Why Is There No Temple in the New Jerusalem?
As the Bible draws to a close, John is given a vision of the New Jerusalem.
It is a city unlike any the world has ever known. It shines with the glory of God. It is the home of God's redeemed people.
Then John makes a surprising statement.
"I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple." (Revelation 21:22)
For centuries the temple had been the center of Israel's worship.
Why would there be no temple in God's eternal kingdom?
The answer is found in everything we have studied throughout this course.
The temple was never an end in itself.
It pointed beyond itself.
In Eden, God walked with Adam and Eve.
In the tabernacle, God dwelt among Israel.
In Solomon's temple, His glory filled the Most Holy Place.
In Jesus Christ, God came to dwell among mankind.
Today, God dwells in His church through the Holy Spirit.
Each step moved God's plan forward.
Now the journey is complete.
There is no temple because nothing separates God's people from His presence.
There is no veil.
No restricted access.
No earthly priesthood.
No sacrifices.
No holy room hidden behind curtains.
God Himself is present with His people forever.
John had already heard a loud voice proclaim,
"Behold, the dwelling place of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people."(Revelation 21:3)
That is the fulfillment of God's purpose from the very beginning.
The temple theme reaches its goal.
The symbols give way to reality.
The shadows give way to fulfillment.
The place where God dwells is no longer a garden, a tent, or a building.
It is the eternal fellowship between God and His redeemed people.
The Bible began with God's presence in Eden.
It ends with God's presence filling the new creation.
The story is complete.
Continue Your Study
We've traced the temple theme from Genesis to Revelation.
How do Eden, the tabernacle, Solomon's temple, Jesus Christ, the church, and the New Jerusalem all fit together?
What one great truth unites them all?
Related Bible Studies
Was Eden the First Temple?
Why Is the Church God's Temple Today?
The Story of Redemption
Understanding Revelation
Companion Video
Why Is There No Temple in the New Jerusalem?
Read First. Conclude Late