Table of Contents
This lesson explores the symbolic meaning of the lampstand mentioned in the Bible. A lampstand represents spirits and workers who provide spiritual light and understanding, though limited compared to the full light that comes later.
In the Old Testament tabernacle, the seven-branched lampstand stood in the Holy Place, shining light into the Most Holy Place containing the Ark of the Covenant – a pattern of heavenly realities.
The seven lamps on the lampstand correspond to the seven Spirits of God described in Revelation. John the Baptist served as a “lamp” preparing the way for Jesus, the greater light and fulfillment of the Most Holy Place at his first coming.
Revelation 1:20 prophesies about seven lampstands representing seven people/workers who will appear before Christ’s second coming to prepare the way, guided by the seven Spirits. Understanding our role in relation to these prophecies is important as we await Christ’s return.
The main thrust is recognizing the lampstands as symbolic of limited spiritual enlightenment that precedes and points to the full revelation of truth that is to come. The lesson aims to explain this pattern from the Old Testament to the first coming, and its implications for the second coming.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Eyes (Lampstand, Candlestands) = Spirits and Workers
Light of a lamp = Spirit within a person
Lampstand to shine light for evening until morning to prepare for entry into the Most Holy Place.
This first person’s role was to prepare the way for one greater than himself who would come later.
The Seven Spirits will work alongside these seven people. A person channels the role and spirit working through them. So the Seven Spirits will prepare for the coming of the greater light at the time of the Second Coming.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Lampstand
We’re delving into a topic of great significance and intrigue, one that may be somewhat unfamiliar to you. Our discussion promises to captivate you with the relevance it holds in our current time.
Let’s revisit John 3 and reflect on Jesus’ teachings regarding the light. We’ll explore the essence of being in the light and discern the contrasts it reveals.
19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.
Jesus said something important about what happens when the light appears.
He said that those who are used to darkness will flee when the light appears. It’s like when someone turns on a bright light early in the morning when you’re waking up from sleep – you want to run away and stick with what you’re comfortable with, the darkness.
So the light is not always initially comfortable. Your eyes need time to adjust before feeling comfortable in the brightness. We’ll talk about the role of the lamp stand in this lesson in helping with that transition.
I want us to be people who do not turn away from the light because of its brightness, but instead turn toward it and adjust to it. We should not be like those Jesus described, who react poorly when the light appears.
What’s a lampstand?
Some may think of the menorah, which has nine branches. However, the lampstand referred to here is different – it has seven branches, with one middle branch and three branches on each side, for a total of seven lamps.
So a lampstand is a collection of lamps connected into one structure. It had an important role in Moses’s Tabernacle, as well as during the time of the first and second comings of Jesus.
So let’s look at what the lampstand represents. It has two meanings:
1. Spirits
2. Workers.
Our hope for today is to self-reflect and be concerned so that we may become workers for God at the second coming.
What does it mean to be a worker for God? It means being one who has received the grace of understanding – the grace of salvation from God – and who is coming to know Him more through His Word. We want to contribute in whatever way we can to the fulfillment of God’s plans. For some of us, that might mean teaching the Word. For others, it may involve guiding people to hear the teaching of the Word.
We all have a role to play in the fulfillment of God’s Word, whether we realize it or not. I hope you are understanding more and more how you can be a worker for God.
Consider the example of the Apostle Paul. When he encountered Jesus in Acts 9 and realized what he had done and been doing against the truth, he changed. He then worked harder than all the other disciples to make up for everything he had done so that people could hear the Word.
So what is God asking you to do? If it’s not yet clear, continue to pray, “God, how can I contribute to your work?” There are many roles and tasks God needs us to fulfill, which we will understand more about as we continue today.
Main Reference
The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
As Jesus speaks to the Apostle John in Revelation 1:20, John sees a glorious vision of Jesus standing among seven golden lampstands.
Jesus refers to the “mystery, or secret, of the seven stars and the seven golden lampstands,” indicating that the stars and lampstands are parables within this Revelation prophecy.
By studying what the lampstands represent, we can better understand part of Jesus’ intended meaning.
Revelation 1:20 provides more detail on the lampstands. As we analyze this description further…”
1. Physical Characteristics of Lampstand or Lamp
A lamp serves an important purpose. What does a lamp do? What is the role of a lamp?
1. A lamp provides brightness (brighten) during times of darkness or night. A lamp, though small, can make a big difference in total darkness. Its light takes on greater significance when there is no other light present.
2. However, that lamp is useless during daytime when there is ample daylight. Its dim light pales in comparison to the true light of day. So when daylight comes, the lamp serving its nighttime purpose can be extinguished and put away, as a greater light has arrived that makes the lamp’s light unnecessary
2. Lampstand at Old Testament
Let’s see when it was introduced during the time of Moses and the significance of its introduction.
8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.
ONE – God has a desire – to dwell with His people. So God instructs Moses to construct a sanctuary according to specifications that God provides.
Just as one might search for months to find the right home suited to their preferences, God requests for the tabernacle to be made precisely “according to My pattern” – not Moses’s own design.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, God spoke to him, charging him, “Make the Tabernacle according to My pattern.” This point is critical – God provides explicit instructions to ensure the tabernacle aligns with His purposes.
Let us examine God’s directives regarding the lampstand’s purpose and how the lamps should be configured in the tabernacle.
20 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.
TWO – God instructs Moses to tell Aaron to put olive oil in the lamps. The lampstand was fueled by olive oil. The oil was poured into the middle branch of the lampstand, and from there it disseminated to the other branches, spreading throughout. So the middle branch was very important in this process.
First the olive oil was placed into the middle branch, and from there it spread to the other branches. Once full of oil, the lamps could be lit.
The lamps were to be kept burning from evening until morning – throughout the night. This lighting of the lamps was to be a lasting ordinance, done from generation to generation.
Today we no longer use lampstands like this. That raises the question – why? In ancient times, its role was to burn from evening until morning, to illuminate the holy place.
Let’s visualize and understand why we transitioned from using literal lampstands to other forms of lighting, and what purpose the lampstand served in its cultural context.
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.
THREE – Let’s understand what the writer of Hebrews was describing here. He is describing the tent of meeting.
There was an outer courtyard, also called the outer fence. Inside the outer courtyard were two rooms inside the tent of meeting: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holiest of Holies as some versions say). These rooms were separated by a curtain.
Only the high priest was allowed into the Most Holy Place once a year. Entering at any other time meant death. There were several rituals supposed to be done in the outer courtyard, like offerings at the water basin. We’ll get to those later. But let’s focus on the two rooms first.
Visualize a big rectangle for the outer courtyard. Inside, draw a smaller rectangle divided into thirds – two-thirds for the Holy Place and one-third for the Most Holy Place.
In Moses’ time, the altar of incense was in the Holy Place. The writer of Hebrews describes how it eventually moved into the Most Holy Place when God’s presence came.
The Holy Place also contained the table of consecrated bread with twelve loaves, and a lampstand to shine light for evening until morning to prepare for entry into the Most Holy Place.
The curtain separated the two rooms. Inside the Most Holy Place was the Ark of the Covenant containing three important articles:
1. Aaron’s staff that had budded – a dead staff that came to life and sprouted buds
2. A golden jar of manna – the bread from heaven that God used to feed the Israelites
3. The two stone tablets with the commandments – the word from above
This Ark was called the Ark of the Testimony and was kept in the room called the Holy of Holies or the Tabernacle of the Covenant Law.
Here is the clue, the three articles inside the Tabernacle:
A staff is a piece of a tree that has been cut off. It’s dead. But Aaron’s staff sprouted buds. It came to life. We also see a golden jar of manna. The very bread from heaven that God used to feed the Israelite people. Hmm. Something that was dead but came to life. A bread from above.
Interesting. And there were also the two stone tablets. The word from above.
Oh, so many exciting things going on here, sound familiar?
Let’s read Hebrew 8:5, so that we can learn something interesting about this Tabernacle.
They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
I hope you grasped what was said here. This is exciting. What did we observe? The priests serve at a sanctuary. That is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.
This is why Moses was warned when building the tabernacle to make everything according to the pattern shown on the mountain.
The passage indicates that the tabernacle Moses built can be considered a “little mini heaven” on earth – a place where God can dwell with his people, similar to what exists in heaven.
Moses looked into heaven and then constructed what he saw on earth, making the tabernacle a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary.
As also stated in Hebrews 10:1, Moses had to follow God’s precise specifications and patterns when building the tabernacle so that it would be a familiar, home-like place for God to come and dwell.
Very cool. A tent of meeting, meeting whom? God. But only after a cleansing process was one permitted in this place.
Reminder:
– The tabernacle was a copy and shadow of the heavenly sanctuary
– It was built by Moses according to the pattern God showed him, to create a “little mini heaven” on earth
– This allowed a holy place for God to dwell with his people here, just as in heaven
– Moses glimpsed the heavenly tabernacle and replicated it on earth
– Cleansing rituals had to precede entering this holy meeting place with God
3. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Lampstand
After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2 At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. 3 And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne. 4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.
Some profound concepts are mentioned here. Let’s try to understand what’s happening. The Apostle John, who documented the events in Revelation, is taken up into heaven in the spiritual realm in Revelation 4 and sees many astounding visions, which we will analyze in detail in future lessons.
But he mentions seeing seven flaming lamps, which represent the seven spirits of God. These same seven spirits are also referred to by another intriguing name.
6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.
John said that the seven eyes and the Seven Lambs represent the seven spirits before God’s throne. God sends these seven Spirits throughout the whole Earth.
If we look back at the lampstand that Moses built, how many branches did it have? Seven. That is no accident. There are no accidents with God. Everything is intentional.
It says here that the eyes represent spirits. That makes sense – spirits have the best sight. They can see through any confusion and go right to the heart. They have bright, discerning eyes.
Their job is to observe. That’s why it says the seven Spirits are sent out over the Earth – to observe what is happening.
Some depictions of biblical angels take these descriptions literally. That’s why those depictions are inaccurate. The eyes here are figurative – they represent the discerning Spirits.
Eyes also have another meaning in the Bible. Let’s turn back to Isaiah 29, a critical chapter we reference often. There is so much packed into that chapter.
The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).
He has covered your eyes. The prophets are workers of God and if their eyes are closed, they are no longer able to do their job. They are no longer able to see what is to come, because the word is sealed to them.
Eyes are compared to spirits. The prophets take on the same title as the spirit using them.
A key example is the Pharisees and Sadducees. What does both Jesus and John the Baptist call them in Matthew 23? Jesus called them a brood of vipers (serpents, snakes). Why? They had inherited the title of the spirit using them, just as with God’s spirits. If the lamps are using you, you too become a lamp.
Let’s look at another example from Matthew 6. We will analyze this passage in more detail in the next lesson, but I wanted to introduce it here:
22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Jesus said that the eyes are the lamp of the body. He is speaking figuratively here.
Jesus is not saying that physically blind people are full of darkness. Rather, he is using symbolic language.
If one’s spiritual eyes are filled with light, then their whole spirit will be filled with understanding, discernment, and knowledge of God’s word. But if one’s spiritual eyes are closed, their whole spirit is in darkness and lacks understanding.
In summary, eyes and lampstands, a collection of lamps, all represent spirits and people. The spirits work through the people, meaning the spirits use them.
So at the time of Jesus’ first coming, let’s examine who was compared to a lamb and why it’s significant. But before discussing his first coming, if we look back at the image of the Tabernacle, we see that the lampstand was placed in the holy place.
The light from that lamp in the holy place would shine into the Most Holy Place, lighting the way and preparing for entry into the Most Holy Place. That is why the lampstand was located in the “holy place” room – it prepares and allows entry.
4. Lampstand at the First Coming
Before we read the passage, let’s understand the conditions of the time.
As we learned in the last lesson, Israel was in a period of darkness before Jesus appeared.
The same night prophesied in Isaiah 29 had come true. In the Old Testament, it was sealed to them, so it was like nighttime.
But then two figures appeared, one after the other, who began to shine light upon the people and reveal things they had never understood before.
This first person’s role was to prepare the way for one greater than himself who would come later.
You probably know who I’m referring to. But in case you don’t, let’s go to John chapter 5.
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
John the Baptist was like a lamp that shone and gave light for a time to help people’s eyes adjust and people chose to bask in that light.
As John 1:5 states, in a time of darkness, John the Baptist was a small light to offer some illumination.
What was John’s role?
He baptized and preached to the masses, effectively awakening them.
John directed people to the one greater than himself who was coming after him.
So, in this analogy, John the Baptist was like a small lamp or a gentle light.
A lamp provides a gentle light that’s easier on the eyes compared to the overwhelming brightness of day.
Imagine someone suddenly drawing back your curtains to let in the morning light; it’s too intense, and you might recoil, exclaiming ‘ahhh, too much!’
However, if you first have the soft glow of a lamp, your eyes can adjust gradually. Then, when the curtains are opened wide to the daylight, you can embrace it.
This is the metaphor Jesus used for John the Baptist: he was like a lamp whose role was to prepare the way.
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
I am the voice of the one calling in the desert, “Make straight the way of the Lord, prepare His way.”
You can read more about this testimony in Matthew 3:1-6.
John the Baptist was preparing the way for the greater light.
I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.
Jesus states in the previous verse that John was like a lamp that burned and gave light. For a time, people chose to enjoy his ministry.
But what does Jesus say about himself?
I have a greater testimony than that of John. For the very works that my Father has given me to finish—the works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. So who was the greater light, the sun that was sent? It was Jesus.
Jesus was “the greater light” or “the day.” His testimony was weightier or greater than John’s.
But John’s role was to prepare the way for that greater light, Jesus.
Jesus equals the greater light or you can say the true light.
The reason Jesus said “you chose for a time to enjoy his [John’s] light” was because people were supposed to transition from John’s ministry to Jesus’ ministry when he began preaching openly to the people.
Jesus was the greater light because he brought the fulfilled word of the Old Testament during his first coming. That’s why Jesus’ testimony of what he saw and heard was a greater testimony.
Let’s understand the logic here:
The Tabernacle that God had Moses build was called a shadow, meaning the reality appeared at the time of Jesus’ first coming.
So out of John and Jesus, who was the figurative Holy Place? John.
John was the figurative Holy Place.
But then who was the Most Holy Place? Jesus.
That makes sense when we remember what was inside the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place:
1. Aaron’s staff that had budded – representing life from death
2. A golden jar of manna – the bread from heaven
3. The two stone tablets with the commandments, the covenant – the word
Who does this point to? Jesus.
1. He died and came to life
2. He was the bread from heaven
3. He represented the New Covenant
John’s role was to prepare the way for Jesus. That’s why John was called a lamp.
I hope everyone really understands the significance of the deeper meaning that John the Baptist, as a lamp, prepared the way for Jesus to come as the fulfillment of the Most Holy Place.
This is not an accident.
We will now discuss how this same logic and pattern plays out with the second coming of Jesus.
5. Lampstand at the Second Coming
The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
The mystery of the Seven Stars and the seven golden lampstands is this: The Seven Stars represent the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands symbolize the seven churches.
Churches are compared to lamps.
The lampstand here may refer figuratively to the spirit and work of the people rather than a literal physical object.
This is prophecy, which indicates an actual reality. We learned the lampstand has a dual meaning – both spirits and workers, referencing people.
Specifically, there will be seven key people who appear and prepare the way.
The Seven Spirits will work alongside these seven people. A person channels the role and spirit working through them. So the Seven Spirits will prepare for the coming of the greater light at the time of the Second Coming.
This greater light will bring open understanding, symbolic of the New Testament revelations.
One may wonder: Who are these seven people? Have they already appeared? How would we recognize them? These are good questions to hold onto as we continue to understand more.
Memorization
John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Instructor Review
Summary
Let’s review the key messages from the lesson on the figurative meaning of the lampstand. Lampstands have two symbolic meanings in the Bible – they represent spirits and workers. Lamps shine during times of darkness to provide small lights. But when the sun rises or daytime comes, the lamps are no longer necessary, as their job is to prepare the way.
In Moses’s Tabernacle, the lampstand had very specific construction instructions from God on how it was to be built. The lampstand stood in the holy place and shone its light into the most holy place behind the curtain, which contained the Ark of the Covenant. This was a copy and shadow of the realities in heaven, pointing to a future time when the spiritual meanings of these things would appear.
The spiritual meaning of “lamp” refers to spirits and workers. We see descriptions of the seven blazing lamps on the seven lampstands, representing the Seven Spirits in heaven. When Moses saw this vision, he constructed a lampstand on earth based on the pattern. These Seven Spirits are also called the seven eyes, representing the same Spirits but with different roles. The eyes observe, as they are sent out all over the earth to watch. Isaiah 29:10 also compares people to eyes – if people can see spiritually, their body is full of light; if not, full of darkness (referring to the spiritual not physical body).
So the figurative meanings of eyes, lamps, lampstands, spirits and workers are connected. At the time of the first coming, John the Baptist was like a small light, baptizing people and preaching to prepare their hearts for Jesus, the greater light with a bigger testimony. John was like the holy place, while Jesus was like the most holy place. Hebrews 9 elaborates on this imagery. John’s role was prepare the way for the greater light.
At the second coming in Revelation 1:20, we see seven lampstands and people again, with the job to prepare the way. Upcoming lessons will cover more on their identity and appearance.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Title of the Lesson: Secrets of Heaven – The Figurative Lampstand
Characteristics of a Lampstand:
A lamp gives off a small, localized light – not a big, bright light like the sun. Even a small lamp in your room only lights up part of the space. Similarly, a lampstand holds up a lamp to provide some light, but does not brightly light up a whole room.
We don’t use lampstands much nowadays, but the concept is the same – a lampstand holds up a lamp to give some light. The lamp does not provide a lot of bright light, but it does provide some illumination.
Since we understand that light represents the word of life, a lampstand gives a little bit of spiritual light. A lamp is not as bright as the sun, but it still gives light. This is an important concept to keep in mind.
Meaning of the Figurative Lampstand:
In Revelation 4:5 and 5:6, lampstands can refer to spirits or workers. We know that spirits work through people. So a lampstand can represent a spirit working through a person – a worker shining spiritual light.
In Exodus, Moses built the Tabernacle which contained an essential lampstand. This lampstand illuminated the Most Holy Place at night. The Tabernacle was a copy and shadow of greater things to come.
At Jesus’ first coming, John the Baptist was like a lampstand pointing to Jesus, the true light like the sun. We need to understand what the lampstand represented historically at Jesus’ first coming, so we can understand Bible prophecies about lampstands at His second coming.
Revelation 1:20 mentions seven lampstands at the second coming, referring to seven people. By God’s grace we will understand this more.
As we learn, we also need to reflect – where do I fit into this picture? What is my role? We should be grateful to God for allowing us to understand these spiritual matters today.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Unlocking Revelation: Understanding the Figurative Lampstand
I. Introduction: Illuminating the Significance of the Lampstand
This section introduces the concept of the lampstand and its importance in understanding biblical prophecy, emphasizing the need to embrace the light of truth even when it initially seems uncomfortable.
II. Defining the Lampstand: Exploring its Dual Meaning
This section clarifies that the biblical lampstand differs from the nine-branched menorah, having seven branches instead. It then explains the lampstand’s two symbolic interpretations: representing both spirits and the workers they operate through.
III. Recapping Figurative Light: Separating Day from Night
This section reviews previous lessons on the concept of figurative light, which represents the Word of Life. It reiterates that the light separates light from darkness, day from night, highlighting Jesus’s role as the embodiment of this light at his first coming.
IV. Deciphering Revelation 1:20: Unmasking the Mystery
This section focuses on Revelation 1:20, which introduces the vision of seven golden lampstands. It establishes that these lampstands are parables, symbolizing the seven churches, and emphasizes the importance of understanding their meaning.
V. Analyzing the Lampstand’s Physical Characteristics: Light in Darkness
This section explores the practical purpose of a lamp – to provide illumination in darkness. It compares the lamp’s dim light to the overwhelming brightness of daylight, signifying the transition from a lesser light to a greater one.
VI. Examining the Lampstand in the Old Testament: God’s Pattern Revealed
This section delves into the historical context of the lampstand, beginning with God’s instructions to Moses to build the Tabernacle according to His specific design. It details God’s command to keep the lamps burning perpetually, signifying its lasting significance throughout generations.
VII. Exploring the Tabernacle’s Structure: A Glimpse of Heaven on Earth
This section unpacks the layout of the Tabernacle, highlighting the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. It describes the furnishings within each room, emphasizing the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place containing symbols of life, sustenance, and God’s word. The section culminates by revealing the Tabernacle as a “copy and shadow” of the heavenly sanctuary, built by Moses according to God’s blueprint.
VIII. Unveiling the Lampstand’s Spiritual Meaning: Seven Spirits of God
This section transitions to the spiritual meaning of the lampstand, drawing on Revelation 4:1-5 and 5:6-7. It identifies the seven lamps as the seven spirits of God, represented as eyes observing all events on Earth. This section further connects the concept of spiritual eyes to prophets and workers, emphasizing that those with spiritually open eyes are filled with light and understanding.
IX. Understanding the Lampstand at the First Coming: John the Baptist as the Preparer
This section examines the lampstand’s significance at Jesus’ first coming. It identifies John the Baptist as a lamp preparing the way for Jesus, the true light, highlighting John 5:35-36. It draws parallels between John as the figurative Holy Place and Jesus as the Most Holy Place, aligning with the symbolism of the Tabernacle.
X. The Lampstand at the Second Coming: Seven Churches as Beacons
This section explores the lampstand’s role at Jesus’ second coming, referencing Revelation 1:20 and identifying the seven lampstands as the seven churches. It proposes that these churches, representing both spirits and workers, will pave the way for the second coming, bringing a greater understanding of God’s word.
XI. Summary: Recapitulating Key Insights and Posing Reflection Questions
This section summarizes the key takeaways of the lesson, emphasizing the dual meaning of the lampstand, its role in both the Old and New Testaments, and its prophetic significance at the second coming. It encourages self-reflection on one’s role in God’s plan, prompting contemplation on how to participate in fulfilling His purpose.
XII. Review: Consolidating Understanding and Highlighting Key Themes
This section reinforces the lesson’s core concepts, reiterating the characteristics of a lampstand and its figurative meaning. It summarizes the historical and symbolic significance of the lampstand in the Tabernacle, as well as its prophetic relevance to both the first and second comings of Jesus. The section concludes by urging continued exploration and understanding of these spiritual truths.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Lampstand Study Guide
Short Answer Quiz
Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.
- What are the two figurative meanings of a lampstand in the Bible?
- Explain the relationship between the brightness of a lamp and the brightness of the sun as discussed in the source material.
- What is the primary function of a lamp, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual light?
- Describe the layout of Moses’s Tabernacle and the significance of the lampstand’s placement within it.
- According to Hebrews 8:5, what is the significance of the Tabernacle’s design?
- How are the seven spirits of God described in Revelation 4:5 and 5:6?
- Explain the connection between “eyes” and “spirits” as presented in Isaiah 29:10 and Matthew 6:22-23.
- What role did John the Baptist play in relation to Jesus, and how does this relate to the concept of the lampstand?
- Who or what do the seven lampstands symbolize in Revelation 1:20, and what is their purpose?
- How does the understanding of the figurative lampstand at Jesus’ first coming help us understand its role at His second coming?
Short Answer Quiz Answer Key
- The two figurative meanings of a lampstand in the Bible are spirits and workers. Spirits represent divine messengers or guides, while workers refer to individuals who carry out God’s will and spread spiritual light.
- The source material compares the brightness of a lamp to the sun to illustrate the difference between preparatory light and ultimate truth. A lamp provides a gentle, localized light that prepares for the arrival of a greater, more encompassing light symbolized by the sun. The lamp’s dimness highlights the sun’s overwhelming brightness.
- A lamp’s primary function is to provide illumination in darkness. This connects to the concept of spiritual light because the lamp symbolizes individuals or spirits who spread understanding and knowledge of God’s word in a world shrouded in spiritual darkness.
- Moses’s Tabernacle was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The lampstand was strategically placed in the Holy Place, and its light shone into the Most Holy Place, which contained the Ark of the Covenant. This placement symbolized the lampstand’s role in preparing for and illuminating the way to the presence of God.
- Hebrews 8:5 states that the Tabernacle’s design was not arbitrary but based on a heavenly pattern revealed to Moses. This means the Tabernacle was a “copy and shadow” of a heavenly sanctuary, signifying a tangible representation of God’s dwelling place among his people.
- In Revelation 4:5, the seven spirits of God are depicted as seven blazing lamps before God’s throne. In Revelation 5:6, they are described as the seven eyes of the Lamb, signifying their omniscient and discerning nature as they are sent out to observe all of Earth.
- Both Isaiah 29:10 and Matthew 6:22-23 link the concept of “eyes” with spiritual sight and understanding. Isaiah 29:10 refers to prophets’ eyes being sealed, signifying their inability to receive God’s word. Matthew 6:22-23 equates healthy eyes with spiritual enlightenment and unhealthy eyes with spiritual darkness. These passages suggest that “eyes” symbolize the capacity for spiritual perception.
- John the Baptist served as a forerunner to Jesus, preparing people for his arrival. He is compared to a lampstand because his ministry provided a preparatory light, awakening people to the coming of Jesus, who is represented as the true light or the sun. John’s role exemplifies the lampstand’s function of illuminating the path to a greater light.
- In Revelation 1:20, the seven lampstands symbolize seven churches, representing communities of believers. Their purpose is to spread spiritual light and prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus. They are tasked with carrying the message of the Gospel and illuminating the world with the truth of God’s word.
- By understanding that the lampstand at Jesus’ first coming represented those who prepared the way for him (like John the Baptist), we can apply that same logic to the second coming. The seven lampstands in Revelation represent those who will similarly prepare the way for Jesus’ return by spreading spiritual light and guiding people toward God’s truth. This understanding highlights the continuity of God’s plan and the recurring theme of preparation.
Additional Questions
1. What are the true meanings of a lampstand?
– Spirits
– Workers
2. In the Old Testament, where was the lampstand located?
– The Holy Place in Moses’ Tabernacle
3. When does the light of the lamp shine?
– Evening —> Morning (during the nighttime)
4. Who was the lamp at the first coming?
– John the Baptist (John 5:35-36, Matthew 3:1-6)
5. Is there a lamp that will appear at the second coming?
– Yes and there will be 7 golden lampstands (Revelation 1:20)
Glossary of Key Terms
- Figurative Lampstand: A symbolic representation of spirits or workers who spread spiritual light and understanding.
- Spirits: Divine messengers or guides, often associated with insight, discernment, and knowledge of God’s word.
- Workers: Individuals who actively carry out God’s will and contribute to the spread of spiritual light and truth.
- Tabernacle: A portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites under Moses’s leadership, designed as a dwelling place for God among his people.
- Holy Place: The first room within the Tabernacle, containing the lampstand, table of consecrated bread, and altar of incense.
- Most Holy Place: The innermost room within the Tabernacle, housing the Ark of the Covenant and representing the presence of God.
- Ark of the Covenant: A sacred chest containing the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, symbolizing God’s covenant with his people.
- Seven Spirits of God: Seven divine entities associated with perfect knowledge, wisdom, and power, often depicted as seven blazing lamps or the seven eyes of the Lamb.
- John the Baptist: A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, symbolizing a lamp that illuminates the path to the true light.
- Jesus: The Son of God, represented as the true light, the sun, and the fulfillment of the Most Holy Place, bringing the ultimate truth and salvation.
- Second Coming: The prophesied return of Jesus to Earth, marked by the appearance of seven lampstands representing individuals who prepare the way for his arrival.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This timeline is based on a figurative interpretation of biblical events, as presented in the lesson.
Old Testament Era
- Exodus: God instructs Moses to build the Tabernacle, including a seven-branched lampstand, according to a specific pattern revealed to him. This lampstand is placed in the Holy Place and illuminates the Most Holy Place, symbolizing a small light preparing the way for a greater light.
- Isaiah: The prophet Isaiah foretells a time of spiritual darkness (“deep sleep”) for the people of Israel, during which their spiritual eyes (prophets and seers) will be closed.
First Coming of Jesus
- Ministry of John the Baptist: John the Baptist emerges as a “lamp that burned and gave light,” preparing the way for the coming of Jesus. He baptizes and preaches, awakening the people and directing them towards the greater light to come.
- Ministry of Jesus: Jesus arrives as the “greater light,” bringing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and revealing the true meaning of the Word. He is the “Most Holy Place” symbolized by the Tabernacle, offering life from death, bread from heaven, and a new covenant.
Second Coming of Jesus
- Revelation: The book of Revelation prophesies the appearance of seven lampstands representing seven churches and the seven spirits working through them. These lampstands, or workers, will prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus, who will bring even greater understanding and revelation.
Cast of Characters
1. God: The ultimate source of light and truth. He instructs Moses to build the Tabernacle, sends the Seven Spirits to observe the Earth, and reveals his will through prophecy.
2. Moses: The prophet who leads the Israelites out of Egypt. He receives instructions from God to build the Tabernacle, including the seven-branched lampstand, as a copy of the heavenly sanctuary.
3. Aaron: The brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He is responsible for maintaining the lampstand in the Tabernacle, ensuring it burns continually from evening till morning.
4. The Levites: The priestly tribe of Israel who assist Aaron in the Temple service. They are responsible for various tasks, including tending to the lampstand.
5. Isaiah: An Old Testament prophet who foretells a time of spiritual darkness for Israel and the coming of a greater light.
6. John the Baptist: A prophet who precedes Jesus and prepares the way for his coming. He is likened to a “lamp that burned and gave light,” offering a small illumination to awaken the people.
7. Jesus: The Son of God and the “greater light” who fulfills Old Testament prophecies and reveals the true meaning of the Word. He is the embodiment of the Most Holy Place, offering life from death, spiritual nourishment, and a new covenant.
8. The Seven Spirits: Divine messengers sent out by God to observe the Earth and work through chosen individuals. They are symbolized by the seven lamps of the lampstand and the seven eyes of the Lamb in Revelation.
9. The Seven Churches: Churches mentioned in the book of Revelation that are symbolized by seven lampstands. They represent groups of believers who prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus.
10. The Workers: Individuals chosen by God and empowered by the Seven Spirits to prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus. They are symbolized by the lampstands in Revelation and are tasked with spreading spiritual light and understanding.
Overview
Overview: Secrets of Heaven – The Figurative Lampstand
Main Theme: This lesson explores the spiritual symbolism of the lampstand in the Bible, drawing connections between the Old Testament tabernacle, the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus, and prophecies concerning the Second Coming.
Key Ideas:
- Dual Symbolism: Lampstands represent both spirits and the workers they operate through. The seven spirits of God, represented by seven lamps and eyes, observe and work in the world.
- Light and Darkness: Lamps provide light in darkness, preparing for the greater light of day. This symbolizes the gradual illumination of spiritual understanding, contrasting with the darkness of ignorance.
- Typological Fulfillment: The physical lampstand in the tabernacle prefigures spiritual realities. John the Baptist, as a “lamp,” prepared the way for Jesus, the “true light.” The tabernacle itself foreshadowed Jesus as the ultimate dwelling place of God.
- Second Coming Prophecy: Seven lampstands in Revelation symbolize seven individuals who will prepare the way for Jesus’ Second Coming, ushering in a new era of spiritual understanding.
Important Facts and Quotes:
- The Lampstand’s Purpose: “A lamp serves an important purpose… A lamp provides brightness (brighten) during times of darkness or night.”
- The Tabernacle as a Shadow: “They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven… This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” (Hebrews 8:5)
- Seven Spirits of God: “From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” (Revelation 4:5)
- Eyes as Spirits: “The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.” (Revelation 5:6)
- Spiritual Blindness: “The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).” (Isaiah 29:10)
- Eyes as Lamps: “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.” (Matthew 6:22)
- John the Baptist as a Lamp: “John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.” (John 5:35)
- Jesus as the Greater Light: “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.” (John 5:36)
- Lampstands at the Second Coming: “The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.” (Revelation 1:20)
Call to Action: The lesson encourages readers to reflect on their own role in God’s plan and consider how they might contribute to the work of spiritual illumination. It poses the questions: “Where do I fit into this picture? What is my role?”
Q&A
Q&A: Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Lampstand
1. What does a lampstand represent in the Bible?
A lampstand in the Bible has a dual meaning:
- Spirits: They can represent the Seven Spirits of God, described as blazing lamps before God’s throne in Revelation 4:5 and 5:6.
- Workers: Lampstands can also symbolize people through whom the Seven Spirits work. These individuals shine spiritual light and prepare the way for greater revelation.
2. What is the purpose of a lamp, and how does it relate to the concept of light in the Bible?
A lamp provides a small, localized light in darkness. This gentle illumination serves as a preparation for a greater light, just as the word of life gradually illuminates our understanding. While a lamp is not as bright as the sun (representing full spiritual understanding), it still offers some guidance.
3. How was the lampstand used in Moses’ Tabernacle, and what was its significance?
God instructed Moses to build a lampstand in the Tabernacle’s Holy Place. It shone its light into the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. This lampstand symbolized the Seven Spirits of God and their work of preparing the way for God’s presence. The entire Tabernacle, including the lampstand, was a “copy and shadow” of heavenly realities.
4. Who was the “lampstand” at Jesus’ first coming, and how did they prepare the way?
John the Baptist was the “lampstand” at Jesus’ first coming. He was a small light who baptized people and preached, preparing their hearts for Jesus, who was the “greater light” – the sun bringing the fulfilled word of the Old Testament. John symbolized the Holy Place, while Jesus represented the Most Holy Place, containing the fulfillment of all that the Ark of the Covenant represented.
5. What do the seven lampstands in Revelation 1:20 represent, and what is their role at the second coming?
The seven lampstands in Revelation 1:20 represent seven individuals who will appear at the second coming. They, along with the Seven Spirits working through them, will prepare the way for Jesus’ return and usher in a time of greater spiritual understanding symbolized by the New Testament revelations.
6. How are eyes connected to the concept of lamps and lampstands in the Bible?
Eyes, like lamps and lampstands, represent spiritual sight and understanding. Isaiah 29:10 describes closed eyes as a symbol of prophets who are unable to see or understand God’s word. Jesus states in Matthew 6:22-23 that “the eye is the lamp of the body,” meaning that spiritual sight illuminates our entire being. When our spiritual eyes are open, we are filled with light and understanding.
7. Why don’t we use physical lampstands in religious practices today?
We no longer use physical lampstands because the spiritual realities they represented have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the true light, and the work of spiritual illumination continues through the Holy Spirit working in and through believers.
8. How can we apply the lesson of the figurative lampstand to our own lives?
We should reflect on our own role in God’s plan. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us, shining our light and preparing the way for others to encounter Jesus? We can pray for discernment and ask God to reveal how we can contribute to His work.