But in what way is it appropriate for Christians to apply heavenly sanctuary imagery to the church on earth? Matthew 18:20 hints at the answer: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (NIV). This is a virtual quotation of a common saying among the rabbis. “Where two sit together to study the Torah, the Shekinah glory rests between them” (Mishnah, Pirke Aboth 3:2). Jesus was alluding to this first-century rabbinical tradition to communicate a powerful message about Himself. He replaces the Shekinah glory with Himself. In His person the glory of the sanctuary is
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