Temple

1 Corinthians 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?"

In 21st century America, we have a hard time relating to the concept of a holy temple. However, when Paul wrote this, the idea was a crystal clear picture. The word Paul uses here for 'temple' is very specific and can refer specifically to the actual place where God dwelt within the temple. It doesn't refer to the whole building but rather to that specific spot, the Holy of Holies. In this illustration, we are not the outer court, or where sacrifices took place, rather we are that most sacred place where God chose to actually dwell.

The Holy of Holies was treated with nearly unimaginable honor and respect. Only one set-apart priest who had been chosen by God and been thoroughly cleansed was allowed inside, and only for a short time once a year. The other priests tied a rope around his foot just in case he fainted or was struck dead, that way they could pull him back out without having to enter themselves.

This ought to give us some idea of how God views our bodies. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. His residence belongs to Him. How should these facts influence my life today?