The Watchtower Study, “Article 45”, Week of January 1-7, 2024, Appreciate the Honor of Worshiping Jehovah in His Spiritual Temple, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 45”, January 1-7, 2024, Appreciate the Honor of Worshiping Jehovah in His Spiritual Temple, Answers.

“Worship him who made heaven and earth” (Rev. 14:7).

1. What is an angel saying, and what effect should his message have on us?

Today there is an angel speaking to every nation, tribe, tongue and people, telling us to fear God and give him glory, and to worship him because he made the heaven, the earth, the sea and the springs. And the effect that this message should have for us is to show gratitude for having the great opportunity to worship him in his great spiritual temple.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Let's imagine that today, an angel of Jehovah appeared before us and spoke to us. We would surely listen to him very carefully. An angel is currently speaking to us Jehovah's Witnesses, as we see in Revelation 14:6 and 7.

For this reason, we must listen carefully and obey the instructions that Jehovah gives us. In order to continue having the honor of worshiping him forever. 

2. What is Jehovah's spiritual temple? (See also the box “What it is not”).

As the paragraph very well says, this temple is not a physical building, but rather it is the system that Jehovah has established as part of his worship, since this system is designed to worship him as he wants, and is based on rescue and sacrifice. of Jesus.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The spiritual temple of Jehovah is literally the system that Jehovah has established to worship him as he wants, and is based on the ransom, the sacrifice of Jesus. Therefore, it is not a physical building. Nor is it the temple that Ezekiel saw in his vision. Nor is it the Holy Temple for Jehovah referring to the Anointed Ones. Nor is it our spiritual paradise.

Paul explained in his letter to the Hebrews some details of this system of worship. And if we want to expand more on this topic we can watch the video: Information about Hebrews that we find on the jw.org website. 

What is not

The spiritual temple is not the temple of Ezekiel's vision, which focuses on Jehovah's standards for pure worship and his modern-day restoration (Ezek. 40:1-5). 

It is not the “holy temple to Jehovah,” which refers to the anointed brothers who serve in the Christian congregation (Eph. 2:19-22; 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 6:16). 

It is not our spiritual paradise, that is, the environment of spiritual prosperity that only those of us who worship Jehovah in his spiritual temple enjoy.

3, 4. Why was Paul concerned about the Hebrew Christians, and how did he help them?

The first reason is because they were discouraged and needed someone to encourage them, since most of them had been raised in Judaism and possibly the religious leaders of this religion mocked them for having become Christians. Paul was not only worried, but he took action and helped them by teaching them some of the deepest truths. And he did it by reminding them that thanks to Jesus' sacrifice they had a better hope that would help them truly get closer to God.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The second reason is because Paul made the Hebrew Christians see that they were not making an effort to understand the teachings, since some of them were still following the law of Moses. For this reason Paul explained to them that the sacrifices established by the law could not completely forgive sins, which is why the law had been annulled.

We know that Paul cared about the Hebrew Christians living in Judea. These Christians were born and lived in Judea, they had left the Jewish religion for Christianity, and as Christians, they did not have a majestic temple where they could worship God, nor an altar on which they could offer sacrifices, nor a priest.

And probably not having all these important things for a Christian would provoke ridicule from the Jewish leaders. For this reason in Hebrews 2:1, the apostle Paul encourages them to pay more than due attention to the things they had heard, so that they would never be led adrift. As we can see these words Paul writes to the Christians of Judea to encourage them.

On the other hand, Paul helped the Hebrews, since many of these Judean Christians continued to be guided by the law of Moses. For this reason Paul explained to them what we see in Hebrews 7:18-19, that the previous commandment was clouded because this commandment became weak and useless. So the law brought nothing to perfection, but the coming of a better hope did, and through it we draw closer to God. With these words, Paul reminded me that because of Jesus' sacrifice they had a better hope, which could truly help them draw closer to Jehovah. 

5. What do we need to understand, and why?

In the paragraph we can see a very nice illustration that makes us see the need to understand the system of worship that Jehovah establishes, we are referring to the spiritual temple. For example, the shadow of an object is just a vague image of that thing, but it is not the real object. Likewise, the way the Jews worshiped God in the past was only a shadow of the reality that was to come.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

As we have seen in the previous paragraph, Paul explained to the Judean Christians that the way they now worshiped Jehovah as Christians was much better than the way they had worshiped him in the past.

In Colossians 2:17 we see that Paul said that these things are a shadow of what was to come, But the reality belongs to Christ. Therefore, the way in which the Jews worshiped God was not correct. Today, we need to understand the system of worship that Jehovah has established, because it makes possible the forgiveness of our sins and allows us to worship Jehovah as he wants.

THE TABERNACLE

6. What was the tabernacle used for?

The spiritual temple came into existence in the year 29 AD. That year Jesus was baptized, anointed with holy spirit, and began serving as Jehovah's great high priest in the spiritual temple as mentioned in Hebrews 4:14 and Acts 10:37,38.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The tabernacle was set up by Moses in 1512 BC. As we see in Exodus 29:43-46. The tabernacle was the place where the Israelites gathered to worship God and make sacrifices to Him. The Israelites carried it with them as they traveled through the desert, and stayed wherever the tabernacle was, as long as the cloud was above it.

As we see in Numbers 9:22, as long as the cloud remained above the Tabernacle, whether it was two days, a month or more, the Israelites stayed camped and did not move. But if it rose, they moved. They were like this for almost 500 years. 

7. When did the spiritual temple come into existence?

The spiritual temple of Jehovah became a reality in the year 29 of our era, which was the year in which Jesus was baptized and began to serve as high priest of Jehovah. In Hebrews Chapter 4:14, this fact is detailed for us as we read.

So since we have a great high priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the son of God, let us hold fast to our public declaration about him.

ILLUSTRATION

The tabernacle; see paragraph 7. 

THE HIGH PRIEST

8, 9. According to Hebrews 7:23-27, what enormous difference is there between the high priests of Israel and the great High Priest, Jesus Christ?

In Hebrews 7:23-27, Paul explained that because death prevented the high priests from continuing in office, there had to be many priests who would continue that responsibility. Furthermore, since these priests were imperfect, they had the obligation to offer sacrifices for their own sins. There is the enormous difference that exists between the high priests of Israel and the great high priest who is Jesus Christ.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Something interesting that the paragraph mentions is that since Jesus lives forever, his priesthood has no successors. And since Jesus is undefiled or separated from sinners, he does not have to offer sacrifices daily for his own sins unlike the high priests who due to imperfection had to make a sacrifice for their sins every day.

Taking into account the texts we have just read, we know that from Aaron, who was the first high priest appointed by Jehovah, until the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70, there were 84 high priests. This meant that every so often a new one had to be appointed, because being imperfect humans, they had to make daily sacrifices, and these high priests died over the years.

In Hebrews 8:1,2, we see that the main point of this text is that we have a high priest, who sits at the right hand of the throne of the majesty in heaven and is a servant of the Holy place, and of the tent. true that Jehovah raised up, and not man. Analyzing this text, we see that Jehovah appointed his son Jesus to be the new priest, but from that moment on he would be a spiritual high priest, not a physical one.

ILLUSTRATION

The graphic “The Shadow and the Reality” shows elements of the worship that took place in the tabernacle. The high priest; see paragraph 9. 

ALTARS AND SACRIFICES

10. What did the sacrifices offered on the copper altar represent?

The animal sacrifices that were offered regularly in the tabernacle represent the sacrifice that would completely cleanse humanity of sin.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Jehovah gave very precise instructions on what the sacrificial altar should be like. God ordered animal sacrifices so that the individual could experience forgiveness for his sins.

In Hebrews Chapter 10:1-4, he explains how the sacrificed animal served as a substitute for the sinner, but only temporarily because it is not possible for the blood of bulls and goats to eliminate sins. So sacrifices had to be offered continually. 

11. On which altar did Jesus offer himself as a sacrifice? (Hebrews 10:5-7, 10).

Jesus offered his sacrifice on an altar that represented God's will, and Jehovah's will was for his son to sacrifice his perfect human life. Since Jesus offered his life once and for all, with the objective of atoning or permanently covering all the sins of those who demonstrate faith in him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Galatians 1:4, we see that he gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this evil system according to the will of our God and father. Seeing this, we understand that when Jesus was baptized he gave himself to Jehovah and Jehovah, he wanted him to sacrifice his perfect human life, as a complete sacrifice to forever atone for the sins of all humanity.

Therefore, Jesus offered himself to Jehovah, as if on an altar. His sacrifice was much more valuable than any of the animal sacrifices that had been made until then. Which served as the basis for Jehovah to forgive the sins of all humanity.

ILLUSTRATION

The altar of burnt offering; see paragraph 11. 

THE HOLY AND THE HOLY

12. Who could enter each section of the tabernacle?

The high priest was the only one who was authorized to go beyond the curtain and enter the Holy of Holies. On the day of atonement, which was celebrated once a year, he entered with the blood of animals to atone for his own sins and those of all the people. And later Jehovah used the holy spirit to reveal what these elements in the tabernacle actually represented.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The system of worshiping God in the tabernacle was an act that allowed Jehovah to forgive the sins of his people. The tabernacle was designed in a very specific way.

In Hebrews 9:25, we see the description of each detail, because each detail was very important. It consisted of a rectangular outer courtyard, in which the copper altar and the copper fountain were located. The tabernacle was within that courtyard and was a covered space, divided into two sections.

The Holy and the Most Holy. These two rooms were separated by a curtain. In the first section, the Holy One could only enter the priests, and the second section, The Holy One, only the high priest could enter, who was the only one in charge and authorized to offer sacrifices to Jehovah. As we see in Hebrews chapter 9 and verses 6 to 8.

13. What do the Holy and the Most Holy represent?

The Saint of the tabernacle represents this special relationship they have with God. The Holy of Holies of the tabernacle represents heaven, where Jehovah lives.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The saint represents the relationship that Jehovah has with the 144,000 anointed Christians who are still alive. As we see in Revelation 1:6, They will serve as priests with Jesus in heaven. The Holy One, represents heaven.

These two sections, the Holy and the Most Holy, were separated by a curtain, this curtain represents the human body of Jesus, since the human being could not enter heaven as high priest. Therefore, when Jesus died and his human body was put aside, the way to enter heavenly life was opened to all Anointed Christians.

Therefore, as we see in 1 Corinthians 15:50, in order to receive their heavenly reward, the Anointed Ones also have to leave behind their bodies of flesh and blood to enter heaven.

ILLUSTRATION

The Saint; The curtain; see paragraph 13. 

14. According to Hebrews 9:12, 24-26, why is Jehovah's spiritual temple superior?

The spiritual temple of Jehovah is very Superior, because comparing the Holy of Holies into which he entered as the high priest of Israel, it was made by human hands, and he entered there with the blood of animals. However, Jesus entered the holiest place of all: Called "heaven itself", before the presence of Jehovah. In that place Jesus presented the value of his perfect human life for all of us, with the goal of eliminating sin through his own sacrifice.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Holy Sacrament in which the high priest had to make a sacrifice each year for the forgiveness of the people's sins, was made by human hands. The sacrifices that were made were with animal blood. Instead, as we have read in the text, Jesus entered the holiest place of all, in heaven itself, before the presence of Jehovah.

There Jesus presented the value of his perfect human life for all of us, to eliminate sin through his own sacrifice. In this way, the sacrifice of Jesus completely cleanses all sins.

ILLUSTRATION

The Holy One; see paragraphs 13 and 14.

PLAYGROUNDS

15. Who served in the courtyard of the tabernacle?

The priests were those who provided their services in the courtyard of tabernacles. There was the great copper altar on which the burnt offerings were presented. And in the temples that were built later, there was also an outer courtyard, where those who were not priests could worship God in this place.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

In the courtyard of the Tabernacle, there was the copper altar where they made the offerings. There was also the copper fountain, where the priests washed before fulfilling their responsibilities.

In Exodus chapter 30 and verses 17 to 20, we see the instructions that Jehovah gave Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. Later, when permanent temples were built, non-priests could also worship Jehovah in the outer court. 

16. Who serves in each of the courtyards of the spiritual temple?

Anointed Christians who still live on earth faithfully serve Jehovah in the inner court of the spiritual temple. The apostle John in his vision could see that they were standing before the Throne and that they were giving God sacred service day and night. The great crowd does this on the ground in the outer court of the spiritual temple.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The inner courtyard of the spiritual temple represents the anointed Christians who still live on earth, and faithfully serve Jehovah in that spiritual temple, before becoming priests with Jesus in heaven. The fountain represents the importance of cleanliness.

As we see in Revelation 7:9, it represents the place where the great crowd gives sacred service to Jehovah. Therefore, seeing this, how good it is that we all have a place to worship Jehovah in his spiritual temple.

ILLUSTRATION

The copper fountain; the inner courtyard; see paragraph 16. 

THE HONOR OF WORSHIPING JEHOVAH

17. What sacrifices can we offer to Jehovah?

Among the sacrifices we can offer to Jehovah is using our time, energy, and resources to support the Kingdom. And as Paul said in Hebrews 13:15, we can always offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that publicly declare his name. For this reason, if we give Jehovah the best of each of us, we will be showing that we appreciate the honor of serving him.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

We know that we no longer make animal sacrifices to Jehovah. But we can make sacrifices to Jehovah in other ways. For example, using our time, energy and resources to support the Kingdom.

In Hebrews 13:15, we see that we can offer our fruits from lips that publicly declare his name. Therefore, if we give Jehovah our best, we will show that we appreciate the honor of worshiping him especially as we see the day approaching.

18. According to Hebrews 10:22-25, what should we never neglect? And what should we never forget?

We must never neglect praying to Jehovah, telling others about our hope, meeting with our dear brothers, and encouraging one another. And let us never forget the profound things we have learned about Jehovah's great spiritual temple, nor let us forget the valuable honor we have of worshiping our great God Jehovah.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

First of all, we must never neglect our prayers to Jehovah. Let us not neglect to speak to others about our hope, nor let us neglect meetings with our brothers, to encourage each other.

Secondly, we must not forget the profound things we have learned about Jehovah's great spiritual temple, nor the valuable privilege we have of being able to worship our great Jehovah.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

For what reasons was Paul concerned about the Hebrew Christians?

These Christians were born and continued to live in Jewry. They had no temple, they had no altar, nor did they have priests. Furthermore, many were still guided by the law of Moses, which is why Paul wrote to them to encourage them.

Why is Jehovah's spiritual temple superior?

The high priest had to make a sacrifice once a year, with the blood of animals for the forgiveness of the people. But Jesus entered heaven itself, before the presence of Jehovah. There he presented the value of his perfect human life for all of us, to eliminate sin through his own sacrifice.

What should we never neglect, and what should we never forget?

We should never neglect our prayers to Jehovah, nor should we speak to others of our hope, nor should we stop meeting with our brothers to encourage one another. And we must not forget the profound things we have learned about Jehovah's great spiritual temple.