Sanctuary

In biblical terms, the concept of a sanctuary is deeply rooted in the idea of a sacred space where God dwells among His people. The sanctuary serves as a physical manifestation of God's presence and a place of worship, reverence, and divine encounter. The term "sanctuary" is often used interchangeably with the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament.

The Tabernacle

The tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. It was constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. 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 pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."

The tabernacle was a place where sacrifices were offered, and it housed the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's covenant with Israel. The presence of God was manifested in the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the tabernacle, where only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

The Temple

The temple in Jerusalem, first built by King Solomon, was the permanent sanctuary that replaced the tabernacle. It became the central place of worship for the Israelites. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , we read about the dedication of the 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."

The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout Israel's history, with the Second Temple standing during the time of Jesus. The temple's significance is underscored by Jesus' actions and teachings, including His cleansing of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and His prophecy of its destruction (Matthew 24:1-2).

The New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of the sanctuary evolves with the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is seen as the ultimate sanctuary, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us (John 1:14). The physical temple's role diminishes as believers become the temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 3:16 states, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"

Dominion

The concept of dominion in the Bible refers to the authority and sovereignty of God over all creation. It is a theme that underscores God's ultimate power and control over the universe, as well as the responsibility given to humanity to steward the earth.

God's Sovereignty

God's dominion is evident from the very beginning of Scripture. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement establishes God's authority as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Psalm 103:19 further affirms, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all."

Throughout the Bible, God's dominion is portrayed as absolute and unchallenged. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whose will is ultimately accomplished. Daniel 4:34-35 records Nebuchadnezzar's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty: "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth."

Human Stewardship

While God holds ultimate dominion, He has entrusted humanity with the responsibility to steward His creation. In Genesis 1:26 , God says, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it."

This mandate calls for responsible management and care of the earth, reflecting God's character and purposes. However, the fall of humanity introduced sin, which distorted the exercise of dominion. Redemption through Christ restores the potential for humanity to fulfill this role in alignment with God's will.

Christ's Reign

The New Testament reveals the culmination of God's dominion through the reign of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:20-22 speaks of God's power in Christ, "which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."

Ultimately, Christ's return will fully establish God's dominion on earth, as described in Revelation 11:15 : "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."