For those who do not know, I was trained in the Hebraic/Messianic Jewish faith. Temples and Tabernacles were central to my learning. The belief was that the temple was the place where God lived and where His people connected with Him. Worship, sacrifices, and even access to God all depended on this physical structure.
But Jesus changed everything. When He died, the veil in the temple was torn in two, symbolizing that we no longer need a building or even priests to mediate between us and God. Now, He dwells within us—we are His temple.
In this Bible study, I aim to reveal the truth found in the scriptures regarding the idea that God resides within each of us. We should not confine the Lord to a specific building or believe that we need someone else to connect with Him. We have a direct line to God.
1. The Old Testament Temple: Where God Dwelt
Key Scripture:
- 2 Chronicles 7:1-2 – When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
In the Old Testament:
- The Temple was central to Jewish life—it was where people met God.
- Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement.
- The veil separated God’s presence from the people.
People had to come to the temple to experience God’s presence. This was the only way to worship Him fully.
2. Jesus Changed Everything: The Veil Was Torn
Key Scripture:
- Matthew 27:50-51 – “And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.”
When Jesus died:
✅ The veil was torn – symbolizing that there was no longer separation between God and His people.
✅ The physical temple was no longer needed – God’s presence was now open to all.
✅ No more human mediators – We don’t need a priest to talk to God on our behalf.
Because of Jesus, we now have direct access to God. He does not live in a building—He lives in us.
3. We Are Now the Temple of God
Key Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
- Meaning: God’s Spirit lives inside of you—you are His dwelling place.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
- Meaning: We should honor God in how we live because His Spirit is in us.
- Ephesians 2:19-22 – “You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people… In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”
- Meaning: The Church is not a building—it is the people.
4. What This Means for Us
- Religious buildings are useful, but they are not where God lives.
- The early church worshiped in homes (Acts 2:46), not temples.
- Wherever believers gather, God is there (Matthew 18:20).
- We have direct access to God.
- We don’t need to go to a physical place to experience Him.
- We can pray and connect with Him anywhere, anytime.
- Because we are His temple, we should live in a way that honors Him.
- Avoid things that damage our relationship with God.
- Seek to grow in faith and be a light to others.
5. Reflection & Discussion
- Before this study, where did you think God’s presence was?
- How does knowing that you are God’s temple change your relationship with Him?
- What are ways you can honor God, knowing His Spirit dwells in you?
- How can we help others understand that church is more than just a building?
Pastor Alex Burchnell
Senior Pastor
I would love to hear your thoughts on this study.
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