The Sanctuary as a Meta Model for New Testament Atonement Imagery

I started writing this paper for a class for my Masters Degree, taught by Dr. Stephen Bauer, back in the summer of 2022. I got bogged down and didn’t finish until this past winter–barely getting it submitted in time to graduate this past spring. I still wish it could be better but I learned a lot in the process of research and writing. I believe the concept has a lot of potential. I hope to do more reading and research on the topic of the Sanctuary, and hopefully flesh this concept out more during my future ministry.

This paper explores the concept of atonement through the lens of Old Testament sanctuary symbolism and Hebrew terminology. After reviewing atonement theories articulated through Christian history, this paper argues that the biblical model of atonement is more comprehensive than any of these singular theories. By examining key Hebrew terms such as כָּפַר (kāp̄ar, “to cover”), טָהֵר (ṭāhēr, “to cleanse”), and קָדַשׁ (qāḏaš, “to consecrate”), the study constructs a linguistic model of atonement that encompasses sin, cleansing, and holiness. The paper proposes that the Old Testament sanctuary service provides a meta-model of atonement that integrates multiple aspects of reconciliation between God and humanity.

This model is analyzed through the symbolism of the sanctuary’s structure and rituals, concluding in the beautiful and multi-faceted atonement image in the Ark of the Covenant and it’s cover. McFeeters argues that this comprehensive model addresses broader questions of how sinful humanity can approach a holy God, going beyond simple theories. By connecting this Old Testament meta-model to various historical atonement theories, the paper demonstrates how the biblical concept incorporates elements of ransom, substitution, moral influence, and governmental theories. It concludes that the sanctuary-based meta-model offers a more complete understanding of atonement, reconciliation, and salvation than any single theoretical approach, reflecting a divine design that prefigures the multifaceted work of Christ.

(Abstract generated with the help of AI)

Download and read the full paper in PDF Format: The Sanctuary as a Meta Model for New Testament Atonement Imagery

Throughout Christian History, scholars have sought to provide an explanation of the mystery of the gospel story. For centuries, Christians have shared the same text of the New Testament. The gospels give the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and record His teachings on the Kingdom of God. The book of Acts, together with the epistles and the book of Revelation, dig deep into the theological and soteriological meaning of the gospel events, and yet still theologians are divided over some of the deepest and most fundamental questions surrounding the gospel.

In what way does Christ’s death on the cross provide salvation for humankind? How do we reconcile the facts of his death with the fundamental truths that we understand about God’s character—His love, His justice, His sovereignty and His grace? Or perhaps to ask the question differently: how does our understanding of Christ’s atonement shape our view of God’s character? These questions have given rise to a plurality of interconnected yet distinct theories of atonement which have been advocated by Catholic and Protestant Christians, and debated between liberal and conservative theologians. It is the purpose of this paper to explore a possible meta-model which could bridge multiple atonement theories and metaphors using sanctuary imagery found in the Old Testament.

After exploring the historical background of the various views of atonement within Christianity, we will document connections or echoes of the atonement theories within the Old Testament. We will construct a model of Hebrew terms used to describe various aspects of the atonement in order to ground our study within the Biblical meaning. We will then walk through the Levitical sanctuary service with an eye for connections to atonement imagery. Given these connections within the ancient prophetic model of Christ’s atonement, we will attempt to construct a Biblical meta-model of the atonement that captures positive elements of multiple historical atonement theories.

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