Your Body is the Temple of The Lord

[FHII]

You Body is the Temple of the Lord

I’m sure you’ve all heard this phrase: Your body is the temple of the Lord. I’ve often seen this used as evidence that God is against harmful habits like smoking and drinking. I agree that he is, however not because of this verse. You see, the “body” that Paul was speaking of is not your fleshly carcass. It is something else….

If I have your interest perked, let’s look at the verse which talks directly about this:

1 Cor 6:19

“What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”

Now, first Corinthians 6 is a chapter that many quote from in error. Along with this verse, they love the 9[sup]th[/sup] verse which states that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God. They tend to take the 9[sup]th[/sup] and 10[sup]th[/sup] verse, go right to the 19[sup]th[/sup] verse and start pointing fingers at sin. The problem is they don’t take the whole book of Corinthians into consideration, and even leave out some key verses in between. However, let’s stay on track.

In proper context, Paul wasn’t talking about smoking and drinking, but being joined to a harlot. That leads many to believe that Paul was speaking against sexual perversions. I absolutely believe Paul was against that, however again, not from these verses. The Harlot he was speaking of in this chapter was false worship. In this chapter, Paul was angry at them for taking fellow brothers to court in front of heathens. This was a sin against the body he was talking about, but I have other things to cover before being able to prove that.

Simply taking the verse for what it says, we see that the “body” which he identifies as the temple is in you. There’s a problem there if the flesh is the “body” he’s talking about. How can our body be within our body if our body is the flesh? “which is in you, is our flesh”. The Body he is speaking of is someone else.

Let’s look at the next verse, which begins to tell us what the body is:

“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Sounds good… However the Body Paul is talking about belongs to God. Yet in verse 18 he says:

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body”

There are clearly two bodies involved. One is the Body Paul is speaking of, and one is the flesh. The second one mentioned being our flesh. It’s identified as “ours”, not the Lord’s. The body in verse 20 is the Lord’s.

So, let me get to the point and tell you what the Body is that is the temple of the Holy Ghost. It’s simply stated in this verse:

1 Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

I have other verses I’d like to point out that back that up: Romans 7:4, 12:5, 1 Cor 10:16, 12;12, Eph 3:6, 4:12, Col 2:17 (which is a good one) and Tit 1:2.

In short, the temple which God was talking about is not the flesh. It is the Church. The Body of Christ, which is one body, many members.

There are a lot of other avenues to go through. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. God will not dwell in an unclean temple made of hands, which is the flesh. I also understand I haven’t talked about 1 Cor 3:17, which many people use as a back up to 6:19, but again, it’s not talking about the flesh.

The Bible spends a lot of time describing the Body he’s referring to in 1 Cor 6:19. However, it is not the flesh. If so, there are many contradictions that must be dealt with. Now there are reasons not to eat bad, not to drink too much, not to smoke, not to live a life of sexual indiscretion. But using this verse and 1 Cor 3:17 is barking up the wrong tree.

 

[Angelina]

Hi FHI!

There’s a problem there if the flesh is the “body” he’s talking about. How can our body be within our body if our body is the flesh? “which is in you, is our flesh”. The Body he is speaking of is someone else.

The bible isn't saying that brother...verse 19 is saying: "Do you not know that the Holy Spirit [which is from God] dwells in your temple [body/flesh].

I believe this chapter is speaking on two levels, the corporate body [body of believers] and the individual body. [believer]

In short, the temple which God was talking about is not the flesh. It is the Church. The Body of Christ, which is one body, many members.

I respectfully disagree dear brother...salvation is an individual thing, not corporate. Romans 10:9 The Holy Spirit comes to dwell in individuals not a corporate body. Acts 2:38

God will not dwell in an unclean temple made of hands, which is the flesh...

The temple [body/flesh] is not made by man. The temple [body/flesh] was made by God. Paul was referring to idols made with human hands. Acts 17:24-25, Matthew 23:19-21


The body of Christ is made up of individual believers. The Holy Spirit dwells within those believers. John 14:15-18, John 14:25-28
Those believers then become corporate [as a body] when they are as one under Christ...

The bible says that:
Romans 8
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

The Holy Spirit is for today's believers...it is not necessary once we depart this world.

1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The body [flesh] is not exempt from the process of sanctification...

Added: The Tabernacle in the Wilderness, King Solomon's Temple, The second Temple recorded in the book of Ezra, renovated later on by King Herod during the time of Jesus... and believers today, who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, "are only shadows", typologies of the real Temple which God himself - has made Jesus a High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek Hebrews 7:20-22.


Shalom!

 

[FHII]

"The bible isn't saying that brother...verse 19 is saying: "Do you not know that the Holy Spirit [which is from God] dwells in your temple [body/flesh]."

Actually, the Holy Spirit is in the temple which is in your flesh, but the flesh is NOT the temple. Let me give you a few verses on why this is so:

2 Cor 4:18, 5:1

“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”

It is clear that the earthly house is the flesh. But the earthly house “houses” the tabernacle. The earthly house (flesh) is not the tabernacle, for if it were to be dissolved, we would see the tabernacle which is the building of God.

Notice how it also says it isn’t made with hands. It can be inferred that is differentiating between something that is built with hands. If that is so, then what is built with hands is our flesh (the earthly house).

I won’t rely on that verse alone. Please have a look at Eph 2:11:

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in the time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

Furthermore, if you read the rest of that chapter, Paul goes on to describe how believers are built to be the habitation of God.

It’s ok to believe that salvation is for the individual. We should look at it that way and do our own part. However, remember that Acts 15:14 said God was looking for a people for his name [among the gentiles]. Furthermore, when you look at Romans 12:4 and I Cor 12:12-20 we see Paul describing a many membered body, not individuals.

You mentioned Acts 17:24. Absolutely at that particular time he was speaking of statues and Idols. However, clearly he is not speaking of them in the verses I mentioned above. You also mentioned 1 Thes 5... The body he is speaking of is not the individual flesh. He is speaking to the Body of Christ as a whole. Flesh can’t be sanctified, as 1 Cor 15:40 through the rest of the chapter points out.
　

 

[Angelina]

Hi FHI!

my quote...

The bible isn't saying that brother...verse 19 is saying: "Do you not know that the Holy Spirit [which is from God] dwells in your temple [body/flesh]."

Actually, the Holy Spirit is in the temple which is in your flesh, but the flesh is NOT the temple. Let me give you a few verses on why this is so:

2 Cor 4:18, 5:1
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
It is clear that the earthly house is the flesh. But the earthly house “houses” the tabernacle. The earthly house (flesh) is not the tabernacle, for if it were to be dissolved, we would see the tabernacle which is the building of God.

I have mentioned this on another thread and feel that I need to do so again...

Salvation consists of three identifiable parts. 1. The free gift [believing and receiving] 2. The process of sanctification [our personal walk and the work of the cross being applied in our lives] 3. The end of our hope [full salvation]
This verse [above] speaks of the end of our hope..."Full salvation" This will not be accomplished until we leave our body.

Our body which houses the Holy Spirit is only a shadow and is temporary...Here is another shadow/typology that I will use from the OT to explain what I mean...

The Ark of the Covenant had in it, The Tablets of the covenant, Aaron's budding rod and the Jar of manna. Hebrews 9:3-4 The Ark was a shadow of Jesus the coming one Hebrews 9:11-13...but Ark itself was Holy, even though it was physical. Anyone touching it without having proper authority from God, died on the spot...[1 Chronicles 13:9-10] [2 Samuel 6:6-7]
Added: The Ark was Holy because it held things in it, that were Holy. That is why I added this verse to my original post. Matthew 23:19-21

John 2
Jesus Clears the Temple Courts
13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”

18 The Jews then responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?”

19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

20 They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” 21 But the temple he had spoken of was his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

would you agree with me that Jesus was raised from the dead in his flesh?
Why is it dear brother that Jesus refers to his body as the Temple and yet we cannot, even though the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us???

also says it isn’t made with hands. It can be inferred that is differentiating between something that is built with hands. If that is so, then what is built with hands is our flesh (the earthly house).

Our flesh was not built with hands...it was created by God in the beginning. Something being built with hands refers to mankind
Acts 17-24-25 note RSV

"Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man"

The verse here is not saying that the Lord does not dwell in man but does not dwell in temples made by man...Something made by man can be a Church building but not a believer.

I won’t rely on that verse alone. Please have a look at Eph 2:11:
“Wherefore remember, that ye being in the time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

This verse is only establishing the fact that the Jews considered circumcision as a mark of being a children of God, based on Jewish custom...not applicable in our time because Jesus broke the dividing wall by his blood.

Furthermore, if you read the rest of that chapter, Paul goes on to describe how believers are built to be the habitation of God.

It’s ok to believe that salvation is for the individual. We should look at it that way and do our own part. However, remember that Acts 15:14 said God was looking for a people for his name [among the gentiles]. Furthermore, when you look at Romans 12:4 and I Cor 12:12-20 we see Paul describing a many membered body, not individuals.

Many members are individuals honey.... :huh:

You mentioned Acts 17:24. Absolutely at that particular time he was speaking of statues and Idols. However, clearly he is not speaking of them in the verses I mentioned above. You also mentioned 1 Thes 5... The body he is speaking of is not the individual flesh. He is speaking to the Body of Christ as a whole. Flesh can’t be sanctified, as 1 Cor 15:40 through the rest of the chapter points out.

If I stood one day before the Throne of God who required me to give an account of a particular sin whilst being a member of a particular body...the Body of believer's that I fellowship with, will not be held accountable for it...I will. That is because we each, as individuals members are accountable to God for our own sins, not the sins of others. A teacher or someone who has authority over our growth and spiritual wellbeing while under a banner of a particular Church may stand accountable when it comes to neglecting their responsibilities but we ourselves stand accountable for our own unconfessed sins. What I'm saying is...the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer. They become corporate when they choose to fellowship, function or associate with a particular body [Church]

Salvation is only for the individual and then becomes corporate...but even then we are accountable for our own decisions within that body,[Church] not the body [Church] itself...

Shalom! ^_^
　

 

[Angelina]

Even the Churches today are structured in a way that reflects the original Temples. The outer court [The foyer and everything outside the Church service area], The Holy Place [The area where Church services are held] and the Holy of Holies...usually defined where the pulpit [preaching] and worship is conducted. However, the Holy of Holies is not physical but rather a place where an individual believer is one on one with God.
The music leader directs the congregation into that place through worship, by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Blessings!!! :huh:

 

[justaname]

I won’t rely on that verse alone. Please have a look at Eph 2:11:

“Wherefore remember, that ye being in the time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;


From this verse Paul is speaking of the commonwealth of Israel. Let me explain:
Gentiles were called the uncircumcised or uncircumcision; the Hebrews were called the circumcised or the circumcision.
This circumcision was a physical difference, an operation performed on the eighth day of a males' youth by the hebrews; a command given by Yehwah.
The gentiles did not do this in their culture.
What Paul points out is from the time of Abram, it is by faith we enter into the circumcision. Galatians 3:7
The phrase "in the flesh made by hands" Paul is saying these Hebrews are not saved, for they are circumcised in the flesh and not the spirit. Philippians 3:3

Now Paul is speaking to those in the circumcision, himself being circumcised in the flesh and spirit. He is speaking against those who are circumcised in the flesh alone.

Try to put yourself in the shoes of the Ephesians, being gentiles, and maybe facing a non believer. In their day or time they could easily be scoffed or laughed at saying, "You are not even circumcised, how can you be saved by the God of Israel?


Remember also in the greek there are no commas or quotations.

 

[rockytopva]

Which is a good way to explain the Baptism of the Holy Spirit...

1. Outer Gates - Justification - We come in by faith
2. Alter - Salvation - Accepting Jesus in the heart.
3. Laver - Sanctification - Getting the dirt of the world washed off.
4. Lightstand - Spiritual Light - Faith, hope, charity, goodness, joy, grace, etc.
5. Table of Shewbread - The word of God.
6. Alter of Golden Incense - Prayer, fasting , praise
7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost - The Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SID1FZZDtPw

 

[Angelina]

Thanks Justa for that clarification and thank you Rocky! [unable to view the video]...sorry

God had in mind from the beginning to create an image of himself when he first created the earth.
Genesis 1:27
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

Since the fall of man, Gods redemptive plan has always been to restore that broken link (sin/ separation) between himself and mankind through a promise that was given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their seed. This promise speaks of the coming Messiah and all who believe in him by faith…who shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 15
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

The bible says that we are created in the image of God. We know that God is manifest in three equally divine persons, commonly known as the Godhead. This is a Trinitarian view and one of which I am totally convinced of based on scriptural evidence. Please do not take my word for it but seek it out for yourself and ask the Holy Spirit for revelation on this subject.

Added: Oh, by the way Rocky

1. Outer Gates - Justification - We come in by faith
2. Alter - Salvation - Accepting Jesus in the heart.
3. Laver - Sanctification - Getting the dirt of the world washed off.
4. Lightstand - Spiritual Light - Faith, hope, charity, goodness, joy, grace, etc.
5. Table of Shewbread - The word of God.
6. Alter of Golden Incense - Prayer, fasting , praise
7. The Baptism in the Holy Ghost - The Shekinah Glory

Although I am unable to watch this video...I can see by what you have written, that the symbols/shadows within the Temple, are exactly what I have been trying to express...

Blessings!!! :)

 

[Angelina]

I have removed this post by me because I think we should be concentrating on the OP and not adding another facet to it...Perhaps I'll post my understanding of this subject in it's own thread... ^_^

Blessings!!!

PS: FHI, I have a Radio Program tonight so I'll get back to this thread when I can...

 

[FHII]

Angelina wrote:

“Our body which houses the Holy Spirit is only a shadow and is temporary...Here is another shadow/typology that I will use from the OT to explain what I mean…”

I absolutely agree. The body (flesh) does house (contain) the Holy Spirit, but still is not the temple spoken of. Again, I turn to 2 Cor 5... If the flesh were dissolved, then you would see the temple spoken of in 1 Cor 6. That is the Body of Christ. One Body, many members.

Angelina wrote:

“Many members are individuals honey….”

Absolutely. Paul spends a lot of time explaining how that is so. Each of us as individuals can claim to be the body of Christ. Paul said in 12:27, “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular”. To speak of the body of Christ as an individual, it would be “Christ in you, the hope of Glory”. Each individual is indeed the body of Christ. Yet, only a member of it.

As for the “honey” comment…. I am wondering how to discern that. Is that just your nature, or something which was meant to offend? It really doesn’t matter to me…. Just something I wonder about.

Angelina wrote:

This verse [eph 2:11] is only establishing the fact that the Jews considered circumcision as a mark of being a children of God, based on Jewish custom...not applicable in our time because Jesus broke the dividing wall by his blood.

Justaname wrote a post about this, and earlier today (obviously after I posted it) I realized I didn’t get what it was saying. However, not from anything either of you said, but what the Bible says. In fact, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, so it still is applicable. However, I do retract Eph 2:11, For the time being. But not because of what you nor Justaname said…. But because of what Col 2:11 says. Neither of you were incorrect, and I was, but you should’ve dropped that verse on me and that would’ve sufficed.
Let it be known I swear by the Bible and stick to it! When I’m wrong, I will admit it! It still does not take away from the what 2 Cor 5 says, though…. The flesh ain’t the temple. To see the temple you’d have to dissolve the flesh.
　
Angelina wrote:

“Would you agree with me that Jesus was raised from the dead in his flesh? Why is it dear brother that Jesus refers to his body as the Temple and yet we cannot, even though the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us???”

I absolutely would agree that Jesus was raised from the dead. And furthermore, Jesus refers to his body as the Temple and we can refer to his Body as the Temple! I have absolutely no problem with you referring to his body as the Temple. This is what I’ve been saying…. The Temple is the Body of Christ! And now, we are the Body of Christ.

Now, I anticipate you may expound on this and wonder why Christ's body was referred to the temple, and we can't refer to ours as the temple. Well, that's interesting and there are many reasons. First, Jesus lived in the likeness of sinful flesh and yet did not sin. We can't say that. Second, he was conceived of the Holy Spirit directly, again, we can't say this. Third, he was God in the flesh. We can't say that. Fourth, Ok... When you actually die and raise yourself from the dead, then I'll have to look at your arguements more seriously. Fifth, God only had to do it once, and when Christ raised from the dead, we did too. When Christ was crucified, we were crucified with him. Right? God's a conservative! He did it once and for all! We all could've been born of a virgin, lived a sinless life while in the likeness of sinfull flesh, been subject to murder and torture, and could've been raised from the dead three days and three nights later. God just likes to conserve his energy and did it for us.... That's the love of God....

Angelina wrote:

“Our flesh was not built with hands...it was created by God in the beginning. Something being built with hands refers to mankind”

A much deeper concept that needs to be explored. But for now, you know how our flesh was created. “We” were created in the beginning. Our flesh was created by humans. For me, by my mom and dad 42 years ago. I still stand by this verse in it saying that our flesh isn’t the temple that is being referred to (That is 2 Cor 5:1).
Much has been talked about of the model of the old tabernacle. I agree and I studied it as well, though it was quite some time ago. There is even a model that you can build of it available. Great project if you have kids… However, do you know what covered the Holiest of Holies (again, remember it’s been some time since I studied this)? It was badger skin and goat skin. The skin and flesh of unclean animals.
I appreciate the stimulating conversation!

 

[Angelina]

Hi FHI,

I think that you have totally misinterpreted my posts...never mind. I will try again tomorrow as I have limited time at the moment
PS: I say honey to many people here at CB...you can verify that by checking my past posts... ^_^

Bless ya!

 

[FHII]

I may have misinterpreted your posts. It's easy to do on boards.... There is no sound reflection and since we are typing instead of speaking, we tend to not fully explain ourselves. Likewise, I left out a lot of thoughts and verses, myself.

Also true about the honey comment... I was just checking! No offense taken.

I'll look forward to your expounding tomorrow. We are probably on the same page.....

 

[danicachristian]

Our body is the temple of God and so we should take care of it and don't let anyone take it or do something to it without the permission of Him.

 

[Angelina]

Sorry...FHI, I just haven't had any time....so busy. I will catch up with you on this ASAP...

Bless you! ^_^

 

[biggandyy]

My Temple is bigger than yours.

(unfortunately)

 

[FHII]

I don't doubt that the badger and goat skin covering is bigger. I'm a little guy! But again, the temple is not the flesh, it's not even inside the flesh.... Kind of. It's inside of us.

I know you love to rib and make jokes.... But there is only one true temple which is Christ in us. Our temples are both the same size, and they are enormous!