This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
Published on November 3, 2019, by Joe Babendreier, a renowned author.
As we read in the Book of Psalms, 'The Lord has visited his people.' This visitation is not limited to a physical temple, but rather a spiritual one. God's presence is a mystery that has been revealed to us through the Bible.
When King Solomon dedicated the Temple for worship, God filled it with a cloud, demonstrating his presence among the Israelites. However, Christians believe that we have been blessed with a greater blessing – the presence of God within us.
St. Paul explains in First Corinthians, 'Do you not realise that you are a temple of God with the Spirit of God living in you?' This means that our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and we are not our own property, but have been bought at a price – the price of Christ's blood.
Jesus announced the mystery of God's presence to his disciples at the Last Supper, saying, 'Anyone who loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him and make a home within him.'
By preserving our friendship with God, we allow the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to live within us, making our heart a throne for the Almighty. What greater honour can a man or woman have than to host God as their guest?
However, when we engage in sinful behaviour, we force God to abandon our soul, and we cease to be that temple where he is welcome. This is a warning to flee from occasions of sin and to help others do the same.
