Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7470 temple, significance of

7470 temple, significance of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 7000 God's people » 7300 Institutions and culture of OT » 7466 temples » 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

Isaiah 2:3 pp Micah 4:2 See also Isaiah 56:4-7; Isaiah 66:20; Jeremiah 33:11; Ezekiel 37:28; Ezekiel 40:2-4 Ezekiel received a vision of a rebuilt temple to which the glory of the LORD had returned. Chapters 40-48 describe this temple and its worship in detail; Haggai 2:6-8; Zechariah 14:16; Malachi 3:1-3

The superstitious belief that the presence of the temple in Jerusalem safeguarded the city

The origin of such a belief

2 Kings 19:32-36; Psalm 132:13-18

The prophets knew that disobedience to God would be judged in spite of the temple

Micah 3:12 See also Jeremiah 7:4,12-14

The link between the earthly temple and heaven

Heaven is described as God's temple

The ultimate “city of God” needs no temple, since it is permeated by God's presence

Revelation 21:22 See also Revelation 21:3

The risen Christ as the temple where God's glory is revealed

John 2:19-21

The church as the temple where God's presence dwells

The individual believer as the temple of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6:19

The local church as God's temple

See also 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

The whole church as God's temple

Ephesians 2:21-22 See also 2 Corinthians 6:16; 1 Peter 2:5 “house” here alludes to the temple. The church offers not animal sacrifices but “spiritual sacrifices” of praise and service.