The Daily Word of Righteousness

One in Christ in God, #16

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. (Revelation 3:11,12)

It is possible for any of us to miss God's plan for our life by not attending to the things of God as we should. But God will see to it that the construction of the Temple goes ahead on schedule. Someone else will take our place. Therefore, we behave wisely when we strive for God's highest and best plan for our life.

It is clear, then, that since God will dwell only in Christ, we must have Christ formed in us if we expect God to take up His abode in us. Having the promise of becoming an integral part of the eternal Temple of God (II Corinthians 6:16), we must "come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing" (II Corinthians 6:17). We must "cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (II Corinthians 7:1).

If we continue laying hold on the Lord Jesus each day of our Christian life, and do not quit because of unbelief or because of some trial or temptation, we finally will be ready to be placed in our assigned location in the Temple of God. As we have stated, there is a certain place in the Temple of God reserved for each saint.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2)

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22)

The preceding passage from Ephesians reminds us of God's declared intention to have an eternal dwelling place, as set forth in Exodus.

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

The whole Body of Christ, the Temple of God, is built up by the gifts and ministries of all the Christian people.

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:15,16)

Peter speaks of the living stones:

Ye also, as lively [living] stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (I Peter 2:5)

To be continued.