The Heavenly Sanctuary Motif in Revelation 21:3 and the Issue of Omnipresence: A Case Study

Abstract

The concept of divine omnipresence has been a central yet often underexplored attribute of God, particularly in relation to the sanctuary motif. Various theological perspectives have influenced interpretations of God’s presence. These views often challenge the biblical portrayal of a tangible sanctuary, prompting significant theological inquiries. Revelation 21:3, declaring that “the tabernacle of God is with men,” challenges these interpretations by emphasizing a direct, spatial, and relational aspect of God’s presence with humanity. This study, through an exegetical study of Rev 21:3, offers some data on this discussion, arguing that the New Jerusalem tabernacle functions both as a concrete, eschatological space where God resides with His people and as a representation of His all-encompassing presence. It clarifies the eschatological role of the sanctuary, demonstrating that God’s omnipresence complements a localized divine presence, with the sanctuary serving as the focal point of divine-human communion in the new creation.