Episode 56 The Temple of God
A common theme among most religions of the world is a temple for worship. This is a central part of Christianity as well, but the New Covenant expression of that is very different from all other religions and even the temple that we see in the Old Testament. What is the Temple of God in the New Covenant? In the final words of Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 he said that God does not dwell in temples made with hands. What then was the meaning of the Old Covenant temple? I believe we can agree that in our time the church is the Temple of God. What does that mean to God? What does that mean to us?
• The Tabernacle
o The first “temple” that we see in the Old Testament
o Constructed exactly according to the pattern given by God
o All parts spoke of Christ in some way
o Was filled with the presence of God when completed (Exodus 40:34-38)
• The Temple
o Was patterned in many ways after the Tabernacle
o The critical elements of the Tabernacle were put there
o The presence of God filled the temple upon completion (I Kings 8:10-13)
• Jesus
o Spoke of Himself as the “temple” (John 2:18-22)
o The Holy Spirit came to abide at the Jordan (Matt. 3:16-17)
o The presence of God dwelt in Jesus in fullness (John 1, Hebrews 1, Col. 1:19)
• The church today is now the Temple of God
o Indwelt by the presence of God by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
o The fullness of God now dwells in the church (Eph. 1:23 3:19)
o All believers are now priests unto God (I Peter 2:4-9)
o We are to offer spiritual sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1, I Peter 2:5)
• The New Jerusalem
o No temple for God Himself is the temple (Rev. 21:22)
o God Himself is the glory and light
• As Individual members today
o A living stone fitted in by God
o Separated from this world, holy (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1)
• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email David@AnchorOfTruth.com