The concept of the sacredness of God's possessions is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the holiness and set-apart nature of what belongs to the Lord. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the reverence and respect due to what God claims as His own.

1. The Earth and Its Fullness

The Bible begins with the assertion of God's ownership over all creation. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." This verse establishes the foundational truth that everything in the world belongs to God, underscoring the sacredness of His creation. Humanity is called to steward the earth responsibly, recognizing it as a divine possession.

2. The People of Israel

God's covenant with Israel further illustrates the sacredness of His possessions. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God proclaims, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Israel is set apart as God's special possession, a people chosen to reflect His holiness and serve His purposes.

3. The Tabernacle and Temple

The sacredness of God's possessions is vividly portrayed in the construction and function of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. These structures were not merely places of worship but were considered the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The meticulous instructions for their construction and the consecration of the priests underscore the holiness required in approaching God's sacred space.

4. The Sabbath and Holy Days

The Sabbath and other holy days are also considered sacred possessions of God. In Leviticus 23:3 , the Sabbath is described as "a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred assembly." These times are set apart for rest and worship, reminding God's people of His sovereignty over time and their dependence on Him.

5. Tithes and Offerings

The practice of tithing and offerings is another expression of recognizing the sacredness of God's possessions. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." By returning a portion of their produce and income, the Israelites acknowledged God's provision and lordship over their resources.

6. The Church as God's Possession

In the New Testament, the Church is described as God's possession. 1 Peter 2:9 affirms, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to live in holiness and reflect God's character to the world.

7. The Believer's Body

The sacredness of God's possessions extends to the individual believer's body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds believers, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body." This passage emphasizes the believer's responsibility to honor God with their physical being, recognizing it as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Throughout Scripture, the sacredness of God's possessions is a recurring theme that calls for reverence, stewardship, and holiness. Whether it is the earth, the people of Israel, sacred spaces, times, resources, the Church, or individual believers, what belongs to God is to be treated with the utmost respect and devotion.