The term "House of God" refers to a sacred place designated for worship and communion with the Divine. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, it signifies a physical location where God's presence is uniquely manifest, and where His people gather to offer praise, prayer, and sacrifices. The concept of holiness is intrinsically linked to the House of God, as it is set apart for divine purposes and reflects God's sanctity.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the House of God is most prominently represented by the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle, described in detail in the book of Exodus, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-27). The holiness of the Tabernacle was underscored by its consecration and the presence of the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's covenant with Israel.

The Temple, built by King Solomon, became the permanent House of God in Jerusalem. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , we read of the divine presence filling the Temple: "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." This event marked the Temple as a holy place where God chose to dwell among His people.

New Testament Understanding

In the New Testament, the concept of the House of God evolves with the coming of Jesus Christ. The physical Temple in Jerusalem remains significant, but Jesus introduces a new understanding of God's dwelling. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus speaks of His body as a temple: "Jesus answered, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' But the Jews replied, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and You are going to raise it up in three days?' But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body."

Furthermore, the New Testament expands the idea of the House of God to include the community of believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 , the Apostle 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." Here, the holiness of the House of God is attributed to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believers, making them a living temple.

Theological Significance

The holiness of the House of God is a central theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the separation of sacred space for divine purposes. It serves as a reminder of God's transcendence and immanence, His otherness and His nearness. The House of God, whether in the form of the Tabernacle, the Temple, or the body of believers, is a place where heaven and earth meet, where the divine and human intersect.

The reverence for the House of God is reflected in the call to holiness for those who enter it. In Leviticus 19:30 , God commands, "You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD." This reverence is not only for the physical structure but also for the spiritual reality it represents.

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, the concept of the House of God as holy has practical implications for worship and community life. It calls for a reverent attitude towards places of worship and a recognition of the sacredness of the gathered community. It also challenges believers to live lives that reflect the holiness of the God who dwells within them, as they are collectively and individually temples of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the House of God as holy is a profound biblical theme that underscores the sacredness of places and people set apart for God's purposes. It invites believers to approach God with reverence and to embody His holiness in their lives.Ecclesiastes 5:1
Keep your foot when you go to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.
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Isaiah 62:9
But they that have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; and they that have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of my holiness.
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Ezekiel 43:12
This is the law of the house; On the top of the mountain the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.
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1 Corinthians 3:17
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
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The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... Who has done this evil thing in my house, and defiled ... why hast thou done this and
forgotten the Lord thy God? ... thou that wast brought up in the holy of holies ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

That Divine Love Makes the virtues Immeasurably More Agreeable to ...
... [497] Since the just man is planted in the house of God, his leaves ... that spring from
it will smell of musk: cleave then your heart by holy penitence, and put ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ii that divine love.htm

It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ...
... Him an house; howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made by hand." [1797]
If then our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost, what manner of God is it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on the creeds/section 13 it follows in.htm

Holiness
... high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the
high and holy place, with him =Holiness becomes God's house.= "Thy testimonies ...
//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter ix holiness.htm

Public Use of the Version.
... And if this be so, how are ministers of this Holy Word to answer the further question,
When we are met together in the House of God to hear His word and His ...
/.../addresses on the revised version of holy scripture/address v public use of.htm

Peter and the Roman Officer
... man and one who worships God and is well spoken of by all the Jews, was told by
a holy angel to send for you and ask you to come to his house, that he may hear ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/peter and the roman officer.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... of access, gives holy aptness to enter, and holy boldness, firmness ... is no position
in the Church of God, high or ... Praying men are needed in the house of business ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

The Church, the Place of Worship
... of setting apart places and houses as holy and dedicated ... was ever a part of the faith
of God's people." Thus ... says, "Behold, I purpose to build a house unto the ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/the church the place of.htm

Prayer and Devotion
... I know not otherwise how to express, emptied and annihilated; to love Him with a
holy and pure love ... Social affinities attract us to the house of God, not the ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/iii prayer and devotion.htm

The Best of All, God is with Us
... arise therefore, and build ye the sanctuary of the LORD God, to bring the ark of
the covenant of the LORD, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

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