The concept of the sacredness of God's dwelling is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the holiness and reverence associated with places where God chooses to manifest His presence. This sacredness is evident in various forms, from the tabernacle and the temple in the Old Testament to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers in the New Testament.

The Tabernacle

The tabernacle, described in the book of Exodus, was the first dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a portable sanctuary that accompanied them during their wilderness journey. God provided Moses with detailed instructions for its construction, emphasizing its sanctity. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you." The tabernacle was a place where God's presence was uniquely manifest, and it was treated with the utmost reverence.

The Temple

The temple in Jerusalem, first built by King Solomon, was the permanent dwelling place of God among His people. The sacredness of the temple is highlighted in 1 Kings 8:10-11 , where it is recorded, "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD." The temple was a symbol of God's covenant with Israel and a place where sacrifices and worship were offered.

The Holy of Holies

Within the tabernacle and later the temple, the Holy of Holies was the most sacred space, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Only the high priest could enter this inner sanctuary, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16. This exclusivity underscored the holiness of God's presence and the need for atonement and purification.

The New Testament Perspective

With the coming of Christ, the understanding of God's dwelling underwent a significant transformation. Jesus Himself is described as the ultimate temple, the embodiment of God's presence on earth. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus says, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking of His body, indicating that He was the new dwelling place of God.

Furthermore, the New Testament teaches that believers collectively form the temple of God. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple." This passage emphasizes the sacredness of the community of believers as the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

The Church as God's Dwelling

The church, as the body of Christ, is also seen as a sacred dwelling of God. Ephesians 2:19-22 describes the church as "a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." This imagery reinforces the idea that God's presence is not confined to a physical structure but is manifest in the lives of His people.

The Eschatological Fulfillment

The sacredness of God's dwelling reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:3 declares, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This future reality reflects the consummation of God's plan to dwell among His people in perfect holiness and communion.

Throughout Scripture, the sacredness of God's dwelling is a profound reminder of His holiness, the reverence due to His presence, and the transformative power of His indwelling Spirit in the lives of believers.