On Earth as It Is In Heaven

One of the most important biblical themes is that of the temple. When Israel is rescued from Egypt, their first task before the Lord is to build a tabernacle (Exodus 25-40), which is a portable temple. When David gains rest from his enemies, his desire is to build a temple (2 Samuel 7). That task ultimately falls to Solomon, and when he dedicates it he describes its inauguration as a fulfillment of all past covenantal promises (1 Kings 8). Its destruction is one of the saddest moments in all of Israel's history (Lamentations). Its rebuilding will be unmistakably glorious (Ezekiel 40-48). Yet, in Christian teaching we do not comment much on the temple. Why is that? Is it because the physical building was destroyed again (and finally) in AD 70? It was, but can that really be the end of the matter? Or maybe we're only looking forward to the new cosmic temple described in Revelation 21-22. Either way, there is significant application of the Bible's temple theology for our lives today. In this symposium from the fall of last year, I lay out a biblical theology of the temple toward understanding the gospel and the nature of the church better. I hope you'll be edified!