Many View Christianity… As updated “rules” from Old to New Testament. As a life of “works” to prove Christians are “good enough” to go to heaven. These perceptions – among others - give a distorted view of Christianity. Let’s explore God’s view of Christianity.

In the beginning… God created a habitation for man He made His creation to be lived in. He gave man a universe to live in. A planet (and its diverse creatures) to live in. A glimpse of God’s presence with man. Gen. 3:8ff NOTE: His presence was not physical like man’s. Still, His presence was a reality to man.

Fast Forward to O.T. “Israel” God tabernacles among His people He made a covenant to tabernacle/fellowship with Israel. Cp. Exo. 24:9-11 Because they were sinners He tabernacled with them via the (symbolic) “tabernacle”. Laws of priesthood and “nearness” to God through also served as a shadow. Cp. Lev. 10:1-2

From Shadow to Christianity The law, including its sacrificial system, served as a shadow… with Jesus Christ as the target. Col. 2:16-17 This included the temple/priesthood/sacrifices: Priestly service. Heb. 8:5 Sacrifices. Heb. 10:1 No wonder Jesus said… “destroy this temple”. Jn. 2:19

The Apostle Paul and “temple” usage The apostle takes the concepts and usage of God’s Tabernacling from O.T., coupled with Jesus’ usage. He applies this concept to Christians. 1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19

Our Bodies: A TEMPLE for God! It is a place where He dwells with/within us. It is a holy place, like the tabernacle/temple of the O.T. Collectively, it looks like “the church”: called to set apart… unto our God. Eph. 2:21

“The End” Revelation 21 All things made new. V. 1 “New Jerusalem” coming down out of heaven with God “tabernacling” with men. Vs. 2-3 Like the beginning, “the end” saw no temple… for “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” vs. 22-23