Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionAccess to God in His Temple is a profound theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between the divine and humanity. The Temple, as the dwelling place of God on earth, symbolizes His presence and the means by which believers can approach Him. This entry explores the biblical understanding of access to God in His Temple, emphasizing the significance of the Temple in the Old and New Testaments from a conservative Christian perspective. Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the concept of access to God is closely tied to the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle, described in Exodus, was a portable sanctuary where God dwelled among His people during their wilderness journey. Exodus 25:8 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The Tabernacle was a place of meeting, where God communicated with Moses and the Israelites. The Temple, built by Solomon, became the permanent dwelling place of God. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , we read, "And 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." The Temple was central to Israelite worship, with the Holy of Holies being the most sacred space, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where God's presence was most intensely felt. Access to God in the Temple was mediated through the priesthood and the sacrificial system. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as described in Leviticus 16. This limited access underscored the holiness of God and the need for atonement for sin. New Testament Fulfillment The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the Temple's symbolism in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is presented as the ultimate High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, providing believers with direct access to God. In John 2:19-21 , Jesus refers to His body as the 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." The tearing of the Temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death, as recorded in Matthew 27:51 , signifies the removal of the barrier between God and humanity: "At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split." This event symbolizes the new and living way opened through Christ's sacrifice, granting believers direct access to God. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this access in Ephesians 2:18 : "For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." Believers are now considered the temple of the Holy Spirit, as stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19 : "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." Theological Implications From a conservative Christian viewpoint, access to God in His Temple underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of atonement for sin. The Old Testament system of sacrifices and priestly mediation points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who provides the means for reconciliation with God. The New Testament teaches that through faith in Christ, believers have direct access to God, a privilege that was once limited to the high priest. This access is not only a theological truth but also a practical reality for believers, who are encouraged to approach God with confidence. Hebrews 4:16 exhorts, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Conclusion The theme of access to God in His Temple is a testament to God's desire to dwell among His people and to provide a way for them to come into His presence. Through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, the barriers have been removed, and believers are invited to experience the fullness of communion with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 15:1Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill? Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 27:4 Psalm 43:3 Psalm 65:4 Library In the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies The Cleansing of the Temple. The Way to God The Right of Entry Twenty-Eighth Day. The Way into the Holiest. The Veil Rent Perfection in Faith A vision of Judgement and Cleansing Prayer and Humility Resources What was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgIs prayer to saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.org If the Bible teaches gender equality, why has gender inequality always been the norm? | GotQuestions.org Access: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Access to God is by the Holy Spirit Access to God: A Privilege of Saints Access to God: Blessedness Connected With Access to God: Follows Upon Reconciliation to God Access to God: Obtained Through Faith Access to God: Promises Connected With Access to God: Saints Earnestly Seek Access to God: Saints Have, With Confidence Access to God: The Wicked Commanded to Seek Access to God: To Obtain Mercy and Grace Access to God: Urge Others to Seek Access to God: Vouchsafed to Repenting Sinners Related Terms |
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