2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. “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