The construction of a theological system, the sanctuary, and Adventist theology

The use of a biblical motif as an integrative center or principle of articulation in a theological system is commonly practiced and methodologically discussed in theological literature. In the context of Adventist theology, the sanctuary is considered one of the main integrative motifs for the development of a theological system. The purpose of the present article is to depict proposals regarding the foundational place of the biblical sanctuary for the articulation of theological topics in Scripture from a systematic and biblical perspective. In interaction with these proposals, the complex debates concerning the definition of a theological (integrative) center in Scripture are taken into account. From a methodological standpoint, an interdisciplinary approach is adopted that involves the areas of Adventist studies, biblical theology, and systematic theology. In the area of Adventist studies, it is described how the sanctuary played a role in the development of a theological system in the history of Adventist theology. Then, in the areas of biblical theology and systematic theology, different proposals concerning the integrative use of the sanctuary by biblical and systematic theologians are described and examined in light of the problematization of the use of a theological unifying center.