The Real Sanctuary

Perhaps the biggest theological contribution Seventh-day Adventists have made to the larger Christian dialogue comes through our understanding of the heavenly sanctuary. It is far too large a subject for just a brief study, but this month, take a few moments to think about why it is so important to our understanding of the plan of salvation.

1. How much creative freedom did Moses have when designing the tabernacle? (Heb. 8:4, 5)

The earthly sanctuary was designed by God Himself. There was no creative leeway for the people who constructed it, because the symbolism was too important to risk compromise: It was designed to reveal details about the plan of salvation—and the nature of God Himself.

2. What does Daniel’s prayer habit teach us about the importance of the sanctuary? (Dan. 6:10)

Even when the temple was in ruins, Daniel maintained a habit of praying toward Jerusalem. The sanctuary represents our ultimate hope in the work of Messiah, a theme that permeates the entire book of Daniel.

3. Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant is a well-known prediction of Christ’s work on our behalf. As you read through it, what elements can you find that point back to the sanctuary and its services? (Isa. 53:1-12)

The sanctuary represents our ultimate hope in the work of Messiah.

4. How is the prophecy of the 70 weeks anchored in the themes of the sanctuary? (Dan. 9:24-27)

It’s really too large a subject for a brief summary, but you’ll notice that the timed arrival of Messiah is intricately linked to the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary. Notice how the language of Daniel 9:24 reflects sanctuary services: reconciliation for iniquity, anointing the most holy (qodesh qodeshim), finishing the transgression, and making an end of sins. Take a moment to compare the language of verse 24 to Exodus 29:33-44, where we find a description of the anointing of the earthly typical high priest. What similarities do you find?

You’ll also notice that this prophecy ends with the destruction of the earthly sanctuary at the hands of the Romans, signaling the fact that the real High Priest, Christ, had begun His work for us in the heavenly sanctuary.

5. What is the ultimate outcome from Christ’s work in the heavenly sanctuary for us? (Heb. 9:23-28)

When Christ returns, sin—the problem we could not deal with ourselves—will be a thing of the past. When He appears a second time, He will be coming, not to “deal with sin” (verse 28, ESV), but to save those who wait for Him! 

When He appears a second time, He will not be coming to deal with sin.

6. What does Hebrews 8:1, 2tell us about the reason we no longer need an earthly sanctuary? Compare this passage to Hebrews 10:4.What does it suggest about the earthly sanctuary services?

The entire economy and political existence of Israel revolved around the sanctuary. Likewise, we are also anchored in heaven’s sanctuary, guided daily by its High Priest, leading us toward the glorious moment He returns for us and literally “tabernacles” among His people forever (see Rev. 21:1-5, 22-26).