The Concept of the House of God

During the observance of the feast of Tabernacles the Israelites dine outside their homes in booths constructed from the branches of trees. They are dwelling with God, so to speak. Each year they are to make a special effort to leave the customary pursuits of life for a week and to spend time meditating on what the Lord means to them and has done for them.

The central issue of the Scriptures is that of God abiding in us and we in God. The Kingdom of God is God in Christ in us, and we in Christ in God. The mutual abiding is the concept of the new Jerusalem—the Tabernacle of God among men.

When we are perfectly at rest in Christ, and Christ is perfectly at rest in us, we have attained perfection.

Let us always keep in mind, however, that it is the rest of God. It is His rest that is so important, not our rest.

It is God’s house, the Father’s house, that is being constructed.

We who are rooms in God’s house benefit immeasurably, it is true. But the fact is, God is seeking a dwelling place for Himself, a living temple constructed from living stones. The house is for God!

When the fulfillment of Tabernacles has come to maturity in our lives we will be at rest in Christ in God. More importantly, God Himself will be enlarged and at rest.

The true Christian saint is occupied primarily with pleasing God, with performing His will. Whether the saint’s pleasure and will are attained is secondary in importance.

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)

For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. (Psalms 132:13,14)

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:23)

Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? (Acts 7:49)

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. (Revelation 21:3)

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