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FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 18: April 27 - May 3: "Holiness to the Lord"

Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

The Tabernacle represented God’s desire to be near His covenant people despite their imperfection (see Exodus 25:8). Every aspect of its design—from the veil to the altar described in Exodus 35–40—pointed to Jesus Christ, the true Mediator who makes it possible to return to the Father’s presence. When we make and keep covenants, we symbolically “enter” the holy space God provides for our spiritual renewal (see Leviticus 16:2).

The outer courtyard symbolized cleansing through sacrifice (see Leviticus 16:29–30), while the Holy Place represented continual devotion and prayer. The Most Holy Place—where God’s presence dwelled (see Leviticus 16:2)—signified exaltation made possible through Christ’s Atonement. This sacred pattern teaches that holiness is not instant but progressive, cultivated through consistent faithfulness and repentance (see Exodus 40:33–34).

The burnt, sin, and peace offerings in Leviticus foreshadowed the Savior’s Atonement (see Leviticus 1:3–4; 4:27–31). Each ritual act—laying hands on the offering and making atonement (Leviticus 1:4), as well as the shedding and application of blood—symbolized elements of Christ’s redeeming work. The pattern of substitution and sanctification helps disciples today understand that forgiveness comes only through the Lamb of God.

As taught in Psalm 51:16–17, true holiness begins internally: “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit.” External ordinances and sacrifices are meaningful only when accompanied by humility, sincerity, and personal repentance. Christ fulfilled and replaced the old law of sacrifice, inviting us to offer our whole souls (see also 3 Nephi 9:20), making our hearts the modern altar.

God’s command, “Be ye holy; for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2), reveals that holiness is central to His character. The same call is repeated in the New Testament (see 1 Peter 1:15–16), emphasizing its enduring importance. Holiness is not merely moral purity—it is godly character developed through obedience, compassion, and consecration, aligning us with God’s eternal purposes.

God’s work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39), which is only possible through becoming holy. Through covenants, ordinances, and the refining power of the Atonement, God enables us to progress line upon line. As we live gospel principles, the Spirit sanctifies us, and we experience the joy that comes from becoming more like Him (see 1 Peter 1:15–16).

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • After receiving the law at Mount Sinai, the Israelites began constructing the Tabernacle—a portable sanctuary designed according to divine revelation (Exodus 35–40). The Tabernacle served as the Lord’s dwelling place among His covenant people during their wilderness journey. Leviticus follows this event, detailing the laws and sacrifices governing Israel’s worship and holiness.

Ancient Israel lived among nations steeped in idolatry and ritual impurity. God’s commandments and sacrificial system distinguished His people from surrounding cultures. Every material—gold, linen, incense—and every action—washing, offering, anointing—was a deliberate symbol pointing to purity, consecration, and the coming Messiah. The Tabernacle was built through the freewill offerings of the people, reflecting covenant cooperation and devotion.

  • The Tabernacle and its rituals established Israel’s covenant identity as a holy nation. It became a tangible reminder that access to God required atonement, purity, and covenant loyalty. These chapters mark Israel’s shift from liberation to sanctification—learning not only who delivered them, but how to dwell with Him.
  • Just as God dwelled among Israel through the Tabernacle, He desires to dwell in our hearts and homes today. His holiness invites—not excludes—us, calling us to prepare spiritually to receive Him. Modern temples and personal sanctification continue the same pattern of divine presence through covenant faithfulness.
  • The Tabernacle was more than a mobile temple—it was a divine teaching tool. Each element represented a stage in spiritual progression: the altar of sacrifice (repentance and forgiveness), the laver (purification and covenant renewal), the Holy Place (daily devotion and service), and the Holy of Holies (God’s presence). The priest’s movement from the outer court inward mirrored the disciple’s journey toward spiritual wholeness.
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  • The high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 29–34) foreshadowed Jesus Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all to make intercession for humanity (Hebrews 9:11–12).
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  • For modern disciples, the pattern of the Tabernacle is reflected in temple ordinances and personal covenant progression. Each sacred step—faith, repentance, covenant, service, and sanctification—moves us closer to God’s presence, fulfilling His desire to “dwell among [His people]” (Exodus 25:8).
  • The sacrificial system was not simply a ritual formality; it was a school of repentance. In offering an unblemished animal, Israelites symbolically transferred their sins and expressed gratitude, humility, and faith in God’s mercy. The external act of sacrifice was meant to cultivate an internal transformation—a broken heart and contrite spirit (Psalm 51:16–17).
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  • Levitical sacrifices emphasized substitution and sanctification—each offering prefigured Christ’s ultimate atonement. The shedding of blood symbolized life given for life, foreshadowing the Savior’s selfless love.
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  • As taught in Broken Heart, the Lord replaced ancient sacrifice with personal consecration. Our “altar” is now spiritual—daily acts of repentance, forgiveness, and obedience. Holiness today means allowing Christ to sanctify our hearts through covenant living, not mere outward compliance.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  1. Claim: “Israel’s Tabernacle was not divinely revealed—it was borrowed from neighboring religions.”
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  3. Response:
  4. Historical Evidence: Archaeological studies show some superficial similarities in layout and ritual objects among ancient Near Eastern sanctuaries, but the purpose of Israel’s Tabernacle was completely distinct—it centered on covenant worship of one true God, not polytheism. The command “that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8) establishes its divine intent, not cultural imitation.
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  6. Eyewitness Support: The narrative in Exodus records detailed revelation given to Moses directly from God (Exodus 25–31). The precision of the instructions and their covenantal function were remembered and recorded by a nation that experienced those events firsthand.
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  8. Spiritual Confirmation: The Spirit testifies that sacred architecture and ordinances point symbolically to Christ. Like modern temples, the Tabernacle was a pattern of eternal truths restored under divine direction, not human invention.
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  10. Logical Analysis: Similar design features among cultures reflect shared human intuition about sacred space, not plagiarism. Divine revelation often builds on existing forms to elevate understanding—God adapts truth to the language and experience of His people.
  • Claim: “Sacrificial rituals reveal a primitive and cruel religion, not a loving God.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: In the ancient world, blood represented life (Leviticus 17:11). God used that cultural symbol to teach a deeper spiritual reality: life can be preserved only through the giving of another’s life—a prophecy of Christ’s atonement. Far from cruelty, it was a divine education in mercy.
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  • Eyewitness Support: The Israelites viewed sacrifice as sacred, not savage. The rituals involved reverence, thanksgiving, and communal holiness (Leviticus 1:3–4; 4:27–31). Priests acted under covenant authority, emphasizing purification and reconciliation.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Holy Ghost confirms that the law of sacrifice was fulfilled in the Savior’s perfect love. Every offering pointed forward to “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8), revealing God’s compassion, not vengeance.
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  • Logical Analysis: Symbolic instruction does not imply moral endorsement of violence—it reflects pedagogical adaptation. God taught an enslaved, unrefined people using concrete symbols they could understand, preparing them for higher, spiritual law.
  • Claim: “These commandments no longer apply and show how religion becomes obsolete over time.”
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  • Response:
  • Historical Evidence: Levitical holiness laws served both spiritual and societal functions, setting Israel apart as a covenant nation. They preserved moral order and hygiene in a desert environment while teaching symbolic purity.
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  • Eyewitness Support: Generations of Israelites lived these laws as part of daily worship. They were memorialized through ritual recitation and covenant renewal, demonstrating the enduring role of holiness in community identity.
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  • Spiritual Confirmation: Modern revelation affirms the principle behind the law—God’s call to “be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). While the rituals have changed, the divine standard of purity and consecration remains constant.
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  • Logical Analysis: Dismissing ancient laws because their form differs from ours ignores their function as spiritual pedagogy. Each commandment points to universal moral truths—separation from sin, reverence for life, and sanctity of worship.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Dedicate a physical space or daily time for sacred reflection, prayer, or scripture study—your personal holy place.

The Lord commanded Israel to build a Tabernacle “that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). In modern discipleship, holiness begins when we intentionally invite God’s presence into our daily living. Setting apart sacred space fosters peace, revelation, and spiritual focus.

  1. – Choose a quiet spot in your home or schedule a consistent time each day for spiritual reflection.
  2. – Begin with prayer, asking the Lord to help you feel His presence.
  3. – Read or listen to scripture for a few minutes, recording any impressions.
  4. – Express gratitude and invite the Spirit to remain with you throughout the day.

Encouraging Thought:

Our homes can literally become sanctuaries of faith if we build them on gospel-centered patterns. Like the ancient Tabernacle, your personal worship space can become a refuge of holiness.

Action Step: Identify one habit, weakness, or attitude to lay on the altar of sacrifice this week and replace it with an act of devotion or service.

The sacrifices of Leviticus symbolized a humble offering of one’s will. As Broken Heart teaches, Christ now asks for inner transformation instead of ritual offerings. When we yield our pride or impatience to Him, we experience forgiveness and deeper peace.

  1. – Pray to discern one specific behavior or thought pattern that distances you from God.
  2. – Write it down as your personal “sacrifice.”
  3. – Replace that habit with an act of faith—kindness, service, or study.
  4. – Review your progress at week’s end and express gratitude for Christ’s enabling grace.

Encouraging Thought:

King David declared, “A broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17). Holiness grows when we give our hearts fully to Him.

  • Action Step: Set a spiritual goal to live one gospel principle more intentionally—such as honesty, Sabbath worship, or kindness—and evaluate your progress daily.

The Lord’s command, “Be ye holy; for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2), is both an invitation and a promise. Holiness is achieved not through perfection but through consistent covenant faithfulness. As we live in harmony with divine law, we experience the happiness and peace of godly living.

  1. – Choose one principle that reflects holiness (e.g., reverence, purity, patience).
  2. – Pray for strength each morning to live that principle intentionally.
  3. – Record one example each day where you felt God’s help in keeping that principle.
  4. – Share what you’ve learned with a family member or friend to strengthen accountability.

Encouraging Thought:

  • The plan of happiness is the plan of holiness. Each step we take toward holiness brings joy—not through ease, but through spiritual alignment with God.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how to make their homes and hearts like the Tabernacle—a place where God’s Spirit can dwell.

Blank paper, pencils or markers, small picture of a temple or tabernacle.

Activity Steps:

  1. Introduction (5 min): Ask participants to think about a place where they feel closest to God (e.g., temple, nature, home). Invite them to describe what makes that place special. Display the temple or tabernacle picture and explain that Israel built the Tabernacle so God could “dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).
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  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Exodus 35:4–10 and 40:34–35. Discuss what the Israelites gave to help build the Tabernacle and how God’s glory filled it once it was completed. Emphasize that holiness invites His presence.
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  5. Application (5 min): Have learners draw or list what they can do to make their home or heart a “holy place” (e.g., prayer, forgiveness, reverence, kindness). Invite a few to share.

Follow-Up Question: What can you do this week to invite the Spirit to “dwell among” you more fully at home or in your heart?

Objective: Teach that true holiness comes from offering our hearts to God through daily repentance and service.

  1. Paper cutouts of altars (one per person), pens or pencils, optional soft background music.

Activity Steps:

Introduction (5 min): Ask, “If you could give one thing to God to show your love for Him, what would it be?” Explain that ancient Israelites brought animal sacrifices, but the Lord now asks for a broken heart and contrite spirit (Psalm 51:17).

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Leviticus 1:3–4 and 4:27–31 together. Discuss what the sacrifice symbolized and how it pointed to Christ’s Atonement. Ask, “What does it mean to place something ‘on the altar’ today?”

Application (5 min): Invite learners to write on their paper altar one attitude, habit, or fear they want to give to God this week. Encourage them to keep the paper as a private reminder of their offering.

Follow-Up Question: How does giving your will to God bring peace and a deeper sense of holiness?

Objective: Help learners see that holiness is achieved through small, consistent choices that reflect covenant living.

Chalkboard or whiteboard, markers, and a pathway or staircase diagram (drawn or printed).

Activity Steps: 

Introduction (5 min): Ask, “When you hear the word holy, what comes to mind?” Write responses on the board. Show the pathway diagram and explain that holiness is not instant—it’s a journey of daily steps toward God.

Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Leviticus 19:1–2 and 1 Peter 1:15–16. Ask, “Why does God command us to be holy?” Write “steps to holiness” on the board as participants suggest principles (faith, repentance, service, charity, integrity, temple worship).

Application (5 min): Invite each person to choose one “step” they want to take this week to grow in holiness. Encourage them to share how that step could bring greater joy or peace.

Follow-Up Question: What small daily choice can help you become more like the Lord, who is perfectly holy?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • The Tabernacle was a divinely revealed pattern showing how God’s people can prepare to enter His presence (Exodus 25:8; 40:34–35).

     

  • Every element of the Tabernacle pointed to Jesus Christ—the true and living way to the Father (Hebrews 9:11–12).

     

  • Ancient sacrifices symbolized the Savior’s infinite atonement and taught that holiness requires humility, repentance, and obedience (Leviticus 1:3–4; 4:27–31).

     

  • God’s command to “be holy” is an invitation to become like Him through covenant living (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16).

     

  • Holiness is not withdrawal from the world but transformation within it—becoming sanctified through service, sacrifice, and spiritual discipline.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
  • Just as Moses received revelation for ancient Israel, modern prophets receive direction for today’s covenant people. God’s pattern of revealing His will through living prophets has never changed. Prophets provide clarity and protection in moral confusion. Trust in prophets does not depend on perfection but on divine appointment. Their teachings align with eternal law, inviting disciples to holiness through revelation, not opinion. Their consistency with scriptural patterns confirms their authenticity.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
  • God’s allowance for human weakness—among individuals and leaders—reflects His commitment to agency and growth. Israel’s stumbles, from the golden calf to their imperfect obedience, were essential lessons in repentance and reliance on divine mercy. The Lord refines His people through correction, not condemnation. Mistakes invite humility, which opens the door to holiness. As He renewed Israel’s covenant after failure, He renews ours through the Atonement of Christ.
  • Exodus 25:8 — “Let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”

     

Leviticus 19:2 — “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.”

Teaching in the Savior’s Way — Section: “Invite the Spirit to Teach” (emphasizing preparation and holiness in teaching).