Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 84:2 (Fall 2022)
Article: A Tripartite Critical Spatial Study On The Eschatology Of The Heavenly Tabernacle In The Letter To The Hebrews
Author: Luke Woo

A Tripartite Critical Spatial Study On The Eschatology Of The Heavenly Tabernacle In The Letter To The Hebrews

Luke Woo

Τhere are two coexisting realities that are classified under NT eschatology: the temporal and the spatial. While much scholarly attention has been given to the temporal, horizontal aspects of eschatology, the spatial aspect has been neglected or relegated to either Platonic or cosmological categories. This study seeks to provide a more holistic understanding of NT eschatology by investigating these spatial realities for believers under the heavenly tabernacle motif in the Epistle to the Hebrews.

The thesis is as follows: The author of Hebrews presents the heavenly tabernacle along with all its high priestly activity, to eschatologically situate, orient, and ground believers both spatially and temporally. This then enables believers to actualize in practice their heavenly, priestly identity by serving as priests on earth. This spatiotemporal eschatology, as we will call it, incorporates both spatial and temporal features of the heavenly tabernacle, which contributes to the author’s holistic presentation of eschatology and carries ethical implications.

After a survey of various interpretations of the heavenly tabernacle, I present Edward Soja’s Tripartite Critical Spatial methodology to analyze its Firstspace, Secondspace, and Thirdspace features (Part I). After considering the theological, literary, and structural context of the tabernacle motif in the letter, I draw attention to unique Firstspace and Secondspace spatial features in the passages referencing the heavenly tabernacle: Heb 4:14; 8:1–5; 9:1–14 (Part II). Christ, in his resurrection and ascension, enters an actualized, heavenly tabernacle, which allows believers to spiritually occupy that sanctuary space in the presence of God. This establishes a spatial orientation for believers, who then can identify as heavenly priests and be motivated to serve as such as they live on earth, which I define as heavenly tabernacle Thirdspace (Part III). This is supported by the use of Levitical cultic language to describe believers’ participation in heavenly liturgical activity. This consists of both vertical acts of worship and prayer to God and horizontal acts of service to fellow believers. In conclusion, the heavenly tabernacle is a key feature of Hebrews that communicates the spatiotemporal eschatological reality for New Covenant believers.