Kigongona

The Sanctuary: a New Covenant

In Akurinu theology, the concept of the Kigongona, sanctuary, is a profound reflection of the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. Rooted in the traditions of holiness and covenantal priesthood, the Kigongona serves as both an earthly and heavenly reality, embodying God’s presence among His people.

This blog explores the Kigongona’s importance in Akurinu faith, its connection to the new covenant of priesthood, and its foreshadowing of Christ’s journey to the cross. These themes reveal how The Sanctuary functions as a sacred space of worship, prophetic witness, and transformative faith.

The New Covenant and the Role of the Kigongona

The Kigongona draws its significance from the biblical teaching of a new covenant—a covenant not of law alone but of grace, inaugurated by Christ’s sacrifice Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20. Within Akurinu theology, this covenant extends to a priesthood of believers, charged with the sacred duty of guarding and upholding the sanctuary.

Much like the Levites in the Old Testament, who were set apart to minister before God and protect the sanctity of the tabernacle Numbers 3:5-10, the Akurinu community views themselves as custodians of the Kigongona. This priestly role reinforces their identity as a people set apart, committed to living out God’s holiness in both personal and communal life.

Foreshadowing Christ’s Journey to the Cross

The Kigongona holds deep typological connections to Christ’s redemptive journey. In biblical tradition, the placing of utensils in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:29) symbolised preparation for the sacrificial rituals of atonement. These sacred objects—lamp stands, altars, and tables—pointed toward the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  

Christ, as the fulfilment of the tabernacle and its symbols, embodied the journey from preparation to fulfilment. His death and resurrection revealed the sanctuary as not merely a physical place but the meeting point between God and humanity John 2:19-21. For the Akurinu, the Kigongona becomes a space where this journey is remembered and re-enacted through prayer, prophecy, and communal worship.

Guarding the Sanctuary: The Priesthood of Believers

The Akurinu covenant of priesthood emphasises the role of believers in maintaining the sanctuary’s sacredness. This responsibility is not confined to ritual but extends to ethical and spiritual practices that reflect God’s holiness.

This priestly role resonates with the New Testament’s portrayal of the church as a ‘royal priesthood’ 1 Peter 2:9, called to mediate God’s presence in the world. The Kigongona thus becomes more than a worship space—it is a place of transformation, where the faithful are equipped to embody the principles of the new covenant in their daily lives.

Heavenly and Earthly Realities of the Kigongona

In Akurinu theology, the Kigongona is understood as both a heavenly and earthly reality. On one hand, it reflects the eternal dwelling place of God, where Christ intercedes as the ultimate high priest Hebrews 8:1-2. On the other hand, it is an earthly space of communal worship and prophetic engagement, bridging the gap between God’s kingdom and the world.

This dual significance aligns with the Akurinu’s holistic view of salvation. Just as Christ’s work reconciles heaven and earth, the Kigongona becomes a locus where believers experience God’s presence and participate in His redemptive plan.

Kigongona as a Living Sanctuary

The Kigongona in Akurinu faith offers a compelling vision of the sanctuary as a living reality—a place where the new covenant is enacted, the cross is foreshadowed, and the priesthood of believers is empowered.

This understanding finds resonance with mainstream Christian traditions, both Western and African, which similarly view the church as the meeting place between heaven and earth. For these traditions, the gathered body of Christ experiences God’s presence and grace in the sanctuary, affirming its role as the bridge between the divine and the earthly.  

By acknowledging these parallels, the Kigongona serves as a reminder of the universal call to uphold sacred spaces as places of transformation and worship. For all Christians, it challenges us to embrace the sanctuary—not just as a physical structure but as the embodiment of God’s redemptive presence among His people.  

May the Kigongona inspire us to renew our commitment to Christ’s journey and to uphold the sanctuary of our faith with reverence, integrity, and love.

Reference

Macharia, Abraham P. In Search of Identity, The Akurinu Community Demystufied. Printview, 2012