Key Thought:  The old covenant-sacrificial system was replaced by the new; instead of animals being sacrificed by sinful priests in an earthly sanctuary, we now have Jesus, our perfect Sacrifice. He represents us before the Father in the sanctuary in heaven, which forms the basis of the new covenant and its promises.

Prepared by William Earnhardt for June 12, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 26:11,12; Exodus 25:8.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. Why did God command Israel to build the sanctuary? What reason does He give for doing this?
3. Personal Application: Why did God need a sanctuary to live among us? Hint: Isaiah 59:2 See also Desire of Ages, Pages 161-162.
4. Case Study: Suppose a class member were to ask if God abhorred us before the sanctuary was built? What would you say?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:4, Hebrews 9:14.

1. Ask class members what the main idea of this passage is?
2. How does God delivers us from this present, evil world? Does God do this now or later? hint: Titus 2:11-12 and 1 John 2:6 and 1 John 4:17.
3. Personal Application: In what ways and by what means has Jesus saved you from this evil world?
4. Case Study: A coworker laments that she has given up trying to quit smoking. She has resigned to just letting God forgive her over and over. How do you encourage your coworker?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 8:1-6.

1. Ask class members to share the main idea of this passage.
2. What are the better promises the New Covenant is based on? Hint: Read “Better Promises Make a Better Covenant.
3. Personal Application: How does knowing Jesus is your High Priest give you confidence?
4. Case Study: Your neighbor tells you That God gave the new covenant because the old Testament law was too hard to keep. He says the Old Covenant had too many faults. What do you tell your neighbor? Hint: Hebrews 8:8 says God found fault with the people, not the law. Psalm 19:7 says the law is perfect converting the soul.

4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:24; I Timothy 2:5,6.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What does it mean that we have one mediator? Do we need human priests or mediators? Why, why not?
3. Personal Application: What does Jesus being in the Heavenly Sanctuary have to do with our practical life ?” Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).