The Father and Son as the Temple of the New Jerusalem Within Believers
In the pages of the Bible, the book of Revelation paints a vivid picture of the New Jerusalem, a city of divine splendor and significance. However, one verse, Revelation 21:22, holds a profound revelation, indicating that there is no temple in the New Jerusalem, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. This verse provides a powerful theological insight into the relationship between God, Christ, and the believer, suggesting that the Father and Son themselves become the temple residing within those who believe.
**The New Jerusalem: A Heavenly City**
Before we delve into the theological depth of this verse, it’s essential to understand the concept of the New Jerusalem. In eschatological beliefs, it symbolizes the ultimate culmination of God’s promises, a heavenly city where believers find eternal bliss and communion with the Divine. The New Jerusalem is described as a place of unimaginable beauty and harmony.
**Revelation 21:22: The Absence of an Earthly Temple**
The heart of this revelation lies in the absence of a traditional physical temple within the New Jerusalem. In earthly Jerusalem, the temple was the central place of worship and sacrifice. However, in the New Jerusalem, there’s no need for such a physical structure, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb, symbolizing God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ, serve as the temple itself.
**Interpreting the “It” in Revelation 21:22**
The key question here is what the term “it” in the verse signifies. “It” refers to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city. In other words, God and Christ, in their divine unity, become the very essence and heart of the heavenly city. This has profound implications for believers.
**The Father and the Son Within Believers**
From the perspective of a believer in Christ, this verse underscores a remarkable spiritual reality. It suggests that, in the eschatological fulfillment, the presence of God and Christ dwells within each believer. The New Jerusalem is not just a distant, future city; it is a present reality within the hearts of those who have faith.
**The Indwelling of the Divine**
This concept of God and Christ as the temple within believers echoes other biblical passages. For example, 1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV) states, “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” Here, the Holy Spirit, another manifestation of God, resides within believers. The unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is represented within those who have embraced the faith.
**Implications for the Believer**
Understanding that the Father and the Son are the temple of the New Jerusalem within the believer has profound implications. It means that the ultimate communion with God and Christ is not a distant hope; it is a present reality. Believers can experience the divine presence, guidance, and love in their daily lives, recognizing that they are living temples of the Holy Spirit.
**In Conclusion**
Revelation 21:22, within the context of new covenant belief as a believer in Christ, offers a powerful and hopeful message. It reveals that the Father and the Son are not distant but the very temple of the New Jerusalem that resides within the believer. This profound truth emphasizes the intimate relationship between God, Christ, and those who have faith, making the eschatological promise a present reality in the lives of believers. The New Jerusalem, with its absence of an earthly temple, becomes a spiritual dwelling place for the believer, embodying the unity of the Divine.