Faith without religion.
Hebrews 7:19: Transition to the Eternal Priesthood
In the Gospel of John, chapter 2, we delve into the profound moment when Jesus clears the temple, marking a significant point in His ministry. This act of authority naturally led the religious leaders of the time to question Him, seeking a sign to validate His actions. Jesus responded with a statement that would later be understood as a prophecy of His resurrection: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” This declaration was not about the physical temple but His body, foretelling the miracle of His resurrection.
The concept of the temple is central to understanding God’s dwelling places throughout history. Initially, God walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, His first home. Later, He resided in the tabernacle and temple of Israel, which were eventually defiled. With Jesus, God found a perfect home, but even this was temporarily abandoned on the cross when Jesus bore the sins of the world.
Today, believers are considered the permanent residence of God, cleansed by faith through the blood of Christ. This transformation is not about outward appearances or actions but about maintaining faith. Sin can challenge this faith, but it is the loss of faith, not sin itself, that can defile the temple of God within us.
Jesus’ miracles served as evidence of His divine authority, yet He did not place His trust in the fickle nature of human belief. He understood the limitations of human loyalty and the tendency to falter. This understanding calls us to place our trust not in human constancy but in the unwavering presence of God within us.
As we reflect on these teachings, we are reminded of the importance of faith in maintaining our relationship with God, who knows the depths of our hearts and remains with us through all trials.