I Am a Temple of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
The Bible teaches that ever since we fell into sin and brought destruction into God’s world, the Lord has been working out a way to live among us and make us holy again. This restoration project is accomplished through Jesus, who came to save us by paying the price of our sin, conquering death, and sending his Spirit to live in us.
Jesus even declared himself to be the temple of God, like the Old Testament one—that sacred space where the presence of God came to dwell among his people (see 1 Kings 8; John 2:19-22). At Jesus’ death, the temple curtain tore in two, from top to bottom (Mark 15:38), unveiling the Most Holy Place where God’s presence was to reside. This symbolized the removal of the barrier between God and sinners and the restoration of fellowship with God for all who believe. Through the shed blood of Jesus, we are granted access into the Father’s presence.
And since Jesus is the new temple, his Spirit has come to live within the heart of every believer. So in this way we have become living temples of God. Rather than dwelling in a building, God now lives in his people—both individually and collectively.
In our hearts God’s Spirit works to cleanse and purify us, remaking us to be holy, shaping us to be like Jesus as we live for him. In what ways has God been shaping you lately?
Spirit of God, purify us to live for you, that we may share your love with others, serving faithfully in all you have entrusted us to do. Amen.
About the author — Dan Jongsma
Daniel Jongsma serves as an interim pastor in Fulton, Illinois. He has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois; in Dearborn, Michigan; and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. He and his wife, Gloria, have three daughters and four grandchildren.
Start your day with quick daily devotions.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!