“Identifying the Temple of God”


BIBLE READING: Revelation 11
                                                                                                                                             
 (The following information is taken in large part from Kenny Barfield’s commentary on the book of Revelation)
          There are a number of interpretations as to what is the identity of the Temple that is mentioned in Revelation 11.  Some feel as though this is referring to an actual physical temple that will be built during a literal 1,000-year reign of Jesus on the earth.  Others think this is the Temple that Herod had built that was destroyed during the destruction of Jerusalem.  Then there are those that believe that this Temple is one that will be built in heaven.  Finally, there is the idea that this Temple is symbolic of the church; the kingdom of God.  To get our answer we must remember that a large part of John’s Revelation finds its roots in Old Testament prophecy.  Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that John’s vision of the Temple would have Old Testament roots as well.  In fact, Ezekiel also had a vision of God’s final Temple. Notice the similarities: both visions came during a time of national calamity, both came when God had removed His protection from Israel due to their rebellion.  If we are to have a clear understanding, we must examine both here in Revelation 11 and Ezekiel 40-48.  If we are to view the Temple as a physical Temple, then we also must deal with other passages that describe the Temple as being figurative.  For instance, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he says that our bodies are the Temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6.19).  In his second book to the Corinthians, he says God will live with us and walk among us (i.e. not live in a Temple 2 Corinthians 6.16).  Finally, in Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill he emphatically states that our God does not live in temples made with human hands (Acts 17.24).  If John is speaking of a Temple that will be in Heaven, then we must rationalize that with the contradiction of Revelation 22.12 where John states “I saw no temple…for the Lord Almighty and the Lamb are the temple”.  That leaves us to see that the “Temple” is symbolic of God’s people with Christ as the final offering as well as the Ultimate High Priest.  


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