This is “holy [place],” and is applied in the Old Testament both to the tabernacle and to the temple as a whole, and to the “holy [place]” and “most holy” in distinction from the other parts: “Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary” (Psa. 77:13). The sanctuary was where, in retirement from man and the world, God’s glory was seen, and His mind apprehended; it was where the sacrifices were offered, and God was worshipped.
In the New Testament also the word sanctuary is applied to the holy and most holy parts of the tabernacle (Heb. 9:1-8; Heb. 10:19; Heb. 13:11). Here it is called “worldly,” (κοσμκός) in reference possibly to its order, and its contrast to the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man. The word “sanctuary” in Hebrews 8:2 is literally holy (places or things); of these Christ is minister. The sanctuary for the Christian consists in the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. God is revealed without a veil.