"God’s Sanctuary in Heaven Was Opened": Judgment, Salvation, and Cosmic Cultus in Revelation

Abstract

Abstract:Both Revelation’s apocalyptic opening of heaven, and its portrayal of heavenly space in cultic terms, have been extensively studied by scholars. The intersection of these two features, however, has not received significant attention. This article examines references to the opening of the heavenly sanctuary in Revelation, arguing that they relate primarily, though not only, to judgment. It then turns to Revelation 21, where there is a striking change in cultic language, in particular the statement of the sanctuary’s absence (Rev 21:22). It argues that this shift is a coherent development from open sanctuary language earlier in Revelation, but one that lays the emphasis on salvation. Finally, comparison to heavenly openings in other biblical and apocalyptic texts uncovers parallel motifs whilst suggesting that Revelation stands apart in the extent of its emphasis upon first judgment and then salvation.