fence to brass pins driven into the ground were visible from the outside. Possibly, the silver rods connecting the posts into a strong, stable unit could also be seen, along with the silver hooks holding the hangings and preventing them from sagging. The fence was arranged with pillars and fillets so that the hanging linen curtains were even all around the court. There were no spots lower than others, and even the colorful gate was the same height. There was only one way to approach God.
Whenever we approach God, we must remember the immense value and worth of Christ's righteousness. He is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens." The testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ remains the same whether viewed from the worldly perspective or from the heavenly view. He is holy before both men and God. The Lord Jesus Christ is perfect in every way. The "righteousness of Christ" contrasts sharply with our own righteousness. "Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." Even our very best efforts are unclean. The perfect righteousness of Christ completely separates us from God. Yet, "Christ our righteousness is sacrificed for us." We can find our way past that holy separating barrier to the gate that lies before us. Thank God there is a gate.
The four colors of the gate point us to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, presented in four ways by four different writers. Matthew portrays Christ as the King of Israel in his Gospel, which is written for the Jews. The purple, a royal color, indicates that in Matthew, the Gospel mainly emphasizes the Gospel of the kingdom. Matthew was among those who had seen and heard the Lord Jesus when He was here and testified to what He knew firsthand.
Mark's presentation of the Gospel emphasizes the Lord Jesus Christ as the Perfect Servant. He perfectly obeyed God's will and served mankind as a humble Man. He likely recorded what he heard from others, probably mainly Peter. The Holy Spirit depicts Christ as the Suffering Servant, symbolized by the scarlet in the hanging gate. The Gospel, as Mark presents it, is meant for the Romans, who fiercely controlled Israel. This reminds me of the Gospel of God's grace. How gracious of God to allow those who persecuted His people to share in the blessings of His great grace.
Luke was not an eyewitness to the life and work of Christ when He was on earth. However, through a careful review of events he received from others who were present, he reports several important events not found in other accounts. Luke's Gospel presents Christ as the Perfect Man who pleased God in every way. As a Man among men, He is a shining example of human perfection. The Lord Jesus is symbolized in fine twined linen, white and pure, representing His nature that was never defiled during His life here. He knew no sin; in Him is no sin; He did no sin. He is eternally pure. Luke's Gospel to the Greeks reminds us that the Gospel is an everlasting message, unchangeable in its truth and the blessings it brings.
The Gospel according to John presents the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God sent from heaven, symbolized by the blue, when "the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world." John was an eyewitness to everything the Lord Jesus did and taught from the moment he heard, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Besides the Jews, Romans, and Greeks, there was another group of people for whom the Gospel was especially precious. They were the true believers who came to be known as "Christians." John's personal approach to the Gospel message depicts Christ in seven ways: seven examples, seven miracles, and seven titles as "the Son of God." This, too, was symbolized by the color blue in the gate.
The six pillars supporting the hanging curtains keep them stable, with the brass pins and sockets holding them in place. The Lord Jesus is the One who provides stability to what is visible from the outside. He is unchanging, and His righteousness remains consistent despite what people say about Him today. "We change, He changes not." "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever."
The oil extracted from the olives reminds us that, beyond being pressed, the Lord Jesus Christ was beaten, and the life-giving oil of the Holy Spirit came after that oil was extracted. The finest oil was beaten the most, removing all impurities so it could produce the brightest light. Enough oil was produced to provide light constantly in the place where God dwells with His people. "He giveth not the Spirit by measure." We are never meant to approach God or offer Him anything mediocre. The righteousness of Christ is visible to the world and to all who seek to approach God. The Holiness of Christ is before us as we consider the light that has come to us through His suffering.