A few years ago, I bought a book from Dr. Hans K. LaRondelle, Th.D. 
Professor of Theology at Andrews University named "Power Unlimited" by 
Louis F. Were. On page 99 of that book is stated: "Abraham was called to 
sacrifice his only lawful son, Isaac...and offer him for a burnt 
offering upon one of the mountains...The future death of Jesus on
THAT SAME MOUNTAIN was enacted in the test presented to Abraham in 
his preparation to offer his only begotten son whom he loved, the son 
of promise, the miraculously born child" Many Christians think 
this place is the exact spot where Salomon's Temple was built, others 
believe that Abraham's sacrificial spot is outside the city walls. Both 
sites, the Temple Mount and Calvary locations will satisfy that Abraham 
offered Isaac on Mt. Moriah. The Bible says: "Then Solomon began 
to build the house of the LORD at Jerusalem in mount Moriah, where 
the Lord appeared unto David his father, in the place that David had prepared 
in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite" 2 Chr. 3:1. The Bible says that 
Isaac was to be sacrificed on Mt. Moriah and that the temple was built on 
the same mountain. However, the same mountain does not mean 
the exact same spot on that mountain because Mt. Moriah is not just 
a peak, but a long mountain. See the description of the topographic 
map below:

by Lambert Dolphin
http://www.templemount.org/moriah2.html

Topographic Map of Jerusalem
(Contour interval 10 meters)

"North is at the top of the map. The Mount of Olives is on the far right,
Mount Zion on the left. Mount Moriah rises as a long ridge at the south 
end of the City of David and continues on past the present Temple Mount, 
and reaches its highest point outside the Northern walls of the Old 
City, at the top of the map"

Notice the Mount of Olives is located to the east in front of the Temple Mount 
and the Dome of the Rock. Also the map shows three mountains: Mount Zion, 
Mount Moriah and the Mount of Olives. Golgotha is located at the northern 
part, outside the city walls. It is very important that we "visualize" the 
topography and geography of Jerusalem, the location of the 3 mountains, 
the Dome of the Rock (on the Temple Mount) and the Calvary Escarpment 
in order to understand what the Bible is telling us. The above map is found 
at the Internet Temple Mount Organization http://www.templemount.org/  
at http://www.templemount.org/moriah2.html. We can 
clearly see by the description of the map that Mt. Moriah is not a mountain 
with a peak, but rises as a long ridge at the south end of the City of David 
and continues outside the city walls reaching "its highest point outside 
the Northern walls of the Old City, at the top of the map". (northern side) 
of Mt. Moria. See description below:

Aerial view of Jerusalem from the northwest. The white outline represent the 
approximate line of "Mt. Moriah". The Dome of the Rock, top right, can be seen on the 
temple mount. The north wall can be seen, and within the white outline can be seen 
the area of Moriah that was cut away, forming the "trench or dry moat" just outside 
of the wall. The Moslem cemetery atop the northern section of "Moriah" can be 
seen within the white outline to the lower left. The cliff-face-"Calvary Escarpment" - 
is seen running along the western side of the cemetery beginning just north of the city 
wall. It follows a very irregular path. Wyatt Archaeological Research - The Ark of the Covenant 
Booklet pg. 5. 713 Lambert Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37220

The shaded area represents the eastern hill called "Mt.  Moriah". Outside of the
northern city wall is a "dry moat or trench", cutting the hill into 2 sections. 
A portion of the northern section was once used as a quarry. 
Wyatt Archaeological Research - The Ark of the Covenant Booklet pg. 5. 713 Lambert Drive, Nashville, 
Tennessee 37220

MOUNT MORIA, MOUNT ZION AND MOUNT OF OLIVES

Jerusalem is situated on 2 hills, traditionally referred to as "Mt. Moriah" and 
"Mt. Zion", Moriah is the one one the right, seen in the top right skecth, while 
Zion is on the left (Although the Bible refers to the entire city as "Zion"). To 
the extreme right can be seen the beginning of the Mt. of OLives.
Wyatt Archaeological Research - The Ark of the Covenant Booklet pg. 4. 713 Lambert Drive, 
Nashville, Tennessee 37220

"The site Ron pointed to was along the quarried face (escarpment) of 
"Mt. Moriah". This cliff-face is referred to by some as the "the Calvary 
escarpment" because it contains the "skull-face" that many believe was 
"Golgotha" or "Calvary" where Christ was crucified. It also contains the site 
traditionally called "Jeremiah's Grotto", the "Garden Tomb"  (where many believe 
Christ was buried) and St. Etienne which contains a large complex of Jewish 
tombs dating to the 1st and 2nd temple periods cut into the side of the mountain...
the site he had pointed to was being used as a trash dump and appeared 
to hold very little promise to the human eye..." Wyatt Achaeological Research - 
The Ark of the Covenant pg. 5.

"Some confusion has arisen because the Garden Tomb Association which is 
not under the direction of Israel Antiquities Authority, has previously 
granted Ron Wyatt verbal permission to dig a in a disused cistern which 
has been filled with garbage and rubble over the years" Standish-Holy 
Relics or Revelation pg. 276.

The IAA and their permits: For those who want to read on how the Israel 
Antiquities Authority grants permissions or how truthful they really are, 
please read the following statements which were originally made public
a few years ago on the Vendyl Jones Research Institute-The Dead Sea 
Scrolls Deception [look under Past Articles]: These statements are no longer 
found at his website:  
"The Israeli authorities are threatened by what we might find and so are 
the theologians. Both have contributed to the opposition against us. Both 
have attempted to stymie our search. We have heard from internal sources"
within the Israeli Antiquities Authority that they will never 
again give me permission to dig. However, outwardly, they tell me 
the opposite. They have given us temporary permits to work, just enough to 
appease us, but still delay us and wear us down. Outwardly, they have
told me over and over again that there will be no problem in getting a permit 
for an excavation. They told us this before we brought a crew in 1995. 
They even announced to the media that they would give us a license. 
When we arrived, they told our team to go ahead and start work. The written 
permit, they said, would be issued next week. We worked one week and then 
they stopped the work. Here we were, over 50 people signed up to be a 
part of the excavation on their promise that there would be no problem, and 
once again, we have a problem! (Now, I understand why this is called the 
Land of Promise).

Presumably, their intent was to get our crew here, have us expend our 
funds, and then, if they followed their previous pattern, use the media to 
discredit the operation and prevent us from continuing. This would, in 
their mind, damage my integrity and credibility [Vendyl Jones]. And it 
would make it that much more difficult to raise funds and continue the work. 
I can assure you, they will be held fully accountable for that damage.

But why would the Israel Antiquities Authority [IAA] oppose our finding 
the things mentioned in the Copper Scroll? For 15 years they did not 
oppose our work. Our supporters funded the excavations, so it didn't cost the 
IAA a dime. We gave them reports and turned in the artifacts as required.  
We always had an Israeli archaeologist working with us. When they 
changed the law and required us to have the backing of an academic 
institution, we met that requirement over and over. Yet, since 1992, they 
have yo-yo'd me around and ping-ponged me from one little technicality to 
another. Is the IAA conducting a "Stop Jones" campaign?

A top ranking officer in the IAA answered that question for me, "Your 
problem is Vendyl, you are too lucky! You found the anointing oil, then 
you found the incense and now you have found Gilgal. You have 
intimidated everyone. Your biggest problem is that a certain person thinks 
you may have broken a code in the Copper Scroll. If you have, they are afraid 
you may find everything that is listed there. If you find these things 
we will all be looking for a job." He's wrong! We'll have more work than ever..."

With the evidence we have found, we do not question the fact that Ron 
Wyatt was given permission by the IAA to dig in the stated side. We also 
realized that the IAA is already "famous" in providing the wrong information 
to the media, particularly when the discovery of temple treasures are evident 
such as the case mentioned above (Vendyl Jones). Pr. Russell and Colin 
Standish should have done a little more research before making the statements 
they made in their book.

The Word of God says that: "...if any man of you bring an offering unto the 
Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the 
flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male 
without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the 
tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord...And if his offering be of the 
flocks namely of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice: he shall bring 
it a male without blemish. And he shall kill it on the SIDE 
OF THE ALTAR NORTHWARD before the Lord..." Lev. 1: 2-3;10-11.

"Christ suffered without the gates of Jerusalem, for calvary was outside 
the city walls. This was to show that He died, not for the Hebrews alone, 
but for all mankind.  He proclaims to a fallen world that He is their Redeemer, 
and urges them to accept the salvation He offers." The Watchman, Sept. 4, 
1906-SDABC 7A pg. 464.

Let us read again the Bible's plain testimony that "upon one of the mountains" 
(there is more than one mountain) in the "land of Moriah" Abraham was to 
sacrifice his "only son" as a "burnt offering". This "mountain" or "place" 
was to be called the "Lord Will Provide."  "NORTHWARD" before the Lord..." 

Upon that mountain where Abraham went to sacrifice his son, "northward",
outside the city walls, God PROVIDED salvation through His only son's BLOOD
as it was "SEEN" in "the mount of the Lord." significant Bible truths" regarding 
"....Christ's Human Nature and "...the centrality of the Gospel--the sanctuary
message", the perfect Atonement, the Ark of the Covenant etc.

Ron Wyatt claimed he found the crucifixion site in the northern part of Mt. 
Moriah, outside the city walls. So far this is consistent with the plain testimony 
of the Bible. Notice also the E.G. writings: "Our great High Priest completed 
the sacrificial offering of Himself when He suffered WITHOUT THE GATE.
Then a perfect ATONEMENT was made for the sins of the people. Jesus is 
our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor. Our present position there is 
like that of the Israelites, standing in the outer court, waiting and looking for 
that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 
Manuscript, 128, 1897. One letter worth pondering is that of Dr. Baumgardner to Mrs. 
Cruickshanks dated December 17, 1986. Although this letter is used by Dr. 
Russell and Pr. Colin Standish as evidence "beyond dispute" that in 1986 Ron 
Wyatt possessed no permit to excavate the area, (see Standish-Holy Relics or 
Revelation pg. 280), it is interesting that Dr. Baumgardner states that he "...
investigated a TUNNEL NETWORK [we'll mention more about the tunnels later]  
inside the portion of Mt. Moriah north of the old city of Jerusalem where 
Gordon's Calvary is located. We didn't find it, but I do not discount the 
possibility that it is somewhere nearby." After examining the undated letter 
of the Garden Tomb Association, Dr. William Shea's letter to Ron Wyatt, dated 
July 20, 1986, Dr. William Shea's letter to John Paige, dated Feb. 19, 1999 
and the statements from Standish-Holy Relics or Revelation pg. 275-280 ,  
is clear to us that Ron Wyatt had a permit, verbal and/or written to perform 
extensive excavation work in the area of the Garden Tomb and the Calvary 
Escarpment and that "these excavations were done with permission and 
knowledge of the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA). To find copies of the original 
letters visit http://www.anchorstone.com/wyatt/. Look under Research Update 
March 28, 1999.

Pr. Standish explains that the precise site of the crucifixion is not known 
although he knows it occurred "...just outside the city wall of Jerusalem. There 
are a few other points of assistance, but none tells us the exact location of 
the spot. The same is true also of Christ's tomb"  Standish-Holy Relics or 
Revelation pg. 298. We agree. However, we can not deny the possibility 
that Ron Wyatt actually found the exact spot, nor can we say that Ron's claim 
does not have a strong Biblical foundation. We believe there is a strong possibility 
that Ron did discovered the site. If he didn't, the Crucifixion site will still be around 
the area we are discussing. Again, we must wait "...until the point in time 
when you can see [we can see] positive evidence...Wyatt Archaeological Research - 
The Ark of the Covenant Booklet pg. 1. So far it does not contradict the Word of God.

Let us look again at the topographic map found in http://www.templemount.org/moriah2.html  

by Lambert Dolphin

"The bedrock rises when going northward from the base of the City of David to highest
ground north of the Temple Mount area. (This is obscured on site since the Temple Mount
Platform itself is a large flat area surrounded by retaining wall.) The southern end of the
Platform is actually built up on tall underground pillars and arches.

"To the east of the Temple Mount lies the Kidron Valley, and the Mount of Olives. To
the south, the City of David and the Hinnom Valley. To the west, the famed Western
Wall (called in earlier times the "Wailing Wall"). To the north of the Temple site
was the Roman military Antonia Fortress, and then, further, the high ground
outside the city walls, which many believe was the site of Golgotha. The bedrock of
Mt. Moriah continues to rise to the north - outcroppings in the Northern wall reveal
road cuts that have been made in the bedrock at the North end of the Old City outside
the Damascus Gate and along the main road to the east."
[Emphasis is ours-Bible Ministry]

"Our knowledge of the topography of present-day Jerusalem is due to a 
careful survey of Israel by the Palestine Exploration Society in 1868-1881. 
Cisterns and sub-surface rooms under the Temple Mount were also more 
accessible then and were mapped by Sir Charles 
Warren." http://www.templemount.org/

"The crest of Mt. Moriah is just above the present Garden Tomb"

The explanation is very clear. The site that is believed to be Golgotha is found 
to the north, outside the city walls. "The crest of Mt. Moria is just above the 
present Garden Tomb."

We realize that there is controversy related to the exact spot where Abraham 
went to sacrifice his son Isaac. Some believe it was on Mt. Moriah where the 
Dome of the Rock now sits (the temple mount). Others believe that it was on 
the place of the crucifixion of Jesus at the summit of Mt. Moriah, near the 
Garden Tomb. Let us read some of the theories: Three Theories Summarized 
and Compared : "The ridge system where the Temple Mount is now located 
is believed by many reputable sources to be the site where Abraham was 
told to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1-2). While Solomon built the First Temple 
about 3000 years ago, Abraham's visit to Mt. Moriah was about a thousand 
years earlier."

The Temple Mount Organization located at: http://www.templemount.
org/moriah2.html: "There is sound archaeological evidence to suppose that 
the place of the crucifixion of Jesus was at the summit of Mt. Moriah, 
probably near the present-day Damascus Gate and the Garden Tomb  
which would of course be a literal fulfillment of Abraham's offering of Isaac 
when God said, "On the mount of the Lord it [the final offering for sin] will be 
provided."  Amazing!  Let us continue to search with a humble heart and as students of 
the Holy Bible the wonderful treasures of light and of peace and love as it is 
found in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is in Him that the diligent Bible student 
will employ his mind as long as time shall last.

ATONEMENT AT PASSOVER?

Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the 
holy place [hagia] every year with blood of others; For then must he often 
have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of 
the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice 
of himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the 
judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto 
them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto 
salvation." Heb. 9: 25-28 (KJV). "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice
for sins for ever, sat dawn on the right hand of God. From henceforth  
expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." Heb. 10: 12-13 (KJV).

"But now once in the end of the world hath appeared to put away sin by 
the sacrifice of himself"

"Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city to 
FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION, and to make AN END OF SINS, and to 
make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and 
to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." Daniel 9: 24. 

Let the Word of God be its own interpreter: "But this man, after he had offered 
one sacrifice for sins for ever..." Jesus Christ made one sacrifice for sins for 
ever. It is in that sense that He made and end of sins for ever. Likewise Christ 
paid for all the transgressions of His law for ever! In other words He came to 
finish the power of transgression, He came to break the power of the enemy 
once and for all. But he will "appear the second time" when His enemies 
"be made his footstool." Then, the Final Atonement will provide for the 
end of sins forever.  So yes, Christ made a perfect and complete atonement 
at the cross in relation to the once and for all sacrifice for sins. The power 
of the enemy was perfectly and completely brokent hrough the blood of 
the Lamb: "Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and 
scorpions, and OVER ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY: and nothing shall 
by any means hurt you" Luke 10:19. "He [Christ] died on the cross to give 
the death-stroke to Satan Manuscript, 61, 1903.

Let us remember that the Word of God is the foundation of our faith. Let us 
not forget that Christ died ONLY ONCE for the sins of the whole world. 
Let us not forget that he was to make sacrifice ONLY ONCE. Let us not forget 
that His blood fell from his hands, from his feet and from His side ONLY 
ONCE. Let us also not forget that His blood was to be "sprinkled" ONLY 
ONCE, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats 
should take away sins" Heb. 10:4.(KJV).

"His claim [Ron Wyatt's] still is that the blood fell on the Mercy Seat 
during the Passover.  Such symbolism, as we have seen violates the 
sanctuary message, for in symbol it would indicate that atonement was 
finished at the cross and our sins blotted out at that time"  
Standish-Holy Relics or Revelation pg. 146. (emphasis is ours).

Pr. Standish believes that Ron Wyatt's claims of the blood falling on the 
Mercy Seat during Passover, "violates the sanctuary message, for in 
symbol it would indicate that atonement was finished at the cross and 
our sins blotted out at that time" (emphasis is ours). IThe assumption 
is then taken on the claim that if Christ's blood fell on the Mercy Seat 
during Passover, then the Final Atonement was finished 
at the cross and the sins were blotted out at that time. Notice that 
I said "Final Atonement" as opposed to "the Atonement".  
Words may be taken out of context and may mean 
different things to different people, depending from the perspective and 
message the person is trying to convey. Let us look at both the "Atonement" 
and the "Final Atonement" from the Bible perspective. Keep in mind 
that there is difference in time and context between the complete and 
perfect Atonement at the cross and the Final Atonement, the complete 
blotting out of sins during the final judgment prior to the second coming 
of Christ. Another way to says this is: "As the sacrifice in our behalf was 
complete, so  our restoration from the defilement of sin is to be complete." 
The Ministry of Healing, pg. 451.

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it you upon 
the altar to make an ATONEMENT for your souls: for it its the blood 
that maketh an ATONEMENT FOR THE SOULS" Lev. 17: 11. EVERY 
BLEEDING SACRIFICE WAS TYPIFIED "the Lamb of God, which 
taketh away the sin of the world." ...The multiplying of sacrificial offerings; 
the blood of bulls and goats, could not take away sin." Signs of the 
Times, Jan. 2, 1893.

The blood of animals were a symbol of the real blood of Christ at Passover, 
at the Day of Atonement or at any other time. Keep in mind that Christ's 
blood sacrifice was made on the cross once, not twice but once. This single 
blood sacrifice was totally perfect, totally full and complete, totally all sufficient 
to satisfy the claims of God's perfect law, "For it is not possible that the 
blood of bulls and goats should take away sins" Heb. 10:4. Therefore, 
in this sense, Christ's blood made a perfect, all sufficient, complete 
atonement at the cross. In this context Christ's blood made a total, perfect 
and complete atonement. at the cross. The context is that only the Blood 
of Christ could complete and make total and perfect the sacrifice for the 
sins of the world. This is not to be confused with the cleansing 
of the heavenly sanctuary, the blotting out of sins and the Final 
Atonement at the end of the world. Let us read some very interesting 
uotes in relation to the complete and perfect atonement at the cross:

"In the councils of heaven, the cross was ordained as the means of 
ATONEMENT.  This was to be God's means of winning men to Him. Christ 
came to this earth to show that in humanity He could keep the holy law of 
God. Manuscript 165, 1899.

"The life is in the living, vital current of blood, which blood was given 
for the life of the world. Christ made a FULL ATONEMENT giving His 
life as a ransom for us." Letter 97, 1898.

"...the penalty of sin was transferred to the innocent beast, which thus 
became his immediate substitute, and typified the PERFECT
OFFERING OF JESUS CHRIST. Through the blood of this victim, man 
looked forward by faith to the blood of Christ which would ATONE for the 
sins of the world." Signs of the Times, March 14, 1878.

"The ATONEMENT of Christ sealed forever the everlasting covenant 
of grace." Manuscript 92, 1899.

"The time had come for the universe of Heaven to accept their King. 
Angels, cherubim and seraphim, would now stand in view of the cross....
The Father accepts the Son. No language could convey the rejoicing of 
Heaven or God's expression of satisfaction and delight in His 
only begotten Son as He saw the COMPLETION OF THE ATONEMENT."
The Signs of the TImes, Aug. 16, 1899

"Our great High Priest COMPLETED THE SACRIFICIAL OFFERING OF 
HIMSELF, when He suffered without the gate. Then a PERFECT 
ATONEMENT was made for the sins of the people." Manuscript 128, 1897.

"He [Christ] planted the cross between Heaven and earth, and when the 
Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He bowed before it in recognition 
of its perfection. "It is enough," He said "THE ATONEMENT IS 
COMPLETE." The Review and Herald, Sept. 24, 1901.

There is no question that Jesus completed the Atonement in the sense that 
His sacrifice was complete. The Great Atonement done at the cross 
testified to the universe that God is love. This sacrifice was and is and 
will always be in every way satisfactory. Christ was Himself, the victim 
and the High Priest. Christ made the only sacrifice that is of any value 
in our salvation. What else is there to say? Yes, Christ made a perfect, 
complete and everlasting Atonement at Passover. Does this contradict 
the types? No. "Type met antitype in the death of Christ, the Lamb slain 
for the sins of the world. Our great High Priest has made the ONLY sacrifice 
that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross 
[at passover], a PERFECT ATONEMENT was made for the sins of the people" 
Signs of the Times, June 28, 1899.

All the above quotations are from the same writer as the one Pr. Standish 
quotes from Patriarchs and Prophets (Holy Relics...pg. 146) to make the point 
that the Atonement was not completed at the cross (Passover) but that it was 
to be completed at the Day of Atonement.

Does the above quotations contradict the statement from the same writer he 
quoted in his book?: "The blood of Christ, while it was to release the repentant 
sinner from the condemnation of the law, was not to cancel the sin; it would 
stand on record in the sanctuary until FINAL ATONEMENT, so in the type the 
blood of the sin offering removed the sin from the penitent, but it rested in 
the sanctuary until the Day of Atonement." Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 357, 358.  
Both statements are not contradictory. The author of all these statements is 
not contradicting herself. (E.G. white). Pr. Standish said that "The claim that 
the blood fell on the Mercy Seat at the Passover of A.D. 31, would provide 
indisputable evidence that the atonement was completed at the cross and 
our sins were blotted out with Christ's expiring words, "It is finished"! 
Pr. Standish does realize that if blood fell on the Mercy Seat, it would 
provide indisputable evidence that the Atonement was completed at the cross. 
Of course. Yes. Indeed! The blood of Jesus fell at Calvary and completed 
the Atonement just as the Bible and E.G. White states. But it is wrong for 
Pr. Standish to say that it would also mean that our sins were blotted out 
with Christ's expiring words, "It is finished"!, for this takes place only at 
the Final Atonement in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly sanctuary.  
Ron never made such a statement. The Bible is very clear as to when the 
sins are "blotted out". Notice the Paul's words (he wrote after Christ's death 
on the cross) in Acts 3:19: "Repent ye therefore, and be converted that your 
sins may be blotted out [future] 
from the presence of the Lord"

THE ATONEMENT VS. THE FINAL ATONEMENT

Pr. Standish is confusing the completed atonement at the cross, with the 
Final Atonement which will be completed soon in the heavenly sanctuary. 
Notices his words: "Further, the Atonement cannot have been completed at 
the cross..." (Holy Relics... pg. 147). I am confident that Pr. Standish is talking 
about the Final Atonement, and he has not realized there is a completion 
of the Atonement at the cross that is to be distinguished from the Final 
Atonement that will be completed when the Heavenly Sanctuary is cleansed. 
I am also confident that Ron Wyatt was not talking about the Final Atonement 
when he claimed that blood fell on the Mercy Seat [at Passover] at the time 
of the crucifixion. Ron was talking about the same completed atonement that 
the Bible and E.G. White are talking about! This is not the New Theology. 
This is Bible truth. Ron has never said that the Final Atonement and the 
judgment were completed at the cross. The Bible is very clear: "And as it is 
appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was 
once offered to bear the sins of many" Heb. 9: 27. Again, he assumption is 
then taken on the claim that if Christ's blood fell on the Mercy Seat 
during Passover, then the Final Atonement was finished at the cross. 
We disagree with this assumption. The falling of blood on the Mercy Seat 
at Passover does not "destroy the type" because all the symbolism of the 
earthly sanctuary, every single symbol of the earthly sanctuary was going 
to pass away because Christ, our Great High Priest was going to 
minister at God's right hand on the heavenly sanctuary.

There is also another very important point: If Pr. Standish is right that the 
blood of Christ can not fall on the Mercy seat at Passover, then it is also 
impossible that at Passover the veil at the temple be rend for it exposed the 
Most Holy Place of the earthly sanctuary. Yet, it is a Bible truth that 
the veil of the temple was rent at Passover and that Our High Priest was 
going to minister the sanctuary, "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, 
and not man" Heb. 8: 2. The services in the Most Holy Place represented the 
Autumn Feasts yet the "...veil of the temple [the second veil] was rent in the 
midst" at Passover! Luc. 23:45. "Christ made the one great offering in giving
his own life, which all their former offerings had foreshadowed, which 
terminated the value of all the sacrificial offerings of the Jewish law." 
RH, 04-29-75, para.2.

"...SPRINKLED WARM BLOOD UPON THE MERCY-SEAT..."

The Bible is clear and the following statements are also very clear and should 
ake away any doubts if there are any still as to the reality of the sprinkling 
of the atonement blood upon the mercy seat at Passover: 
"When Christ came to this earth the first time, he came in lowliness 
and obscurity, and his life here was one of suffering and poverty. He was 
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Men hid as it were their faces 
from him, and the last they crucified him. Still bearing humanity he ascended 
to heaven, triumphant and victorious. He has taken the blood of the atonement,  
sprinkled it upon the mercy-seat and his own garments, and blessed the 
people. Soon he will appear the second time to declare that there is no more 
sacrifice for sin." RH, 11-13-13, para. 11.

"As the high priest SPRINKLED the warm BLOOD upon the mercy-seat 
while the fragrant cloud of incense ascended before God, so while we confess 
our sins and plead the efficacy of Christ' s ATONING BLOOD, our prayers 
are to ascend to heaven, fragrant with the merits of our Saviour's 
character." R & H, Sept. 29, 1896.

"His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the 
sons of men; so shall He sprinkle many nations." In the Temple service, 
when the animal brought as a sacrifice was slain, the high priest, clothed in 
white robes, caught in his hand the blood that gushed forth, and cast it in the 
direction of the tabernacle or Temple. This was done seven times, as an 
expression of perfection. So Christ, the great antitype, Himself both high priest 
nd victim, clothed with His own spotless robes of righteousness, after giving 
His life for the world, CAST THE VIRTUE OF HIS OFFERING, A CRIMSON 
CURRENT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE HOLY PLACE, reconciling man to 
God through the blood of the cross." Ms 101, 1897. pp. 11, 12. ("The True High Priest," 
Sept., 1897). Yes, there is "...segregation of the two festivals [Spring and Autumn] 
for they were prophecies of events separated by over 1800 years of time."
Holy Relics... pg. 149. But we do not agree that "To unite the two is to destroy 
this truth..." because the two festivals are NOT being united if the blood of 
Christ fell on the Mercy Seat at the cross of Calvary. The earthly sanctuary 
was passing away while our High Priest was to minister in the heavenly 
sanctuary. We strongly disagree because Jesus, the High Priest was also 
the victim and ONLY His blood can ATONE for the sins of the world, thus 
we can "plead the efficacy of Christ's atoning blood" "as the high priest 
sprinkled the warm blood upon the mercy-seat" and because "The divine 
Son of God was the ONLY sacrifice of sufficient value to FULLY SATISFY 
THE CLAIMS OF GOD'S PERFECT LAW" R.H, Dec. 17, 1872.  
"In EVERY BLEEDING SACRIFICE " WAS TYPIFIED 
"the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." ...The multiplying 
"of sacrificial offerings; the blood of bulls and goats, could not take 
away sin."  Signs of the Times, Jan. 2, 1893.

Think about it for a minute. If the blood of Christ was to be sprinkled only on the 
Mercy Seat on the Day of Atonement in heaven, it will require that Jesus would 
take a bowl of his own blood 1800+ years later and sprinkle it on the Mercy Seat 
in the heavenly Ark of the Covenant to satisfy the claims of the law of God which 
was inside the Ark. Nothing is impossible to God, but do not forget that Jesus 
satisfied the claims of the law of God at Calvary and made a perfect and 
complete atonement in that sense. Pr. Standish is wrong when he says: 
"But unlike the type, the sprinkling of Christ's blood on the Mercy Seat 
of the heavenly Ark of the Covenant has eternal power to save every 
repentant sinner." Holy Relics...pg. 150.  If Pr. Standish is correct then we had to 
wait for 1800 + years to for the blood of Christ to have eternal power to save 
every repentant sinner. This of course, is not true. Let us not forget that 
Jesus gave a testimony of blood here on earth not in heaven: "And there 
are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water and the
blood, and these three agree in one." 1John 5: 9.

Again, we think that Pr. Standish is only partially saying the truth when 
he says: "There is no doubt that the central act of the Passover was the 
sacrifice of our Saviour. But, in contrast, the central act of the Day of 
Atonement was the sprinkling of the atoning blood upon the Mercy Seat."
Holy Relics...pg. 151. The central act or object at Passover was the sacrifice 
that "make atonement for the souls" (Lev. 17:11), because it was there 
(the cross) that "mercy and truth are met together (Psalm 85: 10-11), and to 
allow "mercy and truth" reconcile the prerogatives of justice and mercy" "
through the sacrifice of Christ, because "through Christ, Justice is enabled 
to forgive without sacrificing one jot if its exalted holiness." SDABC Vol. 7A 
pg. 470.

The ministration of Christ in the Most Holy place in heaven is a work which 
is to accomplish the cleansing of our soul temples on earth. When this 
cleansing is complete, when all and moral defilement has been overcome in 
the lives of God's people, when God's children reveal His character, then and 
only then the full and Final Atonement may be made; and sin will be 
forever blotted out. The central act of the Day of Atonement is to receive 
the grand work of instruction that comes from the Mercy Seat, to receive 
Grace and peace, multiplied unto us through the knowledge of God, and of 
Jesus our Lord; giving us his Divine Power in all things that pertain unto life 
and godliness (2 Peter 1:2); (Heb. 9:14). So from the Holy of Holies, today, Jesus 
our mediator  (Heb. 9:15) gives us precious promises so that by these, we 
may be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) for His glory.

And as the "cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of 
the Lord filled the tabernacle",(Exod. 40:34) our "tabernacles" (2 peter 1: 13-14)  
may also be filled with the "fullness of him that filleth all in all"(Ephes. 1:23)  
through the Holy Spirit of promise. It is this special work of instruction through 
the faith of Jesus that this "manifold wisdom of God" is made known by His 
Church here on earth to the principalities in heaven, things which the angels 
desire to look into: "To the intent that now unto the principalities and power 
in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of 
God", (Ephes. 3:10) "...which things the angels desire to look into" (1 Peter 1:12).

Therefore, based on the testimony of the Word of God, and inspiration we 
do not believe the falling of blood on the Mercy Seat at the crucifixion site 
"...implies that God is imprecise in His use of Symbols."Holy Relics...pg. 149. 
witness, beared  testimony here on earth at the cross and that 
"...righteousness and peace have kissed each other.  
Truth shall spring out of the earth: and righteousness shall look 
down from heaven."(Psalms 85: 10-11). "Christ's 
death proved God's administration and government to be without a flaw. 
"Satan's charge in regard to the conflicting attributes of justice and 
mercy was forever settled beyond question. Every voice in heaven and 
out of heaven will one day testify to the justice, mercy, and exalted 
attributes of God." Manuscript 128, 1897.

The Ark of the Covenant here on earth contained the Tables of Stone, 
the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God. The Law demanded 
justice, demanded the death of the transgressor. But the blood of Jesus was 
more than enough to satisfy justice. If the blood of Christ fell on the 
Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant, then righteousness and peace 
kissed each other. The law claimed for justice; the blood of Christ on the
 Mercy seat provided the means to satisfy justice:" "Christ on the cross was 
the medium whereby mercy and truth met together, and righteousness 
and peace kissed each other. This is the means that is to move the world."
 Manuscript 56, 1899.

THE LINK BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH

The Atonement at the cross: The only way that people were forgiven for 
their sins prior to Christ's sacrifice on the cross, was the continuous offering 
of sacrificial blood of animals as symbols of the real blood of the real Lamb 
(Christ): "For by one offering, he hath perfected for ever them that are 
sanctified" Heb. 10: 14. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I  
have given it you upon the altar to make an ATONEMENT for your 
souls: for it its the blood that maketh an ATONEMENT FOR THE 
SOULS" Lev. 17: 11.

"He [Christ] planted the cross between Heaven and earth, and when 
the Father beheld the sacrifice of His Son, He bowed before it in 
recognition of its perfection. "It is enough," He said "THE ATONEMENT 
IS COMPLETE." The Review and Herald, Sept. 24, 1901.

"For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the 
very image of the things can never with those sacrifices which they 
offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect...
Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the 
first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are 
sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once 
for all" Heb. 10:1, 9, 10.

The Final Atonement: There will be a time, soon, when the Final 
Atonement will be complete and there will be no  
(Isai. 59: 16). There will be a time when the "censer" will be "cast" "into 
the earth" (Rev. 8:5),  words will be uttered: "He that is unjust, let him be 
unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he 
that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him 
he be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is 
with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." 
Rev. 22: 11-12.

The plain testimony of the Word of God is very clear. There will be 
a time when Jesus will no longer act as the intercessor. Just as the daily 
sacrifices and the Passover pointed to Christ atonement at the cross, so 
does the Day of Atonement pointed to the Final Atonement at the end of 
the world: "And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there 
was no intercessor, therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and 
his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a 
breastplate and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the 
garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with seal as a cloak. 
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to this 
adversaries, recompense to his enemies..." Isai. 59: 16-18. God's people 
will perfectly reflect Jesus character and their sins will be "blotted out"
(Acts 3:19), then the evil doers will "fear the name of the Lord from
the West" and every eye will see "his glory from the rising of the sun" 
(east). When the "enemy" of His people "come in like a flood, the Spirit of 
the Lord shall lift up a standard against him". Then the people of God will 
"arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lords is 
risen upon thee" (Isa. 59: 19 and 60:1). "Beyond the inner veil was the holy 
of holies, where centered the symbolic service of ATONEMENT and 
intercession, and which formed the connecting link between heaven 
and earth. In this apartment was the ark, a chest of acacia wood, overlaid 
within and without with gold, and having a crown of gold about the top. It 
was made as a depository for the tables of stone, upon which God Himself 
had inscribed the Ten Commandments. Hence it was called the ark of God's 
testament, or the ark of the covenant, since the Ten Commandments 
were the basis of the covenant made between God and Israel." 
PP pg. 348-2.

"Science is too limited to comprehend the atonement; the mysterious and 
wonderful plan of redemption is so far-reaching that philosophy can not explain 
it; it will ever remain a mystery  that the most profound reason can not fathom. 
If it could be explained by finite wisdom, it "would lose its sacredness 
and dignity." Signs of the Times, Oct. 24, 1906.

A TESTIMONY OF BLOOD AND WATER

So "the ransom paid by Christ--the atonement on the cross" (5T pg. 190), paid 
the price "justice demanded" (Letter 20, 1903) . And when pierced with a 
spear in His side, "forewith came there out blood and water. And he that 
saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, 
that ye might believe." (John 19: 34-35). No wonder the Word of Gods saids: 
"And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water 
and the blood, and these three agree in one." 1John 5: 9. Therefore, the 
"witness" of "water" and "blood" is here on earth  and "he that saw it 
bare record, and his record is true."

"For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to 
the law, he took the blood  of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet 
wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people.  
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto 
you. Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the 
vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with 
blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9: 19-22.  
According to Pr. Standish "water is far less viscous than blood and 
what is more, has no ability to clot. If blood passed through the crack, 
then water would have more easily done so and consequently would fall 
on the Mercy Seat" (Relics...pg. 146).  This is precisely what really happened 
at the cross: "forewith came there out blood and water. And he that saw 
it bare record, and his record is true..." John 19:34. "For when 
Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to 
the law, he took the blood  of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet 
wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people.  
Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto 
you. Moreover, he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the 
vessels of the ministry. And almost all things are by the law purged with 
blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Heb. 9: 19-22.  
According to Pr. Standish "water is far less viscous than blood and 
what is more, has no ability to clot. If blood passed through the crack, 
then water would have more easily done so and consequently would fall 
on the Mercy Seat" (Relics...pg. 146).  This is precisely what really happened 
at the cross: "forewith came there out blood and water. And he that saw 
it bare record, and his record is true..." John 19:34.

Furthermore, what does the bible have to say about the blood of Jesus 
falling upon the rent rocks?: "And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in
twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks 
rent." Matthew 27: 51. So according to the Bible the rocks were rent, which 
means that they had cracks on them. By the law of gravity, Jesus blood 
and water fell on the floor of the cross. If the rocks were rent after the 
quake, there is no problem for "seeing" the blood of Jesus falling upon the 
cracked rocks at the bottom of the cross. The following quotes will help us 
understand: "The priests wished to make sure of the death of Jesus, and a
t their suggestion a soldier thrust a spear into the Saviour's side. 
From the wound thus made, there flowed two copious and distinct 
streams,one of blood, the other of water. This was noted by all the 
beholders, and John states the occurrence very definitely." DA pg. 772.  
So there were "two copious and distinct streams, one of blood, the other 
of water". These two "copious and distinct streams" of blood and water fell
 upon the floor of the cross! Did the blood of Jesus fell on top of the rent 
rocks (on the cracks of the rocks)?: "Heaven viewed with grief and 
amazement Christ hanging upon the cross, blood flowing from His 
wounded temples,  and sweat tinged with blood standing upon His brow. 
From His hands and feet the blood fell, drop by drop, upon the rock 
drilled for the foot of the cross." DA pg. 760.

It is very clear to us from the Bible and from inspiration that the blood 
and water flowed from Christ body to the bottom of the cross on top of the 
cracks made by the quake! So you see Ron Wyatt is not really undermining 
the faith. Let us not forget that the "major purpose" in authoring their book 
(Dr. Russell and Colin Standish) was their "concern that belief in significant 
Bible truths is attacked by Ron Wyatt's unsubstantiated claims concerning 
the Ark of the Covenant, Christ's Human Nature and that Ron Wyatt's 
"unconfirmed claims concerning the blood on the Mercy Seat were 
undermining faith in the centrality of the Gospel--the sanctuary message" 
Standish-Holy Relics or Revelation pg. 281, 160 and vii.  When Jesus died on
the cross there was an earthquake (Matt.27:51), and the rocks split open.  
Through this hole on the rock, blood and water fell upon the mercy seat below where
the Ark of the Covenant is hidden (remember that inside the Ark, the 
table of stones, the true Words of God-the 10 commandments are found).  
The Law of God required Justice for the sins of the people (requires death), 
but through the blood of Jesus, the penaly of death was paid for.  In this manner 
Justice and Mercy (blood fell upon the Mercy Seat of the Ark) kissed each other:
"Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from
heaven" (Psalms 85:10-11).  There was another prophecy that was also 
fulfilled at the cross found in Isaiah 45:8: "Drop down, ye heavens, from above,
and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them
bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord
have created it."  Amazing Fact!.  He (Jesus) did it all for us.  

This is the Testimony of the Blood of Jesus which fell upon earth on the Testimony
of the Tables of Stone (the 10 commandments-the Everlasting Covenant), for 
three (3) give Testimony on earth: the Spirit, the blood and water of our 
Lord Jesus (1 John 5:8), bringing forth salvation and righteousness together. Amen.
The place of the crucifixion was rightly called by "...Abraham Jehova-jireh, as it is 
said to this day.  In the Mount of the Lord it shall be seen" (Genesis 25:14).
Yes.  The same spot where Abraham went to sacrifices his son, was the same place
where Jesus died on the cross!  What wonderful truths, wonder of wonders. We should 
carefully meditate and feel with awe of what the Lord planned and did for all of us.  
Let His Name be praised for ever and ever.  Amen.

Now we must go back the "Relics" issue and the physical evidence
(time and the positive evidence will confirm the claims, if they are true) 
we can concentrate on the Biblical Revelation and theological issues. 
This is Bible truth. Can we deny the testimony of the Bible? Can we deny 
the testimony of the spirit of prophecy?: "To the law and to the testimony,
if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" 
Isaiah 8:20. "In the earthly ark Moses was required to place the tables of 
stone. These were called the  tables of the testimony; and the ark was 
called the ark of the testimony, because they contained God's 
testimony in the ten commandments...."SOP Vol.1 pg. 273-1

Let us analyze Pr. Standish statement again: "water is far less viscous 
than blood and what is more, has no ability to clot. If blood passed 
through the crack, then water would have more easily done so and 
consequently would fall on the Mercy Seat" (Relics...pg. 146).  
This is precisely what really happened at the cross. 
I hope that the Dr. Russell and Pr. Colin Standish take the time to 
evaluate the testimony of scripture and the spirit of prophecy. There 
is much to study with a humble heart. The following statement is worth 
pondering: "When the time shall come, in the providence of God, for the
world to be tested upon the truth for that time, minds will be exercised 
by the Spirit to search the Scriptures, even with fasting and prayer, 
until link after link is searched out and united in a perfect chain. Every 
fact which immediately concerns the salvation of souls will be made so 
clear none need err, or walk in darkness...The time for the unfolding 
of special truth in relation to the closing scenes of earth's history, 
is during the last generations that shall live upon the earth....
John saw in holy vision a class of people whose attention was arrested, 
and who were looking with reverential awe at the ark, which contained 
the law of God." 2T pg. 692-3.

Where is the Ark of the Covenant? 

Wyatt Archaeological Research - The Ark of the Covenant Booklet pg. 20. 713  
Lambert Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37220

A Tunnel under the Road (Ron Wyatt's research)

"Ron used the sub-surface interface radar in later years to check for the
existence of a tunnel running from the underground quarry to the area of
the escarpment. He did find a tunnel-like void crossing under the street
in the correct direction that was, as best he could determine, about 20
feet under the road. But it is quite a distance to the site he had excavated,
and because of the buildings, etc., now built in the area he couldn't follow
the line of the "void" to it's final "destination" Wyatt Archaeological Research - 
The Ark of the Covenant Booklet pg. 20. 713  Lambert Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37220

A Tunnel under the Road (Vendil Jones Research)

While I do not agree with Mr. Vendyl's theology, or his 
anti Christian views, iin some of his research I found 
interesting the mention of Zedekiah's cave that begins East of the
Damascus Gate, the North Side of Jerusalem and the passage that
goes directly under the Temple Mount: 

"In 1994, Mr. Alex Beck and his team from the Israel Petroleum Geology and 
Geophysics Institute introduced us to the technology of Ground Penetrating Radar 
[GPR] on site. Their data revealed a large concealed cavern. We surmise this 
could be the exit of the Cave of Zedekiah that begins just East of the Damascus 
Gate the North Side of Jerusalem. This passage goes directly under the Temple 
Mount and descends to the Valley of 'Achor. This does not conflict with the 
Talmudic text stating: The Ark of the Covenant is hidden in a passage under 
the Temple Mount. There is no contradiction because the cavern continues 
from Jerusalem to the Valley of 'Achor. Only three miles North of this area is 
Wadi 'Hoglah, The Aravah [Plain] of Jericho begins at this Wadi Hoglah and
reaches Jericho"

Vendyl Jones Research Institute [under FAQ -Frequently asked 
questions]:
"....The truth is, however, that the "cave-dwelling" mentioned in 
II Maccabees 2:5 was not necessarily on Mt. Nebo! In fact, 
Mt. Nebo is not even mentioned in the II Maccabees account. It 
merely states: "...where Moses went up and beheld God's inheritance."  
The Cave of the Column complex can easily be seen from Mt. Nebo. 
On a clear day one can see the church on top of Mt. Nebo from the 
Cave of the Column. Obviously, we have all made the mistake of not 
reading the II Maccabees text carefully, and reading into the text something 
that is not written there.

The entrance to the cavern under the mountain is today covered and its 
specific location unknown. According to some sources it is the exit from 
the Cave of Zidkiyah which begins just North of the Damascus 
Gate..."

Wyatt Archaeological Research - The Ark of the Covenante Booklet pg. 5. 713 Lambert Drive, 
Nashville, Tennessee 37220

CLICK HERE TO GO TO PART II OF OUR STUDY....

THE TABLES OF STONE
THE ORIGINAL TEMPLE, THE ORIGINAL ARK OF THE COVENANT AND
THE ORIGINAL TABLES OF STONE, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ARE IN 
HEAVEN
THE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL TEMPLE (TABERNACLE), THE COPY OF THE 
ORIGINAL ARK OF THE COVENANT AND THE COPY OF THE ORIGINAL 
TABLES OF STONE, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 
ARE HERE ON EARTH
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT (THE COPY HERE ON EARTH) THAT CONTAINS 
THE TABLES OF STONE (WRITTEN WITH THE FINGER OF GOD) ARE SECRETLY 
HIDDEN IN A CAVE
THE ORIGINAL TEN COMMANDMENTS - GOD'S LAW APPEAR IN THE HEAVENS