The concept of "Guarding the Sacred" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine mandate to protect what is holy and set apart for God. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing the responsibility of God's people to preserve the sanctity of His presence, His commandments, and His worship.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the sacredness of God's presence is most vividly illustrated in the instructions given for the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The Levites were appointed as guardians of the Tabernacle, tasked with maintaining its sanctity and ensuring that only those who were consecrated could approach the holy places. Numbers 1:53 states, "But the Levites are to camp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the Israelite community."

The Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne on earth, was another focal point of sacred guardianship. In 1 Samuel 6:19 , we see the consequences of failing to respect the holiness of the Ark: "But God struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the Ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men, and the people mourned because the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter."

Priestly Duties and Sacred Objects

The priests, particularly the high priest, had the solemn duty of entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16. This act of entering the most sacred space was surrounded by rituals of purification, underscoring the need to guard the sanctity of God's dwelling place.

Sacred objects, such as the anointing oil and incense, were also to be guarded. Exodus 30:32-33 warns, "It must not be poured on the bodies of ordinary men, and you must not make anything with this same formula. It is holy, and it must be holy to you. Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people."

Guarding the Sacred in Worship

The call to guard the sacred extends to worship practices. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against idolatry and the adoption of pagan practices. Deuteronomy 12:4 commands, "You must not worship the LORD your God in their way." This directive highlights the importance of maintaining purity in worship, ensuring it aligns with God's revealed will.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the concept of guarding the sacred evolves with the coming of Christ and the establishment of the Church. Believers are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 : "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body."

The sacredness of the Church as the body of Christ is emphasized in Ephesians 2:21-22 : "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 imagery calls believers to guard the unity and purity of the Church.

Guarding Doctrine and Truth

Guarding the sacred also involves protecting the truth of the Gospel and sound doctrine. Paul exhorts Timothy in 1 Timothy 6:20 , "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called 'knowledge.'" This charge reflects the ongoing responsibility to preserve the integrity of the faith against false teachings.

Conclusion

The biblical mandate to guard the sacred is a call to reverence, purity, and faithfulness. It encompasses the protection of holy spaces, objects, worship, and doctrine, reflecting a deep commitment to honoring God in all aspects of life.