Liturgical Theology (Theology of Worship and Liturgy): Theology of Space (Sacred Space, Architecture, Symbols)
Liturgical theology reminds us that worship is never abstract—it takes place in space, time, and community. The church has always used sacred space, architecture, and symbols to embody the reality of God’s presence. Whether in the tabernacle, the temple, or the gathered assembly of believers, the places of worship reveal God’s desire to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8).
Sacred space points to the greater reality of Christ, who is the true temple (John 2:19–21). The physical elements of worship—walls, tables, fonts, pulpits, bread, wine, oil, and water—serve as tangible reminders of spiritual realities. They are not ends in themselves but signs and gifts that direct attention to God’s presence in the midst of His people.
1. Biblical Roots of Sacred Space
From the beginning, the Bible emphasizes the significance of space for encountering God:
Eden as a garden-temple: Genesis 2 describes the Garden of Eden as a place where God walked with humanity, echoing later temple imagery with rivers, trees, and precious stones (Genesis 2:10–12).
The tabernacle: God commanded Moses to build a tabernacle so that He might dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8–9). Its careful design symbolized heaven meeting earth.
The temple: Solomon’s temple became a visible sign of God’s presence, though the prophets warned against mistaking the building for the God who filled it (1 Kings 8:27; Jeremiah 7:4).
The church as God’s dwelling: In the New Testament, believers themselves become the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:21–22).
The movement from garden to tabernacle to temple to church reveals the unfolding plan of redemption. God’s dwelling with His people is not confined to one location but ultimately fulfilled in Christ and consummated in the new creation (Revelation 21:3).
2. Architecture and the Shape of Worship
Christian architecture has historically sought to embody theological truths. Different styles highlight different emphases:
Basilicas and cathedrals – pointing upward to God’s transcendence.
House churches – emphasizing intimacy and community.
Reformation meeting houses – centering the pulpit and Word.
Modern sanctuaries – often blending symbolic and functional elements.
The physical arrangement of space communicates meaning. For example:
The table emphasizes Christ’s presence in the Lord’s Supper.
The pulpit highlights the primacy of the Word preached.
The baptismal font testifies to new life and entry into the covenant community.
Architecture does not save, but it shapes the imagination of worshippers. A well-ordered space serves the Gospel by focusing attention on Christ rather than distracting from Him.
3. Symbols and the Language of Worship
Symbols play a central role in liturgical theology. Unlike mere signs, biblical symbols often contain and convey the realities they signify. For instance, the bread and wine of communion are not just reminders but divinely appointed means of grace (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Some key worship symbols include:
Water – cleansing, life, and baptism (John 3:5).
Oil – anointing, healing, and consecration (James 5:14).
Fire – the Spirit’s presence and God’s holiness (Acts 2:3).
Light – Christ as the light of the world (John 8:12).
Bread and wine – Christ’s body and blood, given for His people (Luke 22:19–20).
These symbols connect believers to the grand story of redemption, helping the church not only remember but also participate in the saving work of God.
4. Sacred Space as Relational
Some theologians suggest a relational concept of sacred space. God, who is not bound by creation, makes Himself present to His people in particular ways. The temple was not God’s residence in the pagan sense but His covenantal dwelling. Similarly, churches today are not sacred because of the materials used but because they serve as places where God meets His people through Word and sacrament.
This view avoids both extremes:
Over-sacralizing buildings, as if God is limited to stone and wood.
Underestimating place, as if physical gathering has no significance.
Instead, sacred space is relational—made holy because of God’s promise to be present with His people.
5. Eschatology and the Final Temple
Sacred space in the Bible ultimately points forward to eschatological fulfillment. Revelation describes the New Jerusalem as a temple-city where God dwells with His people:
“I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb” (Revelation 21:22).
The river of life flows from the throne, echoing Eden’s rivers (Revelation 22:1–2).
The nations bring their glory into it, fulfilling the missional call of God’s people (Revelation 21:24–26).
In this vision, all creation becomes sacred space. The temporary symbols give way to the reality of God’s presence filling everything. This eschatological hope shapes how the church views space now: every sanctuary is a foretaste of the eternal dwelling of God with His people.
6. The Gospel and Sacred Space
The Gospel transforms our understanding of sacred space in at least three ways:
Christ as the true temple: Jesus fulfills what the tabernacle and temple anticipated (John 1:14).
Believers as God’s temple: The Spirit indwells the church, making it a living temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
Worship as anticipation: Every gathered service points to the heavenly assembly (Hebrews 12:22–24).
Thus, sacred space is not ultimately about geography but about God’s covenant presence. Through Christ, believers can approach the throne of grace boldly (Hebrews 4:16).
7. Practical Implications for Worship Today
Understanding the theology of sacred space carries practical applications:
Church design matters: Buildings should point to Christ and support worship, not distract.
Symbols should be intentional: Use of water, bread, light, and song should be rooted in Scripture.
Community gathering is essential: Online tools may assist, but embodied worship reflects God’s design.
Eschatological hope guides us: Worship spaces now prepare us for the eternal temple of God’s presence.
These implications remind the church that while worship is spiritual, it is never disembodied. God calls His people to honor Him with their bodies, voices, and the spaces they set apart for His glory.
Conclusion: Dwelling with God
The theology of space in liturgy demonstrates that God chooses to meet His people in tangible ways. From the garden to the temple to the church to the new creation, the story of Scripture reveals God’s desire to dwell with humanity. Sacred space, architecture, and symbols all serve this greater end: directing attention to Christ and shaping believers for eternal worship.
Bible Verses about Sacred Space and Worship
Exodus 25:8 – “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.”
1 Kings 8:27 – “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!”
Psalm 84:1 – “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!”
Isaiah 66:1 – “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool…”
Jeremiah 7:4 – “Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord…’”
John 2:19 – “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?”
Ephesians 2:21 – “In whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
Hebrews 9:24 – “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands…but into heaven itself.”
Revelation 21:22 – “And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.”
