The Tabernacle, the Priesthood and Their Functions

About the Book

INTRODUCTION

The author is writing these documents in response to the need for a concise and simple presentation of how to properly identify and understand the types found in the tabernacle. The framework of the study is a general knowledge of the tabernacle. The author will explain why an understanding of the tabernacle is important to Christians. The history of the tabernacle will be pointed out. The materials and construction of the tabernacle will be studied. Also, the author will discuss the Levitical priesthood and the important subject of typology. Continued studies will be explained concerning three areas of the tabernacle and their furnishings: the outer-court, the Holy place and the Holy of Holies.

There will be pointed out in this study items such as: the court of the tabernacle, the laver, the Mercy-Seat, the Ark of the Covenant, the Shewbread, the Golden Altar, the Holy Place, the Holy of Holies, the gate or the door, the priesthood and the function of the priesthood; which includes the offerings and the atonement. The altar, the offering and sacrifice, along with the atonement will be especially displayed.

Also, though the tabernacle was built for Israel while in the wilderness, its believed that it was also a shadow of things to come. Because of that, there is consideration given to some study on sin, the veil and Jesus Christ. The tabernacle is scantly preached or taught in Churches today. Therefore, few people realize the great importance given to the tabernacle throughout scripture.

Believers should study the tabernacle for the following reasons:

1.   The study of the tabernacle is necessary for a proper understanding of God's redemptive program, which is progressively revealed throughout the Scriptures.

2.   A study of the tabernacle with an understanding of it will inform sinful people about the holiness of God.

3.   The study of the priesthood is foundational to an understanding of Christ's priestly ministry.

4.   The study of the sacrificial system within the tabernacle teaches the great importance that God placed on the need for a blood sacrifice to atone for sin.

The author wishes that the readers of this study not only use this study for knowledge, but also to find and gain a closer relationship with God.

About the Author

Jurisdictional Bishop, Dr. Gilbert H. Edwards, Sr. was born and reared in Maryland. He attended the Pomphrey Elementary School of Patterson Park, Maryland and The Bates High School in Annapolis, Maryland. He spent his last year of high school in South Fallsburg, New York. Dr. Edwards is a lover of sports and served in the United States Military Armed Forces until 1962. Dr. Edwards married Dorothy Mae Littlejohn in 1964 and from this union 16 beautiful children were born.

Dr. Edwards received his ministerial calling in 1968. Under the tenure of the late Honorable Bishop Hansome Lewis Walker of Baltimore MD, serving as Sunday School Superintendent and Assistant Pastor of the Faith Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, Baltimore, Maryland. He was later called to pastor the Full Gospel True Mission Church, along with his companion, Mother Edwards, where they have both labored now for 31 years.

In August 1982, Bishop Edwards received his pastoral ordination credentials from the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Church Association, Inc. (PCAF) Bishop Edwards serves on the Board of Bishops for the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith Association, Inc. and as District Elder, since 1990 for 8 churches in the Pennsylvania State and New Jersey State areas. He presently holds the position as Chairman and Sunday School Auxiliary Bishop for the Eastern and Southern States Council of the PCAF.

Dr. Edwards obtained his Associate of Arts, and Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Biblical Studies from the Arlington Bible College in Baltimore, Maryland. In 1993, he received his Master of Arts Degree and in May 1996, he achieved his Doctorate of Theology in Biblical and Theological Studies from the Antietam Bible Seminary in Hagerstown, Maryland.

Dr. Edwards is a lover of people. His concern, compassion and longsuffering has won great admiration and trust for him among his immediate family, his church family and peers!