God does not dwell in temples made with mens hands

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There are many church buildings on the market in Scotland. Many have been converted into other things. Whilst this seems sad on some level from a historic and cultural point of view. In some cases it is sad on a spiritual point of view. However, the buildings are just that. Bricks and mortar. Man made constructs:

​1. Acts 7:48 (Stephen's Speech)

​While defending his faith, Stephen says:

​"However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says..."


​He then immediately quotes Isaiah 66:1-2, which provides the Old Testament foundation for this thought:

​"Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me?"


​2. Acts 17:24 (Paul in Athens)

​Addressing a city filled with magnificent marble temples (like the Parthenon), Paul states:

​"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands."


​The Theological "Twist"

​While these verses argue that God isn't "locked" in a building, the New Testament later flips the metaphor. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul tells his readers that they are the temple:

​"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you..."


God does not dwell in temples made with mens hands. If you are His it is He who dwells in you.


A Highland Theological College graduate and non-conformist follower of Jesus living at the crossroads of neurodiversity and faith. Writing on the wild grace of the Gospel.

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