What does it mean to "enter His sanctuary" in a spiritual sense? The Key Verse “until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.” (Psalm 73:17) Setting the Scene Asaph struggled with the apparent prosperity of the wicked until something dramatic happened: he “entered God’s sanctuary.” The physical sanctuary was the Temple in Jerusalem, but his breakthrough was more than geographic; it was profoundly spiritual. Old Testament Picture: A Holy Meeting Place • Tabernacle and Temple were designed for God to “dwell among” His people (Exodus 25:8). • Only priests could enter the Holy Place; only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year (Leviticus 16:2, 34). • God’s glory filled the sanctuary, signifying His nearness (1 Kings 8:10-11). These facts underscore that “entering” is about drawing near to the holy presence of the Lord. From Shadow to Substance • Christ is our High Priest who opened “a new and living way” through His flesh (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Because the curtain is torn (Matthew 27:51), believers now have continual access by faith (Ephesians 2:18). • God’s dwelling place is now also within us—“you are God’s temple” (1 Corinthians 3:16). What Entering His Sanctuary Means Today Spiritual, not merely spatial: • Approaching God’s manifest presence with reverence and confidence. • Shifting focus from earthly confusion to God’s eternal perspective (Psalm 73:17-20). • Receiving illumination that exposes deception and clarifies truth (John 16:13). • Enjoying covenant fellowship—“in Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). Practical Ways to Enter • Scripture meditation—letting the Word usher us before Him (Psalm 119:130). • Whole-hearted praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4). • Confession and cleansing—agreeing with God about sin (1 John 1:9). • Quiet waiting—stilling our hearts to know He is God (Psalm 46:10). • Corporate worship—gathering with the saints where He promises to dwell (Matthew 18:20). Blessings Found in the Sanctuary • Renewed understanding and wisdom (James 1:5). • Re-calibrated affections—“Whom have I in heaven but You?” (Psalm 73:25-26). • Strength for trials (Isaiah 40:31). • Assurance of justice—God will judge righteously (Psalm 73:27). • Deepened satisfaction in God Himself (Psalm 27:4). Living After We Leave The believer who has “entered” walks back into daily life anchored by heaven’s reality. Choices, attitudes, and conversations reflect the awe of one who has stood in God’s holy presence and now carries that presence into a watching world. |
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