Beginning At The Sanctuary.
The apostles, when entering on their missionary labours, were to “begin at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The destroying messengers were to begin their direful work at the sanctuary.
Ezek 9:6 Utterly slay old and young men, maidens and little children and women; but do not come near anyone on whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary.” So they began with the elders who were before the temple. NKJV
I. There is no protection in the sanctuary.
II. The greatest guilt is found in the sanctuary.
III. The doom of the sanctuary is a warning to the world.
II. The greatest guilt is found in the sanctuary
No doubt the punishment was to begin there because the worst sin was practiced in that place. The previous chapter gives an account of the abominations of the “chambers of imagery” in the temple. Many things concur to make the sins of the sanctuary great.
- They are sins committed against light. The sins of Christians are worse than the same deeds done by the heathen, because Christians know the evil of them. People brought up under religious influences have not the excuse which may be pleaded for the poor waifs and strays of the streets.
- They are sins committed by men who profess better things. Hypocrisy is thus added to the guilt of the offences themselves.
- They are stumbling blocks to others. Where a good example is looked for, people see the shame of a hypocritical pretence. This is enough to destroy all faith in religion.
- They are dishonouring to God. The holy place is desecrated. Where God should be most honoured his Name is most outraged.
Source: The Pulpit Commentary via Biblesoft
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III. The doom of the sanctuary is a warning to the world.
