Sacred Body vs Sacred Building: Ellen White's Temple Comparison

Yes, there is a profound comparison made between the reverence due to a physical sanctuary and the sacred duty to care for the human body as God’s living templeGC 414.2+2. While we are often careful to maintain order in a place of worship, it is a solemn reality that many treat their own bodies ruthlessly and with far less regard than a physical buildingCG 540.4+1.

The Sacredness of the Soul Temple

The human body is not our own; it has been bought with an infinite price and is designed to be the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6:19-20FE 427.1+1. Just as the earthly tabernacle was built with matchless splendor to reflect the glory of the heavenly temple, our physical structures are God’s property, created to reflect His imageGC 414.2+2.

• A Living Sacrifice: We are enjoined to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which requires a conscientious care for our physical health Romans 12:1FE 427.1+1.

• Defiling the Temple: Any sinful gratification or injurious indulgence that weakens the physical system is viewed as defiling the temple of God 1 Corinthians 3:17GC88 474.1+1.

• The Consequence of Neglect: Those who carelessly neglect or destroy the temple of God through transgression of physical laws will eventually face the judgment of God21MR 399.2+2.

Reverence in the Physical Sanctuary

The physical church building is a place where a holy stillness should reign and where order and humility are essential for God's presence to abideCG 540.4+1.

• Avoiding Confusion: When children are allowed to manifest evil tempers or play in the house of God, it is described as a "Babylon" of confusion that brings God's displeasureCG 540.4.

• Elevating Moral Taste: The reverence we show in the sanctuary is an index of our spiritual condition and our understanding of God's majestyT33 24.2+1.

The Call to Higher Dedication

True religion involves the entire being—body, soul, and spirit—and requires that the higher faculties of the mind not be enslaved by appetite or corrupt passions 1 Thessalonians 5:232T 347.3+1.

• Self-Denial for the Lord: Many are willing to spend means on selfish enjoyment while the house of God is in debt, yet we are called to deny self to advance the cause of truth20MR 91.5+1.

• Daily Cleansing: Just as Christ cleansed the earthly temple, only He can cast out the evil thoughts and habits that take possession of the soul-templeRH December 31, 1908, par. 4.

• Perfecting Holiness: By separating from the corrupting influences of the world and practicing temperance, we work to perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Corinthians 7:14MR 365.4+1.

Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, leading us to respect both the physical places of worship and the living temple of our bodies Psalms 111:103BC 1156.3+1. By honoring God in our physical habits and our worship, we prepare ourselves for the society of holy angels and the future immortal worldPH099 10.1+1.