Where are the temples, the priests, the sacrifices, the tithes, and the children of God today?

This is intended to be simple so my children can understand it during our next devotion time.

While the concepts are simple and clear to see in the scriptures we have many doctrines today embraced by much of the modern church that contradict these simple Biblical truths. Its a shame that children can understand this but as we grow older it seems we have other plans regarding how we choose to interpret scriptures.

This study is not to get into the specific doctrines that I am referring to but instead it is to just look simply at what the Bible says about some very simple things. These simple things ought to be part of the bedrock of our doctrines when it comes to what the church is and the practices we implement within the context of said church.

Before Jesus’ death and resurrection there was a Temple that was commissioned by God and there was a priesthood set up by God as well.

What is God’s position on these things today?

Even during Jesus’ time on earth He was messaging that God’s plan was to transition out of the temple built by hands and to dwell elsewhere.

But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. [7] But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. [8] For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day. Matthew 12:6-8

God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things Acts 17:24-25

Scripture clearly teaches that we are, as believers and followers of Christ, the temple of the living God. He lives in us. We are His temple.

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

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? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Corinthians 6:16

As for the priests. He had plans for a transition there as well. The plan was to raise up a priesthood to worship Him with the daily sacrifices of ourselves. Essentially we have become both temple, priest and sacrifice for the very God who sacrificed His only Son for us to be reconciled back to Him.

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:5

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; [5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, [6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:4-6

And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. [9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; [10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:8-10

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. Revelation 20:6

The Old Testament Temple, the Levitical priests, the sacrifices, the tithes, the children of Abraham that He chose to be His own, these were part of God’s plan of reconciliation all along but He had to see it through by dying for our sins so that all would be fulfilled.

Once He died and rose again His plan was fully implemented for the work to be done through us prior until His second coming and the final judgement.

Until then we are his temple, His priests, His sacrifice, His tithe offering and His children while worshiping Him with our humble and selfless service while in this present world.

Everything that we have is because of Him, our money, our possessions, our bodies, and our very lives. We owe him all this and even more.

To teach anything less falls short of His Gospel.

Just as Job looked forward to that one day, we will behold our Saviour’s face as well and we will take joy in being in the presence of the One who is our all in all.

That is what it is all about.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:28-29

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:38-39

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Job 19:15-27