What makes a room or building a sanctuary?

This is 'holy [place],' and is applied in the O.T. both to the tabernacle and to the temple as a whole, and to the 'holy [place]' and 'most holy' in distinction from the other parts: "Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary." Ps. 77:13. The sanctuary was where, in retirement from man and the world, God's glory was seen, and His mind apprehended; it was where the sacrifices were offered, and God was worshipped.

In the N.T. also the word sanctuary is applied to the holy and most holy parts of the tabernacle. Heb. 9:1-8; Heb. 10:19; Heb. 13:11. Here it is called 'worldly,' (κοσμικός) in reference possibly to its order, and its contrast to the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. The word 'sanctuary' in Heb. 8:2 is literally holy (places or things); of these Christ is minister. The sanctuary for the Christian consists in the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God is revealed without a veil.

The idea of a temple is a sacred edifice, a space “cut off” from others, where God may be worshipped, and from whence things secular, such as commerce, trade, etc., are excluded. With all this we are of course familiar by the ordinary usage of the day. The question is, does such custom comport with the Christian idea of a temple of God? Sincerity as to it cannot make the practice of it right, if indeed the word of God supply no sanction.

But in the verses before us we have the Christians looked at as “an holy temple in the Lord” and “a habitation of God.” The figure is changed. This sets before us the great truth of God dwelling in the midst of His people on this earth. But not only does God dwell in this habitation, but the word temple carries the thought of a shrine, a dwelling place indeed, but connected with the thought of holiness, because of who it is that dwells. It is a sanctuary, a sphere of priestly activity, a place of worship—a place made by the persons who compose it, not by stones and mortar. “God … dwells not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24).

But in the verse before us we have the Christians looked at as “an holy temple in the Lord.” The figure is changed. This sets before us the great truth of God dwelling in the midst of His people on this earth. But not only does God dwell but the word temple carries the thought of a shrine, a dwelling place indeed, but connected with the thought of holiness, because of who it is that dwells. It becomes a sanctuary, a sphere of priestly activity, a place of worship—a place made by the persons who compose it, not by stones and mortar. “God … dwells not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24).

But in the verse before us we have the Christians looked at as “an holy temple in the Lord.” The figure is changed. This sets before us the great truth of God dwelling in the midst of His people on this earth. But not only does God dwell but the word temple carries the thought of a shrine, a dwelling place indeed, but connected with the thought of holiness , because of who it is that dwells. It becomes a sanctuary, a sphere of priestly activity, a place of worship—a place made by the persons who compose it, not by stones and mortar. “God . . . dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24).

But in the verse before us we have the Christians looked at as "an holy temple in the Lord." The figure is changed. This sets before us the great truth of God dwelling in the midst of His people on this earth. But not only does God dwell but the word temple carries the thought of a shrine, a dwelling place indeed, but connected with the thought of holiness, because of who it is that dwells. It becomes a sanctuary, a sphere of priestly activity, a place of worship - a place made by the persons who compose it, not by stones and mortar. "God … dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 17:24).

Sanctuary, typical of God's dwelling place among His people, a Holy Place set apart for God's pleasure. "Let them make me a Sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:8).

1890 47 "Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them:" (Ex. 25:8, etc.) the primary principle of worship was enunciated in that word "sanctuary." The dignity and majesty of God is of such nature that no worship can be acceptable that is not holy; and, as there was no word in human language that would convey the true meaning of this, it has to be conveyed by physical types, ordinances and emblems.

In Ex. 25:8, the further thought is conveyed in the words:—"let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them." Then a minute description is given of the golden vessels to be placed therein. The constitution of the tabernacle is described in Exodus 26:1-6, as being formed of a curtain of various significant colours. There are various other curtains and structures, but these are all subsidiary to the first mentioned curtain. The Tabernacle contained the Sanctuary, thus the former term was more comprehensive than the latter which was descriptive of the inmost shrine, where God's presence and majesty were displayed. That distinction was confirmed in the New Testament in Hebrews 9:2-3. Obviously the sanctuary was where God could derive pleasure from having His people dwelling with Himself, consistent with the display of His own attributes. He could not satisfy the desire apart from being consistent with His eternal characters of righteousness and holiness.

Could anything be more wonderful—God desiring to dwell among His redeemed people? But if this be so, it must be a sanctuary—a holy dwelling place, suited to His own nature. It must be agreeable to Him.