Subscription Lists

There is a connecting thread recorded in God’s Word regarding “temple”, “tent”, and “tabernacle”. All are related, and intimately connect to God’s people from the ancient times of Israel’s sojourn, and forward to today. The difference in words refer to the same thing, but the usage depends on the times and conditions in which they are referred to.

As God so often does, He uses the physical to teach us about the spiritual. This is commonly known as type and anti-type - the method of using the seen to picture the unseen is one way He uses in relating Himself and His ways to us, so we can get the “picture”. References are made in scripture regarding the setting up, construction, and destructing of all three related word descriptions. Jesus referred to his body as a temple which He would raise up in three days. God is very interested in how we relate to temples.

We have a body, you and I, and it is marvelous and beyond compare to anything else in all of God’s creation. Most of the time, we are oblivious to what is going on in our bodies. That is, until it begins to give us pain, does not function as we are accustomed to, or changes in some way as to embarrass us. We, generally, are very solicitous and particular about anything having to do with these bodies of ours. God is equally so, and in some ways, even more so. He calls it a “temple” (sanctuary).

When Israel came out of Egypt, God gave instructions for the construction of a sanctuary, or a “tent of meeting”. Every time Israel was commanded to move, the tent of meeting had to be dismantled and carried with them and erected again at the place where they were commanded to stop. It must have an enormous job - just taking it down and setting it up. In addition to all the work and effort required to move it, next came all the meticulous setting up of the contents, with specific guidelines for all the functions within the tent. This would continue after the second generation entered the Promise Land until the time of Solomon - many years later. David had made part provision for the construction of a permanent temple, but it was God's desire that Solomon build a temple for worship of Him, and for His dwelling, and for Israel to appear before Him. The requirements for the temple (no longer a tent), was unimaginably meticulous and intricate in every detail. Then came the instructions - just as meticulous - for the priests. There were sacrifices, washings, and the appointments of timing and directions as to order and sequence. It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul said in referring to all the requirements for Israel: “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?”- Acts 15:10.

There is much symbolism and type involved in all these detailed instructions from God concerning the temple of Israel and the forerunner, the tent of meeting. All of these things are not just for their sakes at those times of history. They have built in instructions for spiritual Israel after Christ came: “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” - 1 Corinthians 10:6.

The Apostle Paul had much to say about the our temple. Our bodies.

Within the context of instructing the Corinthians concerning how they should conduct themselves in warning them about using the body for immoral activities, he makes an astounding statement: “…do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God?”

If your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, how do you treat the “temple” in which Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit dwells?

It is amazing what some put into their temple where the Holy Spirit dwells. In addition, just as amazing is how some abuse their temple from the outside. We are to control our bodies to bring them into subjection to the Holy Spirit’s leading (1 Corinthians 9:27), but to needlessly abuse the body, the temple of the Holy Spirit is most unwise. Although our bodies are temporary (1 Corinthians 6:13), they are to be treated as the tent of meeting and the temple of Israel, with great care, in everything that pertains to its health and vigor, so that it will be a sharp instrument for the use of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s service.

Are you taking the best care you can of your body - physically and mentally? Ask God to instruct you in the care and maintenance of His temple. He will guide you, if you are willing to bring it into subjection to Him.

Your body will be a better place for Him to dwell.

You will be a better servant for His use.

“Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own, You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body. You are not your own. You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honor God and bring glory to Him in your body.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible)

"'Christ in You...'" from Dale Krebbs

The Saints Who Slept