It has always been God who took the initiative in blessing and loving us. His greatest blessing and channel of love is His eternal presence in us. This.

It has always been God who took the initiative in blessing and loving us. His greatest blessing and channel of love is His eternal presence in us. This is what heaven is all about – to be in His presence forever.

1. What God seeks: Presence (vv. 1-5)

a. God seeks to be among His people. From the Garden of Eden to the Tent of Meeting to the Temple in Jerusalem, God has always sought to be with His people.

b. What God ultimately seeks however is to be with, among, and in His people forever.

1. What God seeks: Presence (vv. 1-5)

2. What man needs: Access (vv. 6-10)

a. Man needs access to approach the Holy God. His sins however hinder him from entering God’s presence.

2. What man needs: Access (vv. 6-10)

a. God provided a temporary solution through the earthly man-made sanctuary with strict external regulations for worship.

2. What man needs: Access (vv. 6-10)

b. What man ultimately needs however is a full unhindered access to the living God.

3. What God gives: Intimacy (vv. 11-15, 16-28)

a. God gives the highest possible level of intimacy to His people.

3. What God gives: Intimacy (vv. 11-15, 16-28)

a. This was made possible by completely and permanently removing sin in man through the perfect sacrifice by a perfect High Priest in a perfect tabernacle.

3. What God gives: Intimacy (vv. 11-15, 16-28)

b. Jesus Christ is the ultimate Sacrifice, High Priest and Tabernacle.

“The believer’s sanctuary is in heaven. His Father is in heaven and his Saviour is in heaven. His citizenship is in heaven (Phil.

3:20) and his treasures should be in heaven (Matt. 6:19ff). And his hope is in heaven. The true believer walks by faith, not by sight. No matter what may happen on earth, a

believer can be confident because everything is settled in heaven.”

(Warren Wiersbe)