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Temple or Church?

It was December of 2003 and we were visiting the ancient ruins of the Indians in Mexico. The Indians had built a magnificent fortress on a high knoll with a steep bluff overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. A sturdy, tall, wide rock wall surrounded the other three sides. Crumbling ruins and stone foundations have weathered the elements of time. Still standing on the height of the knoll was a huge temple of worship. The temple was surrounded by stone walls and steep steps led to the top.

Our tour guide asked a question. What is the difference between a temple and a church?

My mind immediately went to I Corinthians 3: 16 “Do you not know that you are the temple of the God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” Suddenly that scripture took on new meaning. My body is a temple; a holy dwelling place for the Spirit of a holy God. My body is not a church. A church is a where a group people gather. Everyone may enter; everyone is welcomed. A church is not holy but holy people are invited to worship.

Great care is taken to ensure the sanctity of a temple. Walls provide a perimeter of separation and guards prevent unlawful entrance. Great care is given to the design, maintenance and ritual. It is a serious to offend the god who lives in a temple.

I Corinthians 3: 17 “If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple are you?”

December 20, 2003

By Pat Hertzler