Eden was more than just a garden. I agree with you that it was created as a sanctuary where God would meet with His image-bearers. It actually is a beautiful picture. Sin had not yet entered the world. Everything God created was good and perfect. Adam and Eve had a form of fellowship with God that we cannot truly comprehend. The creation narrative never tells us how long this perfect state lasted. I suppose that does not really matter. What does matter is that sin did enter the world and the curse followed immediately after. What does matter is that the last Adam (the seed of the woman) has restored what Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden. I am looking forward to that day when this present age ends and we will be in a truly sacred place.
Well Yes that is exactly right Reformed.
Every type in the OT. points forward and is summed up In The person and work of The King, and His kingdom spreading worldwide.
The prophets spoke of a King , Priest, a Prophet greater than Moses.
The verse in Hebrews 9;23 is massive as it is set in a discussion of the heart of the OT. Sacrificial system, all the workings of the tabernacle which give way to the true tabernacle.
It, of course, culminates in the rule and reign of the Covenant Son, and us in saving union with Him;
23 It was, therefore, necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
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So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
and then this;
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21 And having an high priest over the house of God;
22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
