Sacred Space as a Biblical Symbol of Covenant and Holiness

Sacred Space in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, sacred space is most vividly expressed through the tabernacle, which God commanded Moses to build as a dwelling place for His presence among Israel.

Exodus 25:8 declares, 'Then have them make a sanctuary for me and I will dwell among them,' establishing the tabernacle as a tangible symbol of God’s covenant with Israel. This portable sanctuary, built with precise instructions, became the central location where priests mediated between God and the people through sacrifices and rituals. Its design and use reflected the holiness of God and the need for a mediated relationship between the divine and the human.

The tabernacle’s role as sacred space underscored Israel’s identity as a covenant people, with God dwelling among them. This foundational concept later shaped the construction of Solomon’s Temple and continued to influence Jewish worship practices.

Jesus as the Fulfillment of Sacred Space

Jesus redefines sacred space in the New Testament by shifting its focus from physical structures to His incarnate presence and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

In John 2:19-21, Jesus declares, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days,' referring to His body. This statement reorients sacred space from the Jerusalem Temple - a symbol of God's presence in the Old Testament - to the person of Christ, whose resurrection establishes a new covenantal center. By equating His body with the temple, Jesus asserts that divine holiness is no longer confined to a building but is embodied in human form. This redefinition underscores the centrality of His sacrifice and resurrection as the ultimate fulfillment of sacred space.

Paul expands this concept in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, writing, 'Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?' Here, believers become living temples, replacing the physical temple as the locus of God’s presence. This shift emphasizes a direct, spiritual relationship between God and individuals, mediated by the Holy Spirit rather than through priests or rituals.

This shift from physical to spiritual sacred space indicates a major theological change. Jesus’ body and the believer’s heart become the new arenas where God dwells, reshaping Christian identity and worship. It also invites reflection on how sacredness is experienced communally and individually in the church age, paving the way for understanding sacred space as a dynamic, relational reality.

What Sacred Space Means for Us Today

The New Testament redefines sacred space as a living community where God dwells through the Holy Spirit, guided by the church's role as His spiritual house.

In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are called 'living stones' being built into a 'spiritual house' to serve as a 'holy priesthood,' emphasizing that sacred space is now found in the gathered and scattered church. This shifts focus from physical temples to the people of God, whose collective worship and mutual holiness reflect His presence. For modern Christians, sacred space is cultivated in acts of communal worship, where the Bible is honored and prayer unites believers. It also manifests in daily life through intentional sanctification - how we love, serve, and seek justice - as God’s presence transforms both community and individual hearts.

Going Deeper

Revelation expands the biblical vision of sacred space by depicting God’s ultimate dwelling with humanity.

In Revelation 21:3, John writes, 'Look! The dwelling of God is with humanity, and He will dwell with them,' while Revelation 21:22 declares, 'I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.' These verses illustrate a future where sacred space transcends physical structures, reflecting God’s eternal, intimate presence with His people.