I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (Revelation 21:22, NIV)
The Greek word for “temple” is, in this case, the same word used for the “Most Holy Place,” which was the inner sanctuary of the ancient Israelites’ tabernacle, and later the temple. It was the place where God was said to dwell. The high priest could only enter once a year to sprinkle the sacrificed animals’ blood on the mercy seat in order to make atonement for the sin of God’s people. The Book of Hebrews teaches us that today “we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body” (Heb. 10:19–20, NIV). In other words, through the death and broken body of Jesus Christ on the Cross, you and I have been given access to the presence of God when we approach Him by faith in prayer.
In our heavenly home, we will not just have occasional access to the presence of God; we will live in His presence! For all eternity!
