7470 temple, significance of
The temple was both idealised and spiritualised by OT and NT writers.
The OT concept of an ideal temple in the future age of salvation
Isa 2:3 pp Mic 4:2 See also Isa 56:4-7; Isa 66:20; Jer 33:11; Eze 37:28; Eze 40:2-4 Ezekiel received a vision of a rebuilt temple to which the glory of the
The superstitious belief that the presence of the temple in Jerusalem safeguarded the city
The origin of such a belief 2Ki 19:32-36; Ps 132:13-18
The prophets knew that disobedience to God would be judged in spite of the temple Mic 3:12 See also Jer 7:4,12-14
The link between the earthly temple and heaven
Heaven is described as God’s temple Ps 11:4 See also Hab 2:20; Heb 8:5; Heb 9:24; Rev 11:19; Rev 14:15-17; Rev 15:5-8
The ultimate “city of God” needs no temple, since it is permeated by God’s presence Rev 21:22 See also Rev 21:3
The risen Christ as the temple where God’s glory is revealed
The church as the temple where God’s presence dwells
The individual believer as the temple of the Holy Spirit 1Co 6:19
The local church as God’s temple See also 1Co 3:16-17
The whole church as God’s temple Eph 2:21-22 See also 2Co 6:16; 1Pe 2:5 “house” here alludes to the temple. The church offers not animal sacrifices but “spiritual sacrifices” of praise and service.
See also
| 1680 | types |
| 7020 | church, the |
| 7110 | body of Christ |
| 7241 | Jerusalem, significance |
| 8470 | respect for God |
| 8626 | worship, places |
| 9145 | Messianic age |
| 9410 | heaven |
