Overview
God commanded the construction of the sanctuary as a physical manifestation of His desire to dwell with His people. This holy space contained the furniture and implements necessary for worship and atonement. The sanctuary's design, materials, and practices all pointed forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice and His role as our eternal High Priest.
Key Scriptures
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst" (Exodus 25:8, ESV). "So I have been a sanctuary to them for a little while in the countries where they have gone" (Ezekiel 11:16, ESV). "You shall keep the Sabbath, for it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death. For whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people" (Exodus 31:14, ESV). "Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man" (Hebrews 8:1-2, ESV).
Application
Recognize that as a believer, your body is now God's sanctuary through the indwelling Holy Spirit, calling you to live holy and consecrated unto the Lord.