Heaven, Without a Temple; Why
R. Hall, M. A. Revelation 21:22-23 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.… 1. A temple is a place set apart for the residence of a Deity. In heaven there is no temple, no particular place of worship. In Revelation 7. it is said, "they serve Him in His temple." There heaven itself is the temple mentioned; here it is meant that no portion in particular could be styled the temple. 2. A temple is a place where particular rites are observed. In Deuteronomy 12:13, it was expressly commanded that no sacrifices should be offered but in the temple; elsewhere they would be a profanation. But in heaven no place was set apart for religious services; they might be offered in all parts alike. 3. A temple is a place where the worshippers resort at seasons for worship: three times a year the Israelites went up to Jerusalem to appear before the Lord from all parts of the holy land. In heaven there are no stated seasons of worship; no need to say there, "Come, let us go up to the house of the Lord": the inhabitants are everywhere and always engaged in the service and worship of God. 4. A. temple is set apart from common uses for sacred exercises. In heaven there is no distinction between ordinary and religious employments.Lessons: 1. Those must be essentially disqualified for heaven who find no pleasure in devotion. 2. What a reason is here why we should improve the seasons of devotion, and especially these Sabbath opportunities of religious improvement! 3. Finally, how happy are those that love God and His service! (R. Hall, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. WEB: I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.