Introduction: The Bible weaves a tapestry picture of a city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God. Just as Jacob(Israel) made his beloved son a coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3), God has made us a coat of many colors in Jesus. These true stories are natural examples, given by God, that we might understand a Spiritual concept. (John 4:24)

Hebrews 11:8-10 KJV
[8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. [9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: [10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

The center piece of this Holy City (Revelation 21:2) is a promised tabernacle, not made with mortal hands. This habitation is for God and His Purified Bride alone (Ephesians 25-27). God promised David that He (God not David) would one day build this Holy Habitation for all those that would believe in God. The New Testament in multiple places clearly defines this Holy City and its temple not made with hands. (House of God AND His people).

Another Old Testament foundational storyline or "Nicodemus Thing" (see article of same name on this site dated 3/27/2018) as we like to call it, is found in 1 Chronicles 17. In short, David has set up his kingdom in Jerusalem, he has recovered the Ark of the Covenant and set up the Ark within the Tabernacle as prescribed by God to Moses in Exodus. As David sets in his "house of cedars" (palace) he began to reflect on how God had richly blessed a little shepherd boy and made him King of Israel. Feeling magnanimous he wants to return the favor and build a house for God to dwell (live) in. Let me call out a few things in particular, before we go much deeper.

The tabernacle is a kind of tent within a tent. (A real fancy ornate detailed tent.)
Inside this tent is various pieces of furniture.
The center piece or main object of this tent is the Ark of The Covenant.
The Ark contains: The Ten Commandments (Hebrews 8:10, Jeremiah 31:33), Aaron’s Rod that budded (Numbers 17:8, Hebrews 9:4) and a Jar of Manna (Exodus 16:15, John 6:31-33 & 6:41).
FYI: This Ark and everything in it represents Jesus! (Remember always look for Jesus)
The Ark of The Covenant is behind a veil.
Only the High Priest was allowed past this veil and only after much ritual.
Once past the veil, he has entered the TABERNACLE.
TABERNACLE means HABITATION, a place to dwell or live.
THEREFORE, in this case it means the place in which God dwells or lives.

If you are thinking Biblically or Spiritually if you will, knowing this should shed new light on John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

So, John could have said the Word Tabernacle among us. Oh, wait a minute, he already did. Then Paul plus Peter picked up John's narrative and ran with it:

Ephesians 2:20-22 KJV
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone ; [21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: [22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV
[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Mark 14:58 KJV
[58] We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

1 Peter 2:5 KJV
[5] 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.

Clearly the foundation had been laid, the walls of the city are up and temple is built. Yet there is room for many more lively stones to adorn the city. A few more precious stones to sparkle on the walls of jasper or a nugget of gold to pave the street.

One day however, and it could be soon, God will be done adorning His Holy City. All the mansions are ready to be occupied. Any excess building materials not fit for construction will be left without the city. All the dross removed in the refining pot, the shavings or precious stone chips removed by the Master Mason will be gathered up to be burned in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.

Revelation 21:2 KJV
[2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Send comments to archie.wilson@historicunioncounty.com