Page 47 - The Remnant Bride

The Outer Court

W e have stated that the Outer Court of the tabernacle is representative of those who
come to Christ for the remission of sins. It is the furthest location from the Most Holy

Place that is still part of the tabernacle. Many Christians have through ignorance or
disobedience become content to remain in the Outer Court. The Outer Court is the part of

the building that has access to the world outside. It rubs shoulders with the world.
Unfortunately, many in the Outer Court are looking the wrong way. Rather than

looking farther into the tabernacle, into the Holy Place, and beyond to the Most Holy Place,
they are facing the other direction. They are focused on the world. Because of their worldly

focus, they are oblivious to the treasures that lie so close at hand.
Those who are called to salvation are all given an invitation to advance from the Outer

Court, through the Holy Place, all the way to the Most Holy Place. Few make the complete
trip, however. What hinders those who remain outside? As Paul told the Corinthian

believers, “You are not restrained by us, but you are restrained in your own affections” (2
Corinthians 6:12).

Many, having received salvation, have clung tenaciously to their old affections. They
have not allowed themselves to be transformed. The idols of the world are their idols. Some

even believe that their relationship to God is of great benefit in pursuing the idols that they
hold dear. In their deception they implore God to fulfill their lusts. James makes this clear:

James 4:3-4

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may
spend it on your pleasures. You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with

the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the
world makes himself an enemy of God.

James is speaking to the church here. Why does he call such worldly saints

adulteresses? Is it not because they are betrothed to Christ, but are unfaithful in their
affections? Paul said, “For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I betrothed you to

one husband, that to Christ I might present you as a pure virgin” (II Corinthians 11:2). All
Christians are betrothed to Christ. Their love and their passion is to be reserved for Christ