1844 and True Education

“The Divine Classroom: Where Character Is the Curriculum”

-Reclaiming the original purpose of education—one soul at a time-

Following Jesus into the Most Holy Place: A Call to Deeper Christian Living

As my husband and I read Fundamentals of Christian Education together (highly recommended!), I began to pray for a clearer understanding of what happened in 1844 when Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in heaven. I didn’t want to just recite dates and doctrines. I wanted to grasp the beauty and personal meaning behind this event—why it matters for my life.

The beauty of Christ’s mission must be central in everything we teach. Let’s explore what it means for Jesus to move from the Holy Place into the Most Holy Place—and what that means for us today.

The Reformers and the Holy Place

Great reformers like Luther, Tyndale, and Huss lived during a time of great darkness. God revealed truth gradually, like light shining into darkened eyes. In the Holy Place of the sanctuary, we see parallels:

• Bread of the Presence – They studied God’s Word and received light.
• Altar of Incense – They prayed for strength and courage.
• Lampstand – They shared the truth boldly, regardless of the cost.

Their work was powerful. But they didn’t have all the light. Even we today are still growing. Thankfully, Christ’s righteousness—both covering and transforming—is available to us through His perfect life and sacrificial death.

A Call to the Most Holy Place

Today, we have even greater light. We are invited into the Most Holy Place—to behold God’s character, revealed in His law, and reflect it. The law in the Ark of the Covenant isn’t just a set of rules; it’s a picture of who God is. In 1844, Jesus began a special work of heart-searching and character transformation among His people.

Now is the time for us to allow God to show us where we fall short of His love, humility, meekness, and patience (1 Cor. 13, Isaiah 58). It’s not enough to know doctrine—we are called to reveal Christ’s character.

True Education and True Reform

True education is about learning the character of Jesus and reproducing it in our lives. It’s not just about being busy with spiritual activities, but about taking time to sit at His feet—like Mary. Satan often tempts us to stay in the Holy Place, doing good things, while avoiding the deeper work of character refinement.

Fathers can study prophecy, and mothers can serve faithfully, but unless we’re being transformed by Christ’s character—especially in how we deal with others—we’re missing the point. The real test is how we treat those who are difficult, those who err, those within our own homes and churches.

The Higher School of Christ

Following Jesus into the Most Holy Place is the same as enrolling in the higher school of Christ. It’s where we:

• Learn His ways.
• Study His methods of reaching people.
• Let His love shape how we interact with the erring.
• Develop patience, tenderness, and compassion.

The world doesn’t need more facts—it needs to see Jesus in us. When others see the beauty of His character lived out, they will naturally be drawn to Him.

The Purpose of Our Doctrines

Our doctrines and reforms are not ends in themselves. They’re tools to help us become more like Christ:

• The Sabbath gives us time to reflect on His character.
• Health reform makes us more balanced and Christlike in spirit.
• The truth about death removes fear and highlights God’s justice and mercy.

These truths point us to a deeper relationship with Jesus. He is the embodiment of the law and the reason behind everything we believe.

A Revival of Love

What do we need most today? Not just great preaching or martyr-like sacrifice—but a revival of love. We need to know how to work with people, especially those who err, in patience and meekness. This is what true godliness looks like. Christ is calling us to this deeper, more intimate walk with Him.

“The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells.” – Christ’s Object Lessons p. 420

Let’s study Jesus. Let’s know Him. Let’s reveal Him. That’s what it truly means to follow Him into the Most Holy Place.