The concept of the "sanctuary" holds a significant place in biblical theology, serving as a symbol of God's presence, holiness, and the divine-human relationship. The term "sanctuary" is derived from the Hebrew word "miqdash," meaning a sacred or holy place, and is used throughout the Scriptures to denote places set apart for worship and the dwelling of God among His people.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the sanctuary is first introduced in the form of the Tabernacle, a portable tent of meeting that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness journey. God commanded Moses to construct the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for His presence, saying, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). The Tabernacle was meticulously designed according to divine specifications, symbolizing the order and holiness required to approach God.

The Tabernacle contained the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The Most Holy Place was considered the earthly throne of God, and only the high priest could enter it once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2-34). This structure emphasized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, while also providing a means for atonement and reconciliation.

With the establishment of the monarchy, King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem, which became the permanent sanctuary for the Israelites. The Temple maintained the same basic layout as the Tabernacle, with the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, and it served as the central place of worship and sacrifice. The dedication of the Temple was marked by the glory of the Lord filling the house, as recorded in 1 Kings 8:10-11 .

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary undergoes a significant transformation with the coming of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the true Tabernacle, stating, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14). The Greek word for "dwelling" (skenoo) is related to the word for "tabernacle," indicating that Jesus Himself is the ultimate manifestation of God's presence among His people.

The Epistle to the Hebrews further develops this theme by presenting Jesus as the high priest of a superior sanctuary. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This passage highlights the fulfillment of the Old Testament sanctuary system in the person and work of Christ, who provides direct access to God through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

The Church as Sanctuary

The New Testament also expands the concept of the sanctuary to include the Church, the body of believers. The Apostle Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16). Here, the sanctuary is no longer a physical structure but a spiritual reality, with the presence of God dwelling within the community of faith. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit signifies the sanctification and consecration of believers, who are called to live holy lives in accordance with their status as God's temple.

Eschatological Vision

The Book of Revelation presents an eschatological vision of the ultimate sanctuary, where God's presence is fully realized among His people. Revelation 21:3 declares, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" In the new heaven and new earth, the need for a physical temple is abolished, as the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (Revelation 21:22).

Throughout the biblical narrative, the sanctuary serves as a profound symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, illustrating the progression from a physical structure to a spiritual reality, culminating in the eternal communion between God and humanity.Psalm 20:2
Send you help from the sanctuary, and strengthen you out of Zion;
Nave's Topical Index

Introduction.
... admits into the number almost all similitudes indiscriminately ... was a golden vessel
of the sanctuary, employed in ... to the language of dramatic symbols rather than ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/introduction.htm

An American Reformer.
... his great joy, that the prophetic symbols could be ... the various figures, metaphors,
parables, similitudes, etc., were ... days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /18 an american reformer.htm

An American Reformer
... his great joy, that the prophetic symbols could be ... the various figures, metaphors,
parables, similitudes, etc., were ... days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 18 an american reformer.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... receive the patena with the host, as symbols of the ... and now also having entered the
sanctuary of heaven ... All the parables and similitudes in Scripture will be so ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

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