Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the term "sanctuary" is often used figuratively to represent a place of divine presence, protection, and holiness. While the literal sanctuary refers to the physical tabernacle or temple where God dwelled among His people, the figurative use of "sanctuary" extends to various spiritual and symbolic meanings throughout Scripture.Divine Presence and Protection The sanctuary is frequently depicted as a symbol of God's presence and a refuge for His people. In Psalm 27:5, David expresses confidence in God's protection, saying, "For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock." Here, the "shelter" and "tent" are figurative expressions of God's protective presence, akin to a sanctuary where believers find safety and peace. Spiritual Refuge The concept of sanctuary as a spiritual refuge is further illustrated in Psalm 91:1-2: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" The "shelter" and "shadow" signify a place of spiritual security and trust in God's unwavering protection, much like a sanctuary. Holiness and Consecration The sanctuary also symbolizes holiness and consecration. In Ezekiel 37:26-28, God promises to establish His sanctuary among His people: "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and multiply them, and I will set My sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be My people." This passage highlights the sanctuary as a representation of God's holy presence and His covenant relationship with His people. The Church as a Sanctuary In the New Testament, the concept of sanctuary is extended to the Church, the body of believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple." Here, the believers themselves are described as a sanctuary, a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the holiness and sacredness of the Church. Christ as the Ultimate Sanctuary Ultimately, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate sanctuary for believers. In Hebrews 10:19-22, the author encourages believers to draw near to God through Christ: "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." Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection provide believers with access to the true sanctuary, the presence of God, signifying the fulfillment of the sanctuary's figurative meaning. In summary, the figurative use of "sanctuary" in the Bible encompasses themes of divine presence, protection, holiness, and spiritual refuge. It points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who embodies the true sanctuary for all who believe. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 11:16Therefore say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come. Nave's Topical Index Library Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ... Hid in Light Angelic Comforters. Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and ... What those who were to be Initiated Promised on Entering the ... Whether There was any Reasonable Cause for the Ceremonial ... Index of Subjects. The Early Ministry in Judea Resources Who were the Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow good things to happen to bad people? | GotQuestions.org Who were the sons of Korah in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Sanctuary: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |