In most religions a temple is a (prayer) building in which God or gods are being worshiped. The Bible speaks much about the temple in Jerusalem, both in the Old and New Testament.
After the destruction of that temple in 70 AD and with the spreading of Christianity churches and cathedrals have been built all over the world with the same idea: a place for prayer, worship, a place where God is present.
We may indeed 'experience' God in a temple or church, but these buildings are not His residence. The Bible is clear about it: However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?’ (Acts 7: 48-50).
Indeed, God desires to live in a temple that He made Himself: the human body, the most beautiful building that exists. It is a place created by God Himself, a place where He can be very close with us and we with Him. In 2 Corinthians 6:16 it is written: For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” That is God with us ... Immanuel.
In light of this all, it is no wonder there is so much attack on the human body: sickness, mutilation, abuse, you name it. It is certainly okay to restore and maintain our buildings, but I truly believe we must stand up and defend the place where God really resides!
PS: You do not have to look far to experience God. Invite Jesus to come into your heart and live with you. He just loves to grant such a request!
Marja: Thank you for your insights. Jesus asked, "Do you not know, your body is my temple." WE have the responsibility to keep our bodies pure for Him.
ReplyDeleteYes, the responsibility to keep the temple holy is ours, but even if we fail... God is merciful and loving and gives us a brand new start every day!
DeleteHi, Marja. I have always chafed at the idea that people think God still "lives" in buildings, since this Scripture is clear that he lives in believers. But I never applied it to the reason our bodies are attacked with sickness. VERY good insight! "I truly believe we must stand up and defend the place where God really resides!" YES, I do too!
ReplyDeleteI am preaching to myself too Jeanette! Thanks for stopping by.
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