What parallels exist between Ezekiel 43:5 and God's presence in the New Testament? Ezekiel’s Vision of Glory “the Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court, and behold, the glory of the LORD filled the temple.” (Ezekiel 43:5) Key Elements in Ezekiel 43:5 • The Spirit acts. • The prophet is carried into the inner court—closest proximity to God. • God’s glory visibly saturates the house of worship. New Testament Echoes of God’s Indwelling Glory • The Incarnation – God’s glory in flesh – “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We observed His glory…” (John 1:14) – As glory once filled stone walls, it now dwells in Jesus’ own body (John 2:19-21). • The Transfiguration – A preview of temple glory on a mountain – “A bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son…’” (Matthew 17:5). – The same cloud of glory Ezekiel saw now envelopes Christ. • Pentecost – Glory filling a new temple of living stones – “Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:2-4) – Wind and fire echo the overpowering presence that once filled the inner court. • The Individual Believer – Personal indwelling – “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19). – The Spirit who carried Ezekiel now resides in each redeemed person. • The Corporate Church – A collective sanctuary – “In Him the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:21-22) – God’s glory spreads from a single room in Ezekiel’s day to a worldwide fellowship. • The New Jerusalem – Eternal, unhindered presence – “I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22) – Ezekiel’s final chapters prepare the way for a city where glory fills everything, not only an inner court. Connecting the Threads Ezekiel 43:5 is a prophetic hinge: the Spirit ushers God’s glory into a physical structure, foreshadowing the Spirit’s later work of bringing that same glory into Christ, into His people, and finally into the new creation. Each stage intensifies the immediacy of God’s presence—from temple, to Christ, to believer, to the eternal kingdom. Takeaways for Today • The same Spirit who lifted Ezekiel now indwells and empowers believers. • God’s glory is no longer confined to stone; it radiates through lives surrendered to Him. • The future hope of Revelation motivates present holiness, knowing we carry His glory wherever we go. |
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