The concept of protecting what is sacred is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting the reverence and honor due to God and His holy ordinances. Throughout Scripture, the sacred is often associated with God's presence, His commandments, and the objects or places He has consecrated for His purposes.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the protection of the sacred is evident in the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These were not merely places of worship but were considered the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Exodus 25-31 details the specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the holiness and sanctity of the space. The Ark of the Covenant, housed within the Most Holy Place, was particularly sacred, symbolizing God's covenant with Israel. In 1 Samuel 6:19, we see the severe consequences for those who treated the Ark with irreverence: "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."

The Levitical priesthood was established to maintain the sanctity of the sacred spaces and objects. Leviticus 10:1-2 recounts the account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result. This incident underscores the importance of approaching the sacred with the utmost respect and adherence to God's commands.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the concept of the sacred extends to the body of Christ, both in the sense of the physical body of Jesus and the collective body of believers, the Church. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the sanctity of the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit 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 early Church also faced challenges in protecting the sacredness of the Gospel message and the community of believers. In Acts 5:1-11, the account of Ananias and Sapphira serves as a warning against deceit and hypocrisy within the Church, highlighting the seriousness with which God views the integrity of His people.

Sacredness in Worship and Practice

Worship practices in both the Old and New Testaments reflect the need to protect the sacred. The Psalms frequently call for worship that is reverent and in awe of God's holiness. Psalm 96:9 exhorts, "Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth."

The Lord's Supper, instituted by Jesus, is another example of a sacred practice that requires protection. Paul warns the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 about the dangers of partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, emphasizing the need for self-examination and reverence.

Conclusion

The protection of the sacred is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, calling believers to honor God in their worship, their bodies, and their communities. It is a reminder of the holiness of God and the respect due to Him and His ordinances.