But this ideal they were, in themselves, powerless to attain. The revelation at Sinai could only impress them with their need and helplessness. Another lesson the tabernacle, through its service of sacrifice, was to teach—the lesson of pardon of sin, and power through the Saviour for obedience unto life. {FLB 192.5}

Men i sig selv var de magtesløse til at opnå dette ideal. Åbenbaringen på Sinaj kunne blot give dem indtryk af deres behov og hjælpeløshed. En anden lektie at tabernaklet, med sin offertjeneste, skulle lære var syndstilgivelsens og kraftens lektie, og kraft igennem Frelseren for lydighed i livet.