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Throughout the centuries, the church has valued how and where believers worship. From decorated stained-glass windows to carefully constructed sanctuaries, much of what we see today in church design can be traced back to Jewish customs that emphasized the sacredness of the tabernacle and temple.
Church historians agree that many of these practices find their roots in Old Testament worship. Over time, Christian architecture changed, especially during the Renaissance period. Today, one might admire the beautiful Gothic cathedrals or even the Cape-style churches in historic New England.
The intent behind building such churches is usually sincere. In many towns and villages, the church building was the center of the community, the most important structure. It was the place where one could worship Jesus Christ, whether in private prayer or in fellowship with other believers.
The Scriptures teach that “where two or three are gathered,” there is a church (Matt. 18:20). The care and sincerity in building churches have always mattered. If one travels through New England, it is no coincidence that some of the most beautiful churches remain, from tall Protestant steeples to brick Roman Catholic buildings.
Theologians often point out that the high standards for church buildings are rooted in the Old Testament. God gave specific instructions to the Jews regarding how to build the tabernacle and, later, the temple. Although Christians are no longer bound by the old civil and ceremonial laws, the detailed descriptions of the tabernacle (Exodus 25–31) and Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6–7; 2 Chronicles 3–4) have influenced how early Christians thought about worship spaces.
A common theme in both structures, the tabernacle and the temple, is reverence. Reverence is biblically defined as respect, honor, and worship of God. From the approved building materials to what was included or excluded, everything pointed to God’s holiness. There were even customs regulating how one should behave when entering the tabernacle or the temple.
Today, most Christian sanctuaries, regardless of size or denomination, are still treated with reverence. While some churches may be more relaxed, there is usually a shared understanding that it is a place set apart for worship. Much of this mindset has been passed down from generation to generation.
While Christians are called not to glorify a church building or any object, the reverence for God’s house is notable. Worship is never to be taken lightly, but practiced in seriousness and honor.
God is indeed a Spirit, and He is worshipped everywhere, not just in a church building (John 4:24). However, learning how the Israelites and early Christians approached worship helps us better appreciate the history and importance of the church building today. Whether entering a historic church building or falling to your knees in private prayer, the standard remains: approach God in reverence with deep honor.