In this chapter we continue learning about the new temple, the one that is likely for Jesus’ “Millennial Kingdom”.
“Then he said… ‘The north chambers and the south chambers opposite the yard are the holy chambers, where the priests who approach the Lord shall eat the most holy offerings. There they shall put the most holy offerings – the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering – for the place is holy. When the priests enter the Holy Place, they shall not go out of it into the outer court without laying there the garments in which they minister, for these are holy. They shall put on other garments before they go near to that which is for the people.’ ” (v13-14)
Assuming this temple is part of the “Millennial Kingdom”, there will still be a need to keep what / who is holy, separated from what / who is not holy. In case you don’t know, the “Millennial Kingdom” refers to Jesus’ literal / physical 1000 year reign here on earth at the time of His second coming. This reign precedes the final judgement (the destruction of sin and Satan).
There are many verses in the Bible reminding us to be holy (ie. set apart for God’s purposes). To follow God means a different way of living, one that separates us from worldly ways of living. If our behaviors do not differentiate us from the rest of the world, then I suggest we are not holy and we need a wake-up call.
Behaving in a Christlike way is not a requirement for salvation (we are saved through Jesus’ blood, not our works). That being said, our holiness should be an outward reflection of our salvation / beliefs, and make us ambassadors / influencers for Christ. When I reach my final judgement I want to hear Him say “Well done, good and faithful servant”. To hear anything less than “well done” would likely be disappointing to us. I strongly encourage us (myself included) to continually pursue holiness, living in alignment with God’s will and Jesus’ ways, so we can be catalysts for the salvation of our neighbors.
Father God, our Most High and Holy Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation, and for teaching us Your ways through Jesus our King. May we fully pursue obedience to You, making us holy (set apart for Your service). We seek to honor, praise, and glorify You, with every word and action, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training