Expert: Jim Miller - 7/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Is there any biblical support to place an ark of the covenant in a nondenominational church as centerpiece of worship?

ANSWER: No.
The Ark of the Covenant last appears in 1 Kings 8 when it is moved into Solomon's Temple.  It probably inspired Ezekiel's vision in Ezekiel 1.  In Hebrews it is one of the things copied from the Heavenly Sanctuary, and in Revelation the Heavenly Sanctuary only appears.  There is no earthly Sanctuary, nor is the Ark of the Covenant mentioned.
A non-denominational church?  Interesting theory.  I have only heard of claims by the Ethopian Church to possess the Ark.
I hope this is helpful,
Jim Miller

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your response.  Our Pastor believes and is teaching us that the ark should be restored to the new testament church as the center of worship that God will come and dwelland we can once again enter to worship in Davids restored tabernacle.  Is there biblical support for this kind of worship today?

Answer
In Matthew 27:50-51, when Jesus dies, the veil in the Temple is torn, exposing the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies).  Many interpret this as the end of the Temple services.  But the Most Holy Place is empty.  There was no Ark of the Covenant to place in there after the exile.
In the Book of Hebrews, especially chapters 7-10, it is clear that the Sanctuary services were imperfect reflections of Jesus, his sacrifice, and his ministry on our behalf in the true Sanctuary, the one in Heaven.  He is the true High Priest, ministering for us in the true Sanctuary.  Everything related to the earthly Sanctuary is of value only as far as it helps us understand Heaven and our High Priest.  The Ark of the Covenant, if we were to find it, would have value as an archaeological artifact.  Also, for observant Jews it could become a rallying point for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.  But for a Christian, it is only an artifact, not a central item for a church.
I know of nowhere in the New Testament where the Ark of the Covenant has significance in itself.
I hope this is helpful,
Jim Miller