You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:5).
First, God had Israel make a sanctuary in the wilderness. Later it was replaced by a fixed structure in Jerusalem, although Babylon eventually destroyed it. After the exile, Israel built a second temple, which King Herod significantly refurbished centuries later. This one was also destroyed, this time by Rome. Does the Bible speak of another temple on earth? Yes, but different from the previously static ones. The final temple is God's church (2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:19-22). It is alive, mobile, and growing. No army can destroy it.
It began with God laying the first stone, the cornerstone. Of course, Christ is that indispensable stone, which all other stones are to align (1 Peter 2:4-8). Although He died by crucifixion, Jesus rose from the grave. Therefore, He is “a living stone”, a living Saviour. When we are connected to Him by faith, we become spiritually alive and living stones in His temple. Upon what foundation do we rest? Is it not the prophets and apostles whom the Spirit inspired to write the Scriptures? (Ephesians 2:20). Christ and His word are the only foundation on which the church can stand.
Just so you know, the stones in Solomon's temple were hewed offsite, at a quarry, to avoid any disturbance in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:7). As living stones, we too are hewed offsite, in this earthen quarry, in the here and now. Michelangelo stated, "Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the sculptor's task to discover it." Through Christ, God can see His image in us. However, to get to it, He must chisel away what is contrary to His character.
What is the purpose of the temple? It is so God can dwell with His people (Exodus 25:8). The divine presence with and in His people makes them His living temple. But not only are those of faith its building material, but His people are also its priesthood. There were restrictions to being part of the priesthood initially. You had to be a Jewish male within a specified age range. But not in God's last temple, for it is a priesthood of all believers. "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
The priests' primary function was to offer animal sacrifices, pointing to Christ's sacrificial death for our sins. What "spiritual" sacrifices can we offer, then? Ourselves, as living ones! (Romans 12:1). The animals were laid on the brazen altar dead and then consumed by fire. But we must lay ourselves on God's altar continually. Why? Because a living sacrifice can crawl off the altar. Accordingly, we should be consumed by God's love and presence daily to serve Him. To serve God is to serve others.
So, lay yourselves on the altar today and every day after that. Be connected to Christ and His temple by faith. Be not a dead stone but a living one.
