Living Temples

 

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples 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 honor God with your bodies.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 (NIV)

From Tabernacle to Temple to Us

From the beginning, God graciously provided His people with tangible signs of His presence. In the wilderness, the tabernacle—the tent of meeting—was the physical symbol of divine nearness, built according to His exact instructions. Later, Solomon constructed the magnificent temple in Jerusalem as the dwelling place of God’s name, a holy space where heaven and earth met. Reflecting on who built the temple, where it stood, and why it was made should cause us to wonder and worship. Yet history records its destruction, a consequence of sin and unfaithfulness, followed by rebuilding—a cycle that invites both lament over human frailty and hope in God’s mercy.

Then came Jesus, who revolutionised and fulfilled everything the temple foreshadowed. He declared Himself greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6) and, through His death and resurrection, became the meeting place between God and humanity. Now, through Him, the Holy Spirit dwells not in buildings but in His people. The “kingdom hope” is not yet fully realised, but believers live now with the Spirit’s presence as a foretaste of the glory to come.

Temples of the Holy Spirit

Paul’s declaration that “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” transfers the sanctity of the Jerusalem temple to the bodies of believers (Lightfoot). Just as the ancient temple was guarded from defilement, so must we guard our lives. Calvin warns, “What greater indignity can there be than to defile God’s sanctuary?” This reality calls for daily holiness, knowing our bodies are not our own but God’s dwelling.

Not Mastered by Anything

Some in Corinth claimed, “I have the right to do anything” (v. 12). Paul counters: “not everything is beneficial” and “I will not be mastered by anything.” Barclay reminds us, “Real freedom means mastery over our desires, not slavery to them.” Sexual immorality is singled out because it uniquely violates the body, God’s temple. As God’s people, we have both the instructions for holy living and the vision of a heavenly city where His presence fills all (Revelation 21:22), urging us to live as His consecrated dwelling now.

Prayer

Lord, thank You that through Jesus we are now Your dwelling place. As You once filled the temple with Your glory, fill our lives with Your presence. Keep us from anything that would master us or defile what You have made holy. May we live in the light of Your instructions, Your mercy, and the hope of Your coming kingdom. Amen.