THE SANCTUARY, 1844, AND HEBREWS RECONCILED (FINALLY!)
David Shin
ABOUT David Shin
David Shin, PhD, a graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and the former President of Ouachita Hills College in Arkansas is currently a Professor of Religion at Weimar University in California. He has also pastored in Lansing, Michigan, and Anchorage, Alaska. His love for sharing the gospel is shown through his practical insights into biblical beliefs and principles through his practical insights that are essential for the times in which we live.
OVERVIEW
Explore how deep biblical and linguistic analysis affirms the Adventist understanding of Christ’s heavenly ministry, showing that His entrance “within the veil” marked an inauguration—not the Day of Atonement. This sermon unpacks Hebrews through chiastic structure, Greek word studies, and sanctuary typology to reinforce the 1844 doctrine and Adventist identity.
David Shin, PhD, a graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, and the former President of Ouachita Hills College in Arkansas is currently a Professor of Religion at Weimar University in California. He has also pastored in Lansing, Michigan, and Anchorage, Alaska. His love for sharing the gospel is shown through his practical insights into biblical beliefs and principles through his practical insights that are essential for the times in which we live.
SERIES INFO
KEY INSIGHTS
Contextual and Literary Analysis of Hebrews Illuminates Sanctuary Ministry: The identification of a chiastic (kayastic) structure in Hebrews, with chapters 6 and 10 paralleling the sanctuary motif in chapter 9, reveals that the phrase “within the veil” should be understood as referring to the inauguration of the heavenly sanctuary rather than the full commencement of Day of Atonement ministry. This literary structure strengthens the traditional Adventist interpretation by situating Christ’s heavenly ministry in a clear Old Testament typology.
Greek Lexical Study as a Decisive Tool: The exclusive use of the Greek word ἐνέκαισεν (enekaizo), translated as “consecrated,” only in Numbers 7 within the Septuagint provides compelling linguistic evidence that Jesus’ initial heavenly entry was analogous to the Old Testament sanctuary dedication ceremony. This narrows down the meaning of His entry “within the veil” to an inauguration, not a full transition into the Most Holy Place service, thereby preserving the 1844 doctrine.
Specialized Use of “Goats” (τράγος) in Hebrews 9:12: Paul’s precise choice of the Greek word τράγος (tragos) for goats in his argument contrasts with the word used for Day of Atonement goats (χίμαρος, khimaros), underscoring that Hebrews 9:12 alludes to the sanctuary dedication rituals rather than atonement ceremonies. This highlights subtle but significant distinctions in biblical language that impact theological interpretation.
Anointing Imagery Connects Christ’s Priestly Role to Aaron’s: The imagery of oil running down Aaron’s beard and garments (Psalm 133) is used to symbolically represent Christ’s heavenly inauguration. This vivid metaphor ties Old Testament priestly consecration rituals directly to Christ’s heavenly ministry, emphasizing continuity between earthly types and heavenly realities.
Pentecost and Heavenly Ceremony Synchronization: Ellen White’s account that the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples upon the completion of Jesus’ heavenly inauguration ceremony links the heavenly event to an earthbound manifestation. This synchronization provides theological and historical support for the timing and significance of Jesus’ entry “within the veil,” reinforcing the inauguration interpretation.
Integration of Biblical Scholarship and Adventist Theology: The work of scholars like Richard Davidson demonstrates that Adventist doctrine is supported by rigorous exegetical and linguistic research rather than merely tradition or speculation, validating the church’s sanctuary teaching against critiques like those of Desmond Ford.
Implications for Adventist Identity and Doctrine: The clarification that Jesus’ entrance into the Most Holy Place occurred as part of a heavenly sanctuary inauguration rather than immediately upon ascension protects the foundational Adventist teaching about the investigative judgment beginning in 1844. This sustains the unique theological identity of Seventh-day Adventism and its understanding of Christ’s heavenly ministry.
DATE ADDED: July 16, 2025TOPICS:
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