David Couper on the church as Christ’s temple

[Reformed Covenanter]

Why the Church is called a temple it is not difficult to perceive. It is so called in allusion to the sacred edifice, which, by Divine command, was erected in Jerusalem. That edifice was dedicated to the service of God, and so are all those who believe in Jesus. They feel that they are not their own, and they are taught to glorify God in their bodies and in their spirits, which are his. In the Jewish temple, the Lord was pleased to reveal his glory; and so he does in the Church, but more spiritually and more fully. He manifests himself to all that love and serve him. While the eyes of other men are darkened by the influence of sin, their eyes are opened to discern the Divine glory in the face of Jesus Christ.

The Jewish temple was regarded as God’s residence, for the visible emblem of his glory dwelt between the cherubims. And is not his life-giving presence with his Church on earth? Has he not promised to be always with his people? In the one temple were observed the rites which he was pleased to institute; in the other, he is worshipped in spirit and truth. The world withholds from him its homage. Every unbeliever does so, whether outwardly connected with the Church or not. Those only who believe with the heart unto righteousness are his true worshippers. It is the Church which they constitute, that offers up to him the sacrifices of righteousness, and the grateful incense of praise and supplication. Most fitly, then, is it styled “the temple of the Lord.” ...

For more, see David Couper on the church as Christ’s temple.