The term "sanctuary" in the Bible refers to a sacred or holy place set apart for the worship of God. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, representing God's dwelling among His people and His desire for a relationship with them. The concept of the sanctuary evolves from the tabernacle in the wilderness to the temple in Jerusalem, and ultimately to the spiritual understanding of God's presence among believers.

Old Testament

1. The Tabernacle: The sanctuary's earliest form is the tabernacle, a portable tent of meeting constructed by the Israelites under Moses' leadership. God provided detailed instructions for its construction in Exodus 25-31. The tabernacle served as the dwelling place of God among His people during their journey through the wilderness. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them."

2. The Temple: King Solomon built the first permanent sanctuary, the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in 1 Kings 6-8. This temple became the central place of worship for the Israelites, housing the Ark of the Covenant and serving as the focal point for sacrifices and festivals. The temple symbolized God's presence and His covenant with Israel. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , it is recorded, "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."

3. The Second Temple: After the Babylonian exile, the Jews rebuilt the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel, as recounted in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This Second Temple was later expanded by Herod the Great and stood during the time of Jesus. It continued to serve as the center of Jewish worship until its destruction in AD 70.

New Testament

1. Jesus and the Sanctuary: Jesus Christ's ministry brought a new understanding of the sanctuary. He referred to His body as a temple, indicating that He Himself was the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking about the temple of His body.

2. The Church as a Sanctuary: The New Testament expands the concept of the sanctuary to include the body of believers. 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 church, as the collective body of Christ, is the new sanctuary where God's presence resides.

3. Heavenly Sanctuary: The Book of Hebrews presents the idea of a heavenly sanctuary, where Christ serves as the High Priest. Hebrews 8:1-2 states, "Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who ministers in the sanctuary and true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man."

Symbolism and Significance

The sanctuary, in its various forms, symbolizes God's holiness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the means by which He provides atonement and reconciliation. It serves as a reminder of the separation between God and humanity due to sin, and the provision of a way to bridge that gap through sacrifice and worship. The sanctuary's ultimate fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who embodies the presence of God and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.