Topical Bible: Church: Sanctuary of God

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The concept of the church as the "Sanctuary of God" is deeply rooted in biblical theology, reflecting the sacredness and divine purpose of the church as the dwelling place of God among His people. This understanding is derived from both the Old and New Testaments, where the presence of God among His people is a central theme.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the sanctuary was initially represented by the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place for the divine presence during Israel's wilderness journey. Exodus 25:8 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This sanctuary was a physical space where God’s presence was manifest, symbolizing His covenant relationship with Israel.

Later, the Temple in Jerusalem became the permanent sanctuary, a place of worship and sacrifice. Solomon's dedication of the Temple highlights its significance as God's dwelling: "I have indeed built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever" (1 Kings 8:13). The Temple was central to Israel's religious life, serving as the focal point for worship, prayer, and the sacrificial system.

New Testament Revelation

With the coming of Christ, the understanding of the sanctuary undergoes a profound transformation. Jesus Himself is described as the true temple, the embodiment of God's presence on earth. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Here, He refers to His body, indicating that He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity.

The New Testament further reveals that the church, the body of believers, becomes the new sanctuary of God. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This passage underscores the collective identity of believers as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the holiness and unity of the church.

The Church as a Living Sanctuary

The church as the sanctuary of God is not confined to a physical building but is a living, spiritual reality. Ephesians 2:19-22 elaborates on this concept: "So then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

This passage highlights the dynamic and communal nature of the church as God's sanctuary, where believers are united in Christ and grow together into a holy temple. The church is called to reflect God's holiness and to be a beacon of His presence in the world.

Worship and Holiness

As the sanctuary of God, the church is a place of worship, where believers gather to glorify God, receive His Word, and partake in the sacraments. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

The church is also called to a life of holiness, reflecting the character of God. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This identity as a holy people underscores the church's role as a sanctuary, set apart for God's purposes.

In summary, the church as the "Sanctuary of God" is a profound biblical truth that encompasses the presence, worship, and holiness of God among His people. It is a living, spiritual reality where believers are united in Christ, growing together as a holy temple, and serving as a testament to God's redemptive work in the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 114:2
Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

C??cilius of Bilta Said: "I Know of one Baptism in the one Church. ...
... spiritually shut out from that inner sanctuary of God ... life they defile the temple
of God within themselves ... nay very many, even within the Church, is testified ...
/.../chapter 8 11 caecilius.htm

In Sanctuary
... the word of your Tribune to defend the sanctuary from rioters while I am absent,
and hear whether the Emperor really bids you to desecrate the church of God.'. ...
/.../chapter xxvii in sanctuary.htm

Excursus on the Worship of the Early Church.
... and watching the door that no profane person may enter the church. ... on...concluding
at last with a return to the mysterious Sanctuary where God abides in ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/excursus on the worship of.htm

The Church.
... God, until he went into the sanctuary of God. How then can the world judge of the
condition of the saints? Alas, had they known the church's strength, surely ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

Symbolism of the Church Building
... Now the Altar in the sanctuary of the church, with its "perpetual memory" of Christ's
"precious death and sacrifice," stands for peace between God and us. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolism of the church building.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... Without it, the Church is lifeless and powerless ... the bricks, and mortar, and lumber,
into a sanctuary, a holy ... sanctifies it, sets it apart for God, conserves it ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

God's Purpose for his Church
... Lord designs to accomplish through His church, that His ... waters they issued out of
the sanctuary: and the ... From the beginning God has wrought through His people ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 1 gods purpose for.htm

Letter xxxvi (Circa AD 1131) to the Same Hildebert, who had not ...
... and that he may seize it, like a flame he is burning the sanctuary of God. ... Rightly
does the Church yield his place to Innocent, whom she sees walking in the ...
/.../letter xxxvi circa a d 1131.htm

The Church, the Place of Worship
... in the wilderness, "Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I ... to dedicate churches to
the glory of God and in ... Sometimes the church is named from some fact in the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/the church the place of.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... was shining from that open door of the sanctuary in heaven ... which the papal power
was to oppress God's people ... in its remoteness, where the little church of Leyden ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm