The term "sanctuary" in the Bible refers to a sacred or holy place set apart for the worship of God. It is a place where God's presence is uniquely manifested and where His people can come to offer worship, sacrifices, and prayers. The concept of the sanctuary is central to the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire to dwell among His people and to establish a place of communion with them.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the sanctuary is first introduced in the form of the Tabernacle, a portable tent of meeting that the Israelites constructed according to God's specific instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the design of the tabernacle as well as the design of all its furnishings."

The Tabernacle was divided into three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's throne and presence. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Later, the permanent Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, replaced the Tabernacle as the central sanctuary for Israel. The Temple maintained the same basic structure and purpose as the Tabernacle, serving as the focal point of Israelite worship and the place where sacrifices were offered. 1 Kings 8:10-11 describes the dedication of Solomon's Temple: "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary undergoes a significant transformation with the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is described as the true temple and the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus declares, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking about the temple of His body, indicating that He is the fulfillment of the sanctuary.

Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers collectively form the spiritual temple of God. The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:16 , "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" This indicates that the presence of God now resides within the community of believers, making them a living sanctuary.

The Book of Hebrews also emphasizes the heavenly sanctuary, where Christ serves as the High Priest. 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 did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Theological Significance

The sanctuary, in its various forms, represents God's desire to dwell with His people and to provide a means for them to approach Him. It underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement and purification to enter His presence. The transition from the physical sanctuary of the Old Testament to the spiritual reality in the New Testament highlights the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, who bridges the gap between God and humanity.

The sanctuary also serves as a reminder of the ultimate hope for believers: the promise of eternal communion with God in the new heavens and new earth, where there will be no need for a temple, for "the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple" (Revelation 21:22).

Psalm 102
... So shall the people that shall be. created praise the Lord. ^19He from his sanctuary's
height. hath downward cast his eye; And from his glorious throne in heav' ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 102.htm

At a Public Fast in July, First Sabbath, 1650. (257)
... If ye did indeed ponder and weigh these two verses in the balance of the sanctuary,
would not your heart secretly ask this question within you, Do I thus ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon i at a public.htm

Sanctuary's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sanctuary's (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 30:19
who hath prepared his heart to seek God -- Jehovah, God ...
/s/sanctuary's.htm - 6k

Sand (40 Occurrences)

/s/sand.htm - 24k

Sanctuary (250 Occurrences)
... In the final state there is properly "no sanctuary" (Revelation 21:22), for God
and the Lamb "are the sanctuary" (RV, "temple"). ... W. Shaw Caldecott. SANCTUARY. ...
/s/sanctuary.htm - 63k

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