Sacred Reverence for the Sanctuary in Ellen White's Writings

Yes, the church sanctuary is a sacred place dedicated to the worship of God and must be treated with the highest degree of reverence and solemnityCG 540.2+1.

The Sacredness of the Sanctuary

The house of God serves as the audience chamber of the eternal King, where He reveals His presence to His peopleCG 543.1+1. Because of this divine connection, the sanctuary is considered holy, and a solemn awe should rest upon every worshiper who enters its doorsCG 543.1+1. God Himself established the order of His service, elevating it far above anything of a common or temporal natureCG 540.2+1. Just as the ancient Israelites were given exact rules for the sanctuary to impress them with God's holiness, modern worshipers have even more reason to maintain a devoted and thoughtful spirit in their worshipCG 540.2+1.

Maintaining the Distinction Between Sacred and Common

It is vital to keep the sacred distinct from the common in our minds and practices5T 491.3. The sanctuary should be used exclusively for the worship of God and the opening of His Word4LtMs, Ms 23, 1886, par. 15.

• Business and Education: The house of worship should not be used for common business, as a lunchroom, or as a schoolroom4LtMs, Ms 23, 1886, par. 15+1. When the same room is used for daily school and Sabbath worship, children may find it difficult to distinguish between the holy and the every-day4LtMs, Ms 23, 1886, par. 15.

• Secular Thoughts: Upon entering the sanctuary, worshipers should leave behind all worldly thoughts, pride, and selfish motivesCG 543.1+1.

• Quiet and Order: The sanctuary is a house of prayer, not a place for noisy traffic or confusion Matthew 21:13VSS 73.4. To the humble soul, the earthly house of God is the very gate of heavenCCh 249.1+1.

Reverence in Conduct and Attitude

Reverence for God’s house is a critical part of true godliness and should be practiced until it becomes a natural part of one's characterMYP 266.1.

• Parental Responsibility: Parents are responsible for teaching and commanding their children to enter the sanctuary with sobriety and respectCG 540.2+1. They should help their children understand that God is present and searches the secret thoughts of the heartCG 540.2+1.

• Ministerial Example: When a minister enters the pulpit, they should do so with a dignified and solemn mien, beginning the service with silent prayer to invite the presence of angelsCCh 250.1+1.

• Worshipful Posture: In the house of God, it is a duty to bow on the knees during prayer as an act of dependence and reverence3SM 269.5+1.

• Attentive Listening: The congregation should listen to the spoken word as the voice of God through His servant, avoiding sleep or communication with others during the messageCCh 250.5.

• Apparel and Order: Worshipers should appear in the house of God with clean, neat, and appropriate clothing to show respect for the Lord and His Sabbath2SM 474.2+1.

The Individual as a Spiritual Temple

While the physical building is sacred, the human body is also described as a temple of the Holy Spirit that must not be defiled 1 Corinthians 3:16-17CG 448.1+1. Furthermore, the church as a collective body of believers is represented as a holy temple built of living stones, each fitting into a specific place to reflect the light of Christ to the world Ephesians 2:212MR 341.1+1.

Would you like to explore the summary of how parents can specifically cultivate this reverence in the home?