The concept of sanctuaries, both inner and outer, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple, which served as the central places of worship for the Israelites. These sanctuaries were designed to reflect the holiness and majesty of God, providing a structured approach to worship and sacrifice.

The Inner Sanctuary (Holy of Holies):

The Inner Sanctuary, also known as the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred part of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. It was the dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, which represented God's presence among His people. Access to the Holy of Holies was highly restricted; only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to make atonement for the sins of the people. This is described in Leviticus 16:2, "The LORD said to Moses: 'Tell your brother Aaron that he shall not enter at any time into the holy place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, or he will die; for I will appear in the cloud over the mercy seat.'"

The Holy of Holies was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a veil, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. This veil was a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the need for atonement. The tearing of the veil at the moment of Christ's death, as recorded in Matthew 27:51, "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom," signifies the new access to God made possible through Jesus' sacrifice.

The Outer Sanctuary (Holy Place):

The Outer Sanctuary, or the Holy Place, was the area of the Tabernacle and Temple where the priests performed daily rituals and offerings. It contained the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. These elements had specific symbolic meanings: the Showbread represented God's provision, the Lampstand symbolized His light, and the Altar of Incense represented the prayers of the people ascending to God.

The priests entered the Holy Place daily to maintain the lamps, replace the showbread, and burn incense, as described in Exodus 30:7-8, "And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn the incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations."

Theological Significance:

The structure of the Inner and Outer Sanctuaries reflects the theological themes of holiness, separation, and mediation. The sanctuaries served as a physical representation of the spiritual truths concerning God's holiness and the need for a mediator between God and humanity. The High Priest's role as the mediator foreshadowed the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who provides eternal access to God through His sacrifice.

The sanctuaries also highlight the progressive revelation of God's plan for redemption. While the Old Testament sanctuaries were temporary and limited in access, they pointed forward to the New Covenant, where believers are invited into a direct relationship with God through Christ. As Hebrews 10:19-22 states, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

In summary, the Inner and Outer Sanctuaries serve as profound symbols of God's holiness, the necessity of atonement, and the promise of redemption through Jesus Christ. They remind believers of the privilege and responsibility of approaching God with reverence and faith.