Life and Relationships

What Was the Purpose of the Old Testament Sanctuary Services?

The sanctuary and its sacrificial services taught God's people about sin's seriousness, the necessity of atonement, and God's plan of redemption, foreshadowing the future ministry and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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SanctuarySalvation

Biblical explanation

God instructed Moses to build the sanctuary “that I may dwell among them” (), establishing a visible, structured system through which sinful people could approach a holy God. Daily and yearly sacrifices, along with the various furnishings and rituals, taught profound lessons about substitutionary atonement, since the innocent animal died in the place of the guilty sinner (). Hebrews explains that this entire system served as “a figure for the time then present,” a shadow pointing to the reality found in Christ's superior, once-for-all sacrifice (). Understanding the sanctuary deepens appreciation for the gospel, since its detailed symbolism repeatedly points toward the person and work of Jesus as the true fulfillment of every sacrifice.

In brief

God instructed Moses to build the sanctuary “that I may dwell among them” (), establishing a visible, structured system through which sinful people could approach a holy God.

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.