Are You a Literal Temple of God?

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Key Bible Passages

1 Corinthians 3:16-17

• You are a temple of God
• The Spirit of God lives in you
• God's temple is holy, which you are

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

• Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you
  • A 4-part series on the Holy Spirit => http://sidnash.org/?HCE1
• You are not your own, for you were bought with a price
• Glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s

2 Corinthians 6:15

• You are a temple of the living God - says Paul, but WHO was he referring to?
  • Matthew 16:16 You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. (Peter speaking to Jesus)
  • Jeremiah 10:10 Jehovah is the true God. He is the living God
  • Conclusion => You are a temple of Christ's Father, Jehovah, the true God, the living God
• Father God said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them...”
  • Exodus 29:45-46 quoted => "I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. And they shall know that I am Jehovah their God" - says Moses

Ephesians 2:19-22 You are built for a habitation of God - Paul

Hebrews 3:5-6 Messiah is faithful as a Son over his house. We are his house, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end. - likely written by Paul

This is the basic Bible teaching of our body being a temple of God. But, could there be a deeper, and more-literal, meaning?

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Let me introduce you to Doctor Roger Seheult

Dr. Seheult is a quadruple board-certified physician in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine and an Assistant Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Allied Health at Loma Linda University. He has been in practice for over 20 years and is is recognized for his expertise in simplifying complex medical concepts and has been featured in various media outlets, discussing topics such as immune health, inflammation, and disease prevention. I recently watched an interview in which Roger made some very interesting comments about the temple of God in us. Click on the audio player below to listen =>

Since the apostle Paul claims that WE ARE the temple of God and since the writings of Moses clearly defines how the earthly temple was built, Roger's hypothesis is, "If we look at the pattern in the Temple, shouldn't it match the human body...?"

Next, let's look at Roger's comparisons, one-by-one, comparing the Temple with the Human Body. It's a fascinating topic that connects spiritual and biological concepts in meaningful ways.

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Comparison of the Human Vascular System and the Altar of Sacrifice

The comparison between the human vascular system and the altar of animal sacrifice in the temple courtyard is rich with both biblical significance and biological insight. Here’s a detailed look at how these two systems relate to each other.

1. The Altar of Sacrifice

In the Old Testament, the altar of sacrifice was a central feature of the temple courtyard, where animals were offered to God as sacrifices. This act was deeply symbolic, representing atonement for sin and the need for blood to be shed for redemption.

• Biblical Reference: Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life." This verse emphasizes the significance of blood in the sacrificial system, highlighting that the life of the animal was represented in its blood.

2. The Human Vascular System

The human vascular system consists of a network of blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that transport blood throughout the body. This system is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and removing waste products.

• Biological Insight: Blood carries oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and immune cells, playing a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and overall health. The vascular system is vital for sustaining life, as it ensures that every cell in the body receives what it needs to function properly.

3. Tying the Two Together

• Life in the Blood: Both the altar and the vascular system emphasize the principle that life is in the blood. In the sacrificial system, the shedding of blood was necessary for atonement, symbolizing the seriousness of sin and the cost of redemption. In the human body, blood is essential for life, carrying the very elements that sustain bodily functions.

• Symbolism of Sacrifice: The act of sacrifice at the altar can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for the redemption of humanity. This parallels the function of blood in the human body, where it is continually renewing and sustaining life.

• Flow and Connection: Just as the blood flows through the vascular system, nourishing and sustaining the body, the sacrifices made at the altar were intended to restore the relationship between God and His people. The altar served as a point of connection between the divine and the human, much like how the vascular system connects all parts of the body.

Conclusion

The altar of sacrifice and the human vascular system both illustrate the profound biblical principle that life is in the blood. The altar represents the need for atonement and the seriousness of sin, while the vascular system highlights the essential role of blood in sustaining life. Together, they reflect a deeper understanding of life, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of spiritual and physical existence.

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Comparison of the Human Interstitial Fluid System and the Laver

The comparison between the human interstitial fluid system and the laver in the temple courtyard offers a fascinating exploration of purification, nourishment, and the maintenance of life. Here’s a detailed look at how these two systems relate to each other.

1. The Laver in the Temple Courtyard

The laver, or basin, was a significant feature in the temple courtyard, used by the priests for ceremonial washing before performing their duties. It was filled with water and symbolized purification and cleansing.

• Biblical Reference: Exodus 30:18 states, "You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its bronze stand for washing, and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it." This water was essential for the priests to cleanse themselves, symbolizing the need for purity before approaching God.

2. The Human Interstitial Fluid System

The interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds and bathes the cells in the body, providing a medium for nutrient and waste exchange. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and supporting cellular function.

• Biological Insight: Interstitial fluid acts as a transport medium, allowing nutrients, gases, and waste products to move between blood vessels and cells. It helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body and is essential for cellular health and function.

3. Tying the Two Together

• Purification and Cleansing: The laver represents the need for physical and spiritual cleansing, just as interstitial fluid serves to maintain the health of cells by providing a clean environment for metabolic processes. Both systems emphasize the importance of purity—whether in a spiritual sense through the laver or in a biological sense through the interstitial fluid.

• Nourishment and Support: The water in the laver not only symbolizes cleansing but also represents the life-giving properties of water. Similarly, interstitial fluid nourishes cells by delivering essential nutrients and removing waste products, ensuring that cells can function optimally.

• Connection to the Divine: The act of washing in the laver was a preparatory step for the priests to serve in the temple, symbolizing their readiness to approach God. In a parallel way, the interstitial fluid system supports the overall health of the body, allowing it to function effectively and maintain a connection between the various systems.

Conclusion

The human interstitial fluid system and the laver in the temple courtyard both highlight the themes of purification, nourishment, and the maintenance of life. The laver symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing and preparation to approach God, while the interstitial fluid system plays a vital role in sustaining cellular health and function. Together, they reflect the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual purity, emphasizing the importance of both in the pursuit of wholeness and well-being.

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Entering through the screen that serves as a barrier between the courtyard and the Holy Place

Comparison of Nutrient Absorption and the Priest's Duties in the Temple

1. Nutrient Absorption through the Plasma Membrane

In the human body, nutrients in the interstitial fluid must pass through the plasma membrane of cells to provide essential sustenance. This process often involves specific proteins, such as transporters and channels, that facilitate the movement of nutrients into the cell.

• Biological Insight: The plasma membrane acts as a selective barrier, allowing only certain substances to enter while keeping others out. This selective permeability is crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis and ensuring that cells receive the nutrients they need to function properly.

2. The Priest Entering the Temple

After making sacrifices at the altar, the priest would enter the first compartment of the temple, known as the Holy Place, to continue his duties. This act represented a transition from the outer courtyard, where sacrifices were made, to a more sacred space where he would perform additional duties.

• Biblical Reference: Exodus 30:18-20 emphasizes the necessity of washing at the laver before entering the tent of meeting (the Holy Place), stating, "When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the Lord, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die." Additionally, Exodus 26:36-37 describes the screen that serves as a barrier between the courtyard and the Holy Place, reinforcing the idea of limited access.

3. Tying the Two Together

• Limited Access: Just as the plasma membrane selectively allows certain nutrients to enter the cell, the laver and the screen serve as barriers that regulate access to the Holy Place. Likewise, only priests were allowed entrance into the holy place. Also, the priests had to be purified before entering, reflecting the need for preparation and holiness.

• Purification Process: The washing at the laver symbolizes the cleansing required to approach God, paralleling how the plasma membrane ensures that only necessary substances enter the cell, maintaining its health and function.

• Sacred Duties: The priest's entry into the Holy Place after purification signifies the continuation of his sacred duties, much like how the absorption of nutrients is essential for the cell's survival and function. The priest's role in the Holy Place is vital for maintaining the spiritual life of the community, just as nutrient absorption is crucial for cellular health.

Conclusion

The comparison between nutrient absorption through the plasma membrane and the priest entering the Holy Place after making sacrifices illustrates the continuity of access, purification, and the fulfillment of sacred duties. Both processes emphasize the importance of preparation and mediation, highlighting the interconnectedness of physical sustenance and spiritual service. This continuity reinforces the idea that both the human body and the temple serve as vessels for life, whether through the nourishment of cells or the mediation of the priest in the presence of God.

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Inside the Human Cell, but Outside of the Nucleus versus Inside of the Temple, but Outside of the Most-holy Place

The comparison between the contents of the Holy Place in the temple and the components of a human cell, particularly the mitochondria and the seven-branch candlestick (Menorah), provides a rich exploration of light, energy, and spiritual significance. Here’s a detailed look at how these two systems relate to each other.

Comparison of the Seven-Branch Candlestick and Mitochondria

1. The Seven-Branch Candlestick (Menorah)

In the Holy Place of the temple, the seven-branch candlestick, or Menorah, was a significant fixture that provided light. It was fueled by pure olive oil, which was carefully prepared and maintained to ensure a steady flame.

• Biblical Reference: Exodus 25:31-37 describes the Menorah, stating, "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. And there shall be six branches going out of its sides..." See also Exodus 27:20-21

2. Mitochondria

Mitochondria are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell. These are responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of the cell, through a process called cellular respiration.

• Biological Insight: Mitochondria convert nutrients from food into usable energy, primarily in the form of ATP. This process involves the breakdown of glucose and fatty acids, utilizing oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. Mitochondria are essential for cellular function and energy metabolism.

3. Tying the Two Together

• Source of Light and Energy: The seven-branch candlestick provides light in the Holy Place, symbolizing divine illumination and guidance( Exodus 25:37; Psalm 119:105 ). Similarly, mitochondria produce energy for the cell, enabling it to perform essential functions. Both systems are vital for sustaining life—one in a spiritual context and the other in a biological context.

• Purity and Preparation: The olive oil used in the Menorah had to be pure and properly prepared, reflecting the importance of purity in worship. In a parallel manner, mitochondria require specific substrates (like glucose and oxygen) to function effectively, emphasizing the need for proper preparation and conditions for energy production.

• Continuous Function: The Menorah was to burn continually, symbolizing the ongoing presence of God among His people. Mitochondria, likewise, are constantly working to produce energy, ensuring that the cell remains functional and alive. This continuous operation highlights the importance of both light and energy in sustaining life.

Conclusion

The comparison between the seven-branch candlestick in the Holy Place and the mitochondria within the cytoplasm of the cell illustrates the themes of light, energy, and divine presence. Both systems serve essential roles—one providing spiritual illumination and the other generating the energy necessary for cellular function. This parallel reinforces the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of both in the pursuit of wholeness and vitality.

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Inside the Nucleus inside the Human Cell versus inside the Ark inside the Most-holy Place

The comparison between the two tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments in the Ark of the Covenant and the DNA within the nucleus of a human cell provides a profound exploration of the concept of a "code of life." Both serve as foundational elements that govern behavior and function, whether in a spiritual or biological context. Here’s a detailed look at how these two systems relate to each other.

Comparison of the Two Tables of Stone and DNA

1. The Two Tables of Stone (Ten Commandments)

In the Most Holy Place of the temple, the Ark of the Covenant contained the two tables of stone on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed. These commandments represented God's moral law.

• Biblical Reference: Exodus 31:18 states, "And he gave to Moses, when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God." This passage emphasizes the divine origin of the commandments, highlighting their significance as a code of conduct for the Israelites.

2. DNA in the Nucleus

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) within the nucleus of a cell contains the genetic instructions necessary for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all living organisms. It is often referred to as the "code of life."

• Biological Insight: DNA is composed of two strands that form a double helix, with sequences of nucleotides that encode the information needed to produce proteins and regulate cellular processes. This genetic code is essential for maintaining the integrity and function of the organism.

3. Tying the Two Together

• Code of Life: Both the Ten Commandments and DNA serve as foundational codes that govern behavior and function. The commandments provide moral guidance and establish a covenant relationship between God and His people, while DNA contains the instructions necessary for life and biological processes.

• Consequences of Tampering: Just as tampering with the Ten Commandments (by disobedience or neglect) can lead to spiritual consequences and a breakdown of the covenant relationship with God, alterations or mutations in DNA can result in diseases, malfunctions, or even death. Both systems emphasize the importance of adhering to the well-established code for the well-being of individuals and communities.

• Divine Origin and Authority: The Ten Commandments were written by the hand of the Creator, signifying their divine authority and importance. Similarly, DNA is a complex and intricate code that reflects the design and intelligence of the Creator. Both represent a higher standard that governs life—spiritually and biologically.

Conclusion

The comparison between the two tables of stone in the Ark of the Covenant and the DNA within the nucleus of a human cell illustrates the themes of a "code of life" that governs behavior and function. Both serve as foundational elements that, when adhered to, promote health and well-being—whether in a spiritual or biological context. This parallel reinforces the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual life, emphasizing the importance of following divine principles and maintaining the integrity of the life code for the flourishing of individuals and communities.

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