Introduction: When Jerusalem and its second temple were
destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD was that the end of its
importance? Has the current resurgence of antisemitism any
relevance to the end of days? The continued attack on Jewish
people suggests that Satan still continues to believe them
to be important in his battle against God. The book of
Psalms contains many references to the temple and to events
connected with end-time prophecy. The book of Hebrews is
focused on the prophetic importance of the sacrificial
system. Let’s dive into our study of Hebrews and Psalms and
find what they have to do with end time prophecy!
I. The Historic Plan
A. Read Hebrews 9:6-7. Do you recognize what the
author of Hebrews is writing about? (The historic
daily and yearly services in the Jerusalem
temple.)
B. Read Hebrews 9:8-10. What do you think the
reference to “still standing” means? (I think this
refers to the destruction of the temple. At the
time of Jesus’ death on the cross, Matthew 27:51
tells us that the curtain separating the two
compartments of the temple was “torn in two, from
top to bottom.” That event opened the way between
the two. But this appears to refer to something
more dramatic, the actual destruction of the
temple. That happened in 70 A.D.)
C. Read Hebrews 9:11-12. What is the “more perfect
tent” which is not of human origin? (This must
refer to the temple in heaven where Jesus came
after His crucifixion.)
1. Who is the high priest? (Jesus!)
2. Let’s trace the line of argument made by the
writer of Hebrews. He first refers to the Old
Testament sacrificial system. He next refers
to its spiritual and physical end with the
destruction of the temple. He then tells us
that a new and improved version of this system
is in heaven with Jesus.
D. Read Hebrews 9:13-15. What does this suggest that
Jesus is doing in heaven? (Verse 15 tells us that
a “death has occurred that redeems” us from our
sins. Jesus is both the high priest and the
sacrifice on our behalf.)
E. Read Hebrews 9:23-26. How does this definitively
answer the questions we have just discussed? (This
makes it clear that Jesus is in heaven. That He is
working on our behalf to “put away sin by the
sacrifice of Himself.”)
1. Notice verse 23 refers to “copies of the
heavenly things.” Which temple existed first,
the one on earth or the one in heaven? (This
tells us the one in heaven.)
2. What does this tell you about the plan of
salvation?
F. Read Hebrews 9:28. To what is Jesus’ work in
heaven leading? (To Him coming a “second time” on
earth to “save those who are eagerly waiting for
Him.”)
1. Can you explain how what we have discussed is
a prophecy? (The sacrificial system pointed to
what Jesus would be doing for us, what He is
doing for us, and how He will ultimately bring
sin to an end.)
II. Intervening Chaos
A. Read Jeremiah 4:22. What is the problem with God’s
people?
B. Read Jeremiah 4:23-26. What results from God’s
people doing evil and not good? (Ruination.)
C. Read Jeremiah 4:27. Is there good news in this?
(God says that He will not make a “full end” to
the land. The context for this in found in chapter
4 of Jeremiah where God refers to Judah and
Jerusalem.)
1. What does this suggest about the future of
Jerusalem?
III. God Rescues
A. Read Psalms 47:1. What does this suggest about the
nature of praise?
B. Read Revelation 14:1-3. To what does this compare
praise in heaven? (The “roar” of waters, the
“sound of loud thunder.”)
1. What is the attitude of those who are saved?
Do you have that same attitude?
C. Read Psalms 47:2-4 and Romans 11:11-12. Then read
Romans 11:17-18. When Psalms 47 refers to “our
heritage” what is that? (It is talking about God’s
original chosen, the Jewish people.)
D. Read Psalms 47:5-8. What is the future for all of
God’s people? (Victory!)
E. Read Psalms 47:9. What does this tell us about
God’s continuing connection to the Jewish people?
(Everyone who chooses Jesus becomes “the people of
the God of Abraham.”)
F. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. How are the dead
raised to eternal life? (Through Jesus. As we have
seen, the entire sacrificial system pointed to
Jesus and to His current ministry in heaven. Jesus
is the indispensable key to eternal life.)
G. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17. Who rises to heaven
when Jesus comes a second time? (The “dead in
Christ will rise first.” That is followed by those
who are alive when Jesus comes the second time.)
H. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:18. What kind of news is
this? (News that encourages!)
IV. Who God Rescues
A. Read Psalms 15:1. What is God’s “tent” and His
“holy hill?” (David is writing about being in the
presence of God.)
B. Read Psalms 15:2-3. How do the saved treat their
friends?
C. Read Psalms 15:4. What attitude does the saved
person have towards evil people? (They despise
them.)
1. Wait a minute! I’m told (by Jesus) that I must
“love” my “enemy.” Matthew 5:44. Can you
reconcile these two texts? (In the past we have
discussed Matthew 5:45 in which Jesus explains
the type of love the Father shows. What God
shows to evil people is common grace, He treats
them just like everyone else. Thus, you treat
vile people fairly, but you should despise them
and honor those “who fear God.”)
2. What does “swears to his own hurt” mean? (It
means you keep your agreements, even if it does
not turn out well for you.)
D. Read Psalms 24:3. What is the “hill of the Lord,”
and His “holy place?” (Again, this reasonably
refers to God’s presence.)
E. Read Psalms 24:4. What is the answer to the
question posed in Psalms 24:3? (Those who have
“clean hands and a pure heart.”)
1. Is that you?
F. Read Psalms 5:3-6. We find here another statement
about God hating evildoers. Do all of these
statements (here and in prior texts) worry you
about your salvation? Do you measure up?
G. Read Psalms 5:7. Look again at Psalms 5:3. What
significance doe the reference to the “holy temple”
and “sacrifice” have to the issue of you measuring
up? (This is righteousness by faith. This points
our attention to the significance of the
sacrificial system of the temple in Jesus’ past and
His current work on our behalf in heaven.)
1. What motivates what Jesus has done for us?
(Jesus’ “steadfast love.”)
H. Skip down and read Psalms 5:11-12. What are you
reminded of when you read God spreads protection
over us and covers us like a shield? (Read
Revelation 7:9 and Revelation 7:13-14. Our white
robe of righteousness, which was made white in the
blood of the Lamb, is our cover and our shield. In
Jesus we enter into the heavenly courts!)
I. Friend, would you like a cover and a shield? Would
you like to be protected by what Jesus has done on
your behalf? The message of the Bible from
beginning to end is that we are saved by Jesus’
sacrifice on our behalf. Why not accept that right
now?
V. Next week: In the Psalms: Part 2.
Copr. 2025, Bruce N. Cameron, J.D. Scripture quotations are
from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard
Version ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing
ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All
rights reserved. Suggested answers are found within
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but it is lost one week, you can find it by clicking on this
link: http://www.GoBible.org. Pray for the guidance of the
Holy Spirit as you study.
