Doctrine of the Sanctuary and Its Ecclesiological Implications in Eastern Orthodox and Seventh-day Adventist Theology

Abstract

The doctrine of the sanctuary is one of the crucial teachings of the Holy Scripture. Proclaiming their faithfulness to the biblical truth, Christian denominations interpret this doctrine in different ways. The article compares the understanding of the biblical teaching on the sanctuary by the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Seventhday Adventist Church that represent two distinct approaches. The first one prefers the method of analogy with Old Testament realities, stressing the importance and sacredness of the worship in the earthly shrine, the second one believes in the existence of the real sanctuary in Heaven, where Christ serves as the mediator and intercessor for the people. Each interpretation entails numerous doctrinal and practical implications regarding soteriological and ecclesiological issues that shape the unique identity of both churches.