PILLARS IN THE TEMPLE

PILLARS IN THE TEMPLE
In the letters to the Churches, as recorded in Rev.
2 & 3, there is a statement that needs a little further
scrutiny, because it is loaded with import. Let's look
at it.
Rev. 3:12 "Him that overcometh will I make a
pillar in the temple of My God---."
Now, contrast this with a scripture in Rev. 21:22
where it says, "and I saw no temple therein; for the
Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the Temple of it."
Is there a mistake in the scriptures? The same
writer has written both scriptures. The same Spirit
has shown the vision to John. Did God change His Mind
somewhere in the process?
I would rather believe that there has not been a
mistake, nor a change of course by the Spirit. The
fault MUST be in our ability to grasp just what is
being said by the Spirit.

First, let me say that Scripture does not support
the belief that there will EVER be a physical temple
again. Much as man desires a physical place of beauty
in which to worship, we will yet learn that "They that
worship Him will worship in Spirit and in Truth.
The Bible, however, DOES SUPPORT THE BUILDING
OF A SPIRITUAL TEMPLE, made up of human beings who have
met the requirements of a Holy God for their lives.
Please note, though, that they have NOT had to work
for their salvation. That is, and must ever be,
a GIFT OF GOD. Working FOR REFINEMENT OF CHARACTER
AFTER WE HAVE THE GIFT OF SALVATION WILL ENHANCE OUR
CHANCES OF BEING CHOSEN OF THE LORD.
1 Pet. 2:5 "Ye also, as lively stones are built
up a spiritual house." See also Eph 2:20 "--built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. In Whom
all the building fitly framed together GROWETH UNTO AN
HOLY TEMPLE IN THE LORD: In Whom ye also are
builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit."
Long before the birth of Jesus, the prophet
Zechariah told of One who was to be called the BRANCH,
and that He would build the Temple--the Temple being,
of course, the one built by the Spirit of God with the
Lively Stones cut out and prepared by the Spirit. Zec.
6:12
It goes without saying, that not ALL CHRISTIANS
will attain to becoming a part of this Spirtual Temple.
Only those who qualify as Overcomers will be eligible.
It is impossible to study the Scriptures, and not
discover the fact that there are distinctions made be-
tween Christians and Christians. Some are sincere,
others are careless and nonchalant. Some are striving
to overcome their flesh, others only revel in what
Jesus has done for them, content with their status quo.
It is, also, difficult for us to comprehend the
full meaning of these things, because of some of our
past teachings.
The process of UN-LEARNING these past teachings is
sometimes very painful.
Violent as the process may be, it will be well
worth our while to put forth the effort, in order to
know the TRUTH when it is brought to light. The TRUTH
will make us free.