The concept of "Our Stake in God's Holy Place" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the relationship between God and His people, and the significance of sacred spaces in the life of believers. This entry explores the theological and scriptural foundations of this concept, emphasizing the importance of God's holy place in the life of the faithful.

Biblical Foundations

The idea of a holy place where God dwells among His people is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem served as the central places of worship and divine presence. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This command underscores the importance of a designated holy place where God’s presence is manifest.

The Temple, built by Solomon, became the focal point of Israel's religious life. In 1 Kings 8:13 , Solomon declares, "I have indeed built You an exalted house, a place for You to dwell forever." The Temple was not only a physical structure but also a symbol of God's covenant with Israel, representing His promise to be with His people.

The New Covenant and the Church

With the advent of the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, the understanding of God's holy place expanded. Jesus Himself spoke of His body as a temple (John 2:19-21), indicating a shift from a physical location to a spiritual reality. The Apostle Paul further develops this idea, teaching that believers collectively form the temple of God. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 , Paul writes, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"

This transformation signifies that the presence of God is no longer confined to a specific geographical location but is present within the community of believers. The Church, as the body of Christ, becomes the new holy place where God dwells, and each believer has a stake in this divine reality.

Theological Implications

The concept of having a stake in God's holy place carries profound theological implications. It emphasizes the intimate relationship between God and His people, highlighting the privilege and responsibility of being part of His dwelling. Believers are called to live lives that reflect the holiness of God, as they are now His temple. In 1 Peter 2:5 , it is written, "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

This understanding also reinforces the communal aspect of faith. The Church, as the collective temple of God, is a place of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. It is where believers gather to experience God's presence, receive His word, and participate in the sacraments. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate fulfillment of our stake in God's holy place is found in the eschatological hope of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:3 proclaims, "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 vision of the future underscores the eternal reality of God's presence with His people, where the separation between the divine and human is forever abolished.

In summary, "Our Stake in God's Holy Place" is a rich biblical theme that encompasses the historical, spiritual, and eschatological dimensions of God's relationship with His people. It calls believers to recognize their role as part of God's temple, to live in holiness, and to anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to dwell among His people eternally.