The progressive concept of God’s Temple and what it means to Christians today

John Pape, Jr.

Before we go any further, I believe it is important to discuss the progressive development of God’s temple though out history. This should give you a better understanding of where you need to be in relationship with the Creator.

Through the Bible the idea of a place to worship God is illustrated. The temple is a place where God’s people go to worship Him. This was a special place in which to meet and experience the greatness of God. As time progressed, God instituted different "Temples". Each has its purpose for its time. We will explore each phase to help you understand how it relates to you as an individual worshipper. The reason I want to establish progression of God’s temple is to show you how it relates to the premise of this study. To understand how God wants his temple will help you understand the idea presented in this study. When we look at the four different types of temples illustrated in the Bible Though this you should come to a better understanding of your position in Christ. You will learn where God really dwells today in the life of a true worshipper.

The Tabernacle

Exodus 25:8-9 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

The first official place used to worship God was the tabernacle. This was instituted by Moses. It was basically a tent that could be moved from place to place. This was important because at this time in the history of Israel they were constantly on the move. Therefore they needed something that could be put up then as needed be moved to a new location. It made sense to have a tent like structure. The purpose of this tent like structure was for worship of God. It became the place to commune with God. Eventually it becomes the home to the Ark of the Covenant.

Solomon’s Temple

Solomon’s temple was the first upgrade for a place to worship God. The tabernacle as we learned was a tent. Built to very specific directions. The tabernacle allowed for the ability to move from one pace to another. Now that Israel is an established nation. It makes sense to make it more permanent. The bulk of this study will examine the process that God created to make the building a reality.

Jesus is the Temple

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body.

What an amazing proclamation made by Jesus. He declared Himself as the Temple. This must of really twisted the minds of the religious leaders. After all, they could fully understand going to a grand and beautiful building that was set aside to worship God. But Jesus is the Temple? Information overload! To the Jew in Jesus’ time this was a radical concept. What this meant is that God actually dwelled in Jesus. This also gave the open door to worship Jesus. By this time Solomon’s temple which was destroyed had been rebuilt and was known as Herod’s temple. Herod’s temple was merely a replacement for Solomon’s temple.

The Believer –The Temple of The Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Perhaps the most amazing thing is that every one that is a believer has God dwelling in them. This really is amazing to meditate upon. As a believer you become a living temple. IF you get anything from this study is this: You are the Temple of God as He dwells in you. Just like the other temples we looked at in the past you also need to be built up. What I am trying to convey is that God wants to build you up in His image. In this study it is my goal to help you understand the various steps and phases that go into building a temple. This is really about building yourself to become a more effective worshipper. As a more effective worshipper you are better able to lead the people you serve into the presence of God. That is your function as a worship leader. You need to be a model for those you serve.

RESOURCE BOX

This article is an excerpt for the new book by John Pape, Jr titled "Building a House of Worship" For more information on how you can get your copy of this book go to...
http://www.buildingahouseofworship.com
SPECIAL NOTICE: Please feel free to publish this article in your e-zines, newsletters, on your website or in your book. I only require that you publish the Resource Box and the end of the article.
Copyright John Pape Jr.

Go Back