The temple mediated not only God’s presence, but also God’s forgiveness. In was the only place of sacrifice, and sacrifice was the means of forgiveness. According to temple theology, some sins could be forgiven and some kinds of impurities could be dealt with only through temple sacrifice. As the mediator of forgiveness and purification, the temple mediated access to God. To stand in the temple, purified and forgiven, was to stand in the presence of God. The temple was thus a center of devotion and the destination of pilgrimage.
