Exodus 40:33

Moses finished. The fabrication of the tabernacle was completed prior to its erection. After the gospel has been preached to the whole world, then the “elect” will be gathered (Matt. 24:14, 31). Then every “living stone” (1 Kings 6:7; 1 Peter 2:4, 5) that has been shaped and finished after the divine similitude will take its place in the temple of God (Rev. 3:12). We are now building the characters that are one day to become part of that eternal dwelling place (Matt. 6:19-21; 7:24-29). When once the preparatory labors in connection with the kingdom of God have been finished, in accordance with the plan, no time will be lost in setting it up in its full glory. Christ will then appear and His people will appear with Him (Col. 3:4).

Just as the rearing of the tabernacle prepared it to be the abiding place of the Lord, so the glorification of the church will open the way for “the tabernacle of God” to be “with men” (Rev. 21:3). As the people participated with Moses in the construction of the earthly sanctuary, so Christ invites us to be fellow workers with Him in the building of His church (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; 6:1). When the tabernacle was reared, nothing was lacking to make it perfect. Thus will it be when the church is finally glorified (Eph. 5:27).