The Temple Symbolism in Genesis

Commentary for March 1, 2004 — Article: “The Temple Symbolism in Genesis”

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This is just a short commentary to announce the March 2004 article “The Temple Symbolism in Genesis” written by Dr. Martin in 1977 and expanded with additional information by me. I heartily suggest that you read the March 2004 Newsletter before you read the Article because it will give a context for the article. In addition, please read my Commentary of February 29, 2004 that shows that the birth, life, death, resurrection, judgment, and present glorified life of Christ Jesus, who we are presently co-bodied with and symbolically seated with at the right hand of God the Father.

Several times the apostle Paul indicated that believers are the Temple of God. He does this in several ways, depending on the context. The application is both to individuals and to the ekklesia of God collectively:

“Know you not that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:16–17

Because God’s Holy Spirit is resident within us, our bodies are considered the Temple of God.

“What? know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which you have of God, and you are not your own?”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19

In 2nd Corinthians the apostle Paul told the ekklesia that as sons and daughters of God, “You are the Temple of the living God.” The application of this verse could be both to individuals but also to the collectively ekklesia at Corinth:

“And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? for you are the temple of the living God; as God has said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’”
• 2 Corinthians 6:16–18

God wants you to know these things, in fact He greatly desires that,

“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know
[1] what is the hope of his calling, and [2] what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And [3] what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church [ekklesia], Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”
• Ephesians 1:18–23

As the household of God, the body of Christ, the ekklesia is a habitation of God, a holy temple:

“For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom you also are built together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”
• Ephesians 2:18–22

The Temple symbolism in the beginning of God’s word in Genesis is important for us to know and understand. From the beginning to the end of the plan of God, the Temple symbolism is in force relative to each one of us. When the Temple of God comes down to the new earth and God the Father and the Lamb are the Temple (Revelation 21, especially v. 22), we will be part of that structure as the sons and daughters of God and as part of the body of Christ. God speed the day when we will live that reality.

David Sielaff
david@askelm.com

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