The New Testament’s book of Hebrews tells us that the tabernacle arrangement reflected spiritual realities (Hebrews 9-10). God’s real dwelling is in heaven. His real High Priest is Jesus, the perfect representative of God and man. Jesus’ death on the cross is the real sacrifice for sin. His blood really cleanses us from all sin, making us perfect in God’s eyes (Hebrews 9:14; 10:10, 14).
God gives His children such holiness that they now serve as His new priesthood. Peter reveals this in his general letter to Christ’s followers.
You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. … You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:5, 9 cf. Revelation 1:6).
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood.”
God shares His own holy righteousness with all who are “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 1:3-4; 5:27; Colossians 1:22). He gives us this gift of grace, even as He trains us in the ways of holiness, also called sanctification (Hebrews 10:14; 12:10, 14). Now, there is no separation between God and His people. Nor are there separations between His people since all wear His perfect righteousness and belong to His holy, royal priesthood.