Since the death and resurrection of Christ, A Believer is God’s Temple in which God dwells. Despite this, temples haven’t always been this way.
God allowed a temple to be built under King Solomon for Him to meet with His people. Praying, worshipping, and offering sacrifices were performed by priests. In 586 BC, the Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s Temple, and it wouldn’t be rebuilt until the Jews returned from their captivity in 538 BC. While Jesus was here on Earth, he told His disciples on the Mount of Olives, the Jewish temple they were looking at would be destroyed. It was in 70 AD by the Roman empire. No temple has since been rebuilt.
Other temples in the ancient world include, The Temple of Artemis built in the 6th century BC. It was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Ephesus was a pagan temple where people from around the world came to worship and make offerings to the goddess Artemis.
In AD 262, the Goths destroyed the city of Ephesus and burned down this wonder of the world. The Artemis Temple was never to be rebuilt.
Where is God’s Temple today?
Does God have a temple today? Yes, they are human temples. Those of God’s chosen people. These holy temples are set apart to worship the true God, the God of the universe, the God of heaven and earth, the God of Creation, and the God of every believer’s heart.
It is true that we live in temporary, earthly bodies, but we will always be vessels, temples that worship God forever.
God is still in the business of temple building. That is why a Believer is God’s Temple where God dwells.
What Does the Bible Tell Us?
Paul reminds us of this great truth as found in 2 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” It amazes me that God would elevate His children to such an exalted position and dwell within us.
Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 (The Message Bible) how God describes believers as His temples.
“I’ll live in them, move into them;
I’ll be their God and they’ll be my people.
So leave the corruption and compromise;
Leave it for good, says God.
Don’t link up with those who will pollute you.
I’ll be a Father to you;
You’ll be sons and daughters to me.
The word of the Master, God.”
In writing this letter to the Corinthians, Paul likely thought about his trip to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis. God performed extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands while he was in Ephesus. According to Acts 19:24-41, a riot broke out between believers in Ephesus and craftsmen who made silver shrines to Artemis. These craftsmen did not like the sway these believers had over them as they burned their idols.
It makes perfect sense that Paul would write 2 Corinthians 3:16.
Temple Reflection
The Holy Spirit dwells eternally Romans 8:1 in us as people of God, not in bricks and mortar.
Let’s explore what it means, what it looks like, and how to live as God’s holy temple through some reflection questions.
What does it mean to be God’s holy temple; see Romans 12:1-2 and Galatians 5:19-21.
- Offer yourself to God
- Be holy and pleasing to God
- Set yourself apart from the world
- Keep stretching and bringing your thoughts in line with God
- Know God’s will for you is to be good and pleasing to Him
- Avoid behaviors that do not build up your temple
In what ways should you serve your temple?
- Prayers: God desires your prayers continually. Lean into offering your thanks in all situations you encounter. Doing so builds watchfulness in your faith. See 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Colossians 4:2.
- Worship: Keep your eyes and worship on the Lord. Work at trying not to be carried away with all your desires. Worship with a sincere heart, listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Trust that God is truly there in all your troubles. By enduring, you will be of great comfort to others in need. See Luke 4:8, John 4:24, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
- Sacrifice: Exercise sacrificial living by setting aside time to grow your faith, praising, listening to God and, serving. Be an active temple with the door to your heart open and ready. See 1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15.
Personal Reflection: Seek God to reveal what may need to be added, or if some improvements are necessary in your temple. May you be inspired and blessed in your temple service.
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