 A. There are three aspects throughout the word of God 1. The Tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple of Solomon. The Temple of Solomon was built on the same plan as the Tabernacle and contained the same articles of furniture, but was a permanent, instead of a temporary structure, and far exceeded the Tabernacle in glory and splendor. Notice in Exodus 29:43,45, God's promise to dwell with the children of Israel. In I Kings 8:13, Solomon makes a similar statement concerning the Temple: " I have surely built thee an house to dwell in, a settled place for thee to abide in forever." 2. God next dwelt among men in the person of Jesus for 33 1/2 yrs. Notice St. John 1:14- the word became flesh and dwelt among us. The word "dwelt," is in its literal meaning, "tabernacled." The human temple of Christ, then, was God's Tabernacle, His dwelling place among men. Hebrews 8:2. God's dwelling place was no longer to be a house of wood and gold, but a house of flesh and bones, the body of the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 10:5; Colossians 1:15,19; Col. 2:8,9; II Cor. 5:19 and St. John 14:9,10. Let us examine the "Seven Reasons Why God Became A Man" - To confirm the promises of God (Romans 15:8) - To reveal man to God (Heb. 1:1,2) a. The divine power of God b. Through theophanies (appearances) I Jn 1:1,2) - To die for man's sins (Heb. 2:9) a. Not just any man - He had to be a perfect man for a perfect sacrifice. - In order to become a faithful High Priest (Heb. 3:1-4) - To destroy the devil through His death (Heb. 2:14-18) - To prepare for His eternal work (Heb. 9:26-28) a. A man had to sit on the throne of David to fulfill the scripture. - To demonstrate a Holy life (I Jn 2:6) a." Be ye holy for I am Holy " 3. God next dwelt in the Church, through the Holy Spirit given to each of its members. When the Tabernacle of the Son ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9) His followers were lonely, for God no longer dwelt among men. Jesus promised, however, before He went away, that He would not leave them comfortless, but would come to dwell in them: "for ye are the temple of the living God; as God has said, I will dwell in the, and walk in them, and I will be their God and they shall be my people." II Cor. 6:16. God's Spirit filled people are now His "tabernacles." Notice Psalm 84:1; St. John 14:16,17; II Cor. 5:1; Romans 8:11. |
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Message From Bishop Reginald Burrows, Ph.D. |
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God's Plan Of Salvation |
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Doctrinal Statement |
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