Ellen White’s writings emphasize the importance of worshipping the Lord of the Sanctuary—God Himself—rather than the sanctuary, its rituals, or its symbols. Here are several key points from her books that clarify this distinction: 1. The Danger of Idolizing the Sanctuary or Its Forms: - The Jewish people, while revering the temple, lost sight of God Himself. They said, “The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, are these,” but misrepresented God’s character and polluted His sanctuary (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 291.2). - Even when the temple was beautiful and filled with gold and precious stones, God’s presence was not there if the people’s hearts were far from Him (The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 337.1; The Acts of the Apostles, p. 145.2). 2. True Worship Is Directed to God, Not to the Place or Ritual: - The sanctuary was not designed to honor man, but the God of heaven. God gave specific directions for its construction and service to teach reverence for Him, not for the building itself (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 268.2). - God is not confined to temples made with hands; He meets with His people by His Spirit when they assemble for worship (Prophets and Kings, p. 49.2). 3. Idolatry Can Take Many Forms: - Anything that men love and trust in instead of loving and trusting God becomes an idol—even religious forms or blessings (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 250.1). - The Israelites, in worshipping the golden calf, claimed to be worshipping God, but their worship was actually directed to an idol (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 760.1). 4. God’s Presence Is Conditional: - It was not enough for Israel to have the sanctuary and its services; if they cherished iniquity, God would not accept their worship (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 584.3). - God honors with His presence the assemblies of His people only when they worship Him “in spirit and in truth” (Prophets and Kings, p. 50.4). Summary: Ellen White warns against focusing on the sanctuary, its rituals, or its physical beauty, rather than on God Himself. True worship is not about the place or the forms, but about reverence, obedience, and a heart directed toward the living God. Worshipping the sanctuary or its symbols, rather than the Lord of the sanctuary, is a form of idolatry. References: - White, E. G. (1900). Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 291.2. - White, E. G. (1911). The Acts of the Apostles, p. 145.2. - White, E. G. (1890). Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 760.1, 584.3. - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings, pp. 49.2, 50.4. - White, E. G. (1885). Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, pp. 250.1, 268.2. - White, E. G. (1878). The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 3, p. 337.1. If you’d like direct quotations or more details from any of these references, please let me know!