Jerusalem – Symbol for the Nominal Christian Church

In order to understand prophecy (as well as the Bible in general), it is important to recognize that Jerusalem represents the city of God’s people. Therefore, it includes the location of God’s true people, but also includes other people who only identify with God the Father and Jesus Christ, but are not necessarily saved people. The following study is intended to prove that Jerusalem in the Bible (and especially in prophecy) represents the Nominal Church of God. By ‘nominal’, it is meant that these are the people who identify with the name of Jesus, but may or may not be true saved Christians. Also, please click this link for more information: Israel and Judah (Jew) also represent Christians.

The Establishment of Jerusalem Forever

Jerusalem in the Psalms

Jerusalem – Key Passages in Isaiah

The Holy Place is Wherever God and His People are

Where is the Holy Place, Jerusalem Today?

Earthly Jerusalem

Jerusalem is where religious activity occurs

John 4:20-23 – Spiritual Jerusalem

Gal 4:22-26 – Earthly Jerusalem verses Heavenly Jerusalem

Summary of Earthly Jerusalem

Heavenly Jerusalem

The House / Temple of God is the Church

The house (temple) of God were physically located in Jerusalem

Christians are the House of God

Christians are the Temple of God

Jesus is the cornerstone

But, earthly visible church contains both saved and unsaved

The Establishment of Jerusalem Forever

It is important to recognize the special significance of Jerusalem in the Old Testament. Jerusalem is where God would put His wonderful name forever and that is the location of God’s house, the temple. Consider the following Scriptures:

And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there forever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.
(1Ki 9:3)

But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:
(Deu 12:5)

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:
(Deu 12:11)

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

(Deu 12:14)

But thou must eat them before the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before the LORD thy God in all that thou puttest thine hands unto.

(Deu 12:18)

If the place which the LORD thy God hath chosen to put his name there be too far from thee, then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy flock, which the LORD hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates whatsoever thy soul lusteth after.

(Deu 12:21)

Only thy holy things which thou hast, and thy vows, thou shalt take, and go unto the place which the LORD shall choose:

(Deu 12:26)

And thou shalt eat before the LORD thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the LORD thy God always.

(Deu 14:23)

Thou shalt eat it before the LORD thy God year by year in the place which the LORD shall choose, thou and thy household.

(Deu 15:20)

Thou shalt therefore sacrifice the passover unto the LORD thy God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which the LORD shall choose to place his name there.

(Deu 16:2)

And he set a graven image of the grove that he had made in the house, of which the LORD said to David, and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
(2Ki 21:7)

For David said, The LORD God of Israel hath given rest unto his people, that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever:
(1Ch 23:25)

Also he built altars in the house of the LORD, whereof the LORD had said, In Jerusalem shall my name be for ever.
(2Ch 33:4)

And he set a carved image, the idol which he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name for ever:
(2Ch 33:7)

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
(Psa 125:2)

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
(Isa 65:18)

Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting upon the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: and this city shall remain for ever.
(Jer 17:25)

But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.
(Joe 3:20)

Jerusalem in the Psalms

When we read the Psalms, we find that Jerusalem (which includes Mount Zion) is used in a symbolic way to refer to God’s people.

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.
(Psa 51:18)

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.
(Psa 68:29)

A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
(Psa 79:1)

Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
(Psa 79:3)

To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;
(Psa 102:21)

In the courts of the LORD’S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
(Psa 116:19)

Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem.
(Psa 122:2)

Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together:
(Psa 122:3)

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
(Psa 122:6)

As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
(Psa 125:2)

The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
(Psa 128:5)

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
(Psa 135:21)

If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
(Psa 137:5)

If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not () Jerusalem above my chief joy.
(Psa 137:6)

Remember, O LORD, the children of Edom () in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.
(Psa 137:7)

The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.
(Psa 147:2)

Praise () the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.
(Psa 147:12)

Jerusalem – Key Passages in Isaiah

Similar to the Psalms, there are many passages in Isaiah that refer to Jerusalem in a symbolic manner to refer to the location of God’s people.

Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins.
(Isa 40:2)

O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
(Isa 40:9)

The first shall say to Zion, Behold, behold them: and I will give to Jerusalem one that bringeth good tidings.
(Isa 41:27)

That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:
(Isa 44:26)

That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
(Isa 44:28)

Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which hast drunk at the hand of the LORD () the cup of his fury; thou hast drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out.
(Isa 51:17)

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.
(Isa 52:1)

Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.
(Isa 52:2)

Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.
(Isa 52:9)

For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
(Isa 62:1)

I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of() the LORD, keep not silence,
(Isa 62:6)

And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make () Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
(Isa 62:7)

Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.
(Isa 64:10)

But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create () Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.
(Isa 65:18)

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.
(Isa 65:19)

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:
(Isa 66:10)

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
(Isa 66:13)

And they shall bring () all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD out of all nations upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and upon mules, and upon swift beasts, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, saith the LORD, as the children of Israel bring () an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the LORD.
(Isa 66:20)

The Holy Place is Wherever God and His People are

In Dan 9:24, we find this important Scripture:

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

(Dan 9:24)

In the context of Dan 9:24-27, we find that the 70 weeks of prophecy occur all the way to the end of time, which is Judgment day (…even until the consummation, and that determined, is poured out on the desolate, Dan 9:27). Notably in Dan 9:24, we find that the holy city (i.e., Jerusalem) is referred to. This holy city represents the location of God’s people throughout time. Preceding the Dan 9:24-27, 70 weeks prophecy, Daniel’s prayer to the Lord God was that his anger would be turned away from His city Jerusalem, His holy mount (Zion – see Ps 2:6, Is 4:3, 12:6, 52:1, 60:14, Joel 2:1, 3:17, Zech 8:3). This holy mount refers to Mount Zion referred to in Scripture as being located in Jerusalem and represented God’s dwelling place with His people (see Mat 21:5, John 12:15, Ro 9:33, Ro 11:26, Heb 12:22, 1 Pet 2:6, Rev 14:1).

In Is 48:1-2, the Holy city Jerusalem is referred to as where Israel resides (see discussion below on who spiritual Israel is). Also, Is 62:12 refers to God’s holy people (i.e., saints) who are the redeemed of the Lord and they shall be called ‘a city not forsaken). In other words, the true people of God make up His holy city Jerusalem.

In Is 60:14, we find that Jerusalem will be called the ‘city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel’. Similarly, Is 52:1 declares:

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

(Isa 52:1)

We find in this passage that Zion (i.e., the mountain of God) is connected to Jerusalem, the holy city and will ultimately become the holy habitation of only those who are the true people of God. It is this city that will be like a glorious river, the streams which shall make glad the city of God, the holy tabernacles of the most High.

Ultimately in Rev 21:10, 22:19, we find a reference to the holy city Jerusalem as the heavenly city where are those that are part of God’s kingdom dwell. This is the bride (true Christians) that comes down prepared for her Husband, Christ (Rev 21:2). However, prior to this glorious day, we find that Jerusalem is pictured as the place during the Great Tribulation, which will be tread under foot of the Gentiles for 42 months (Rev 11:2).

Where is the Holy Place, Jerusalem Today?

The question that could be asked is whether the temple of the Old Testament and physical Jerusalem is still the Holy Place of God today. We know that the tabernacle of the wilderness, as well as Solomon’s temple (and later Herod’s temple) no longer exist today. Therefore, those locations are not the Holy Place today. Jerusalem still exists, but we find in Scripture that Jerusalem in the Bible is where God and His people dwell. Therefore, Jerusalem should not be limited to a particular city, but rather Jerusalem is wherever God’s people are together in the name of Jesus Christ. Similarly the temple (house) of God today is the body of true Christians.

We know from the Olivet Discourse that the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ will be set up in the Holy Place (Jerusalem, where the temple / house of God was). We have also established the true spiritual Israel and spiritual Jew is anyone who is a true child of God (whether male or female, whether Jew or Greek). We are all Abraham’s seed and heir to the promises of God (Gal 3:26-29). Christians are also typified as the ‘house of God’ (John 14:2, 2 John 10, 1 Cor 16:15‑19, 2 Tim 2:20, Eph 2:19, Heb 3:6, 1 Pet 2:5, 1 Pet 4:17, Ro 16:5) and the ‘temple of God’ (Lk 11:51, 2 Thess 2:4, 1 Cor 3:16‑17, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:21). Both the house of God and the temple of God were located in Jerusalem. We find the following facts concerning Jerusalem in the New Testament:

Earthly Jerusalem

Where the 1^st Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ Originates From:

It is where Simeon (just and devout) awaited the consolation of Israel – Lk 2:25
It is where Anna awaited the redemption – Lk 2:38
Where Daughters of Jerusalem were – Lk 23:38
Jesus commanded disciples to wait there for the Holy Spirit – Lk 24:44, Acts 1:4
Repentance preached beginning at Jerusalem – Lk 24:47
Christians are to be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth – Acts 1:8
Gospel preached in Judea and Jerusalem – Acts 2:14
The church began in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (3000 baptized – Acts 2:41) – Acts 2
5000 believed – Acts 4:4
120 waiting for day of Pentecost – Acts 1:15
Early church active in Jerusalem – Acts 4:6, 5:16
Filled with apostles doctrine – Acts 5:29
Disciples multiplied greatly – Acts 6:7
Peter came from there – Acts 11:2, 11:22
Prophets originated from Jerusalem to Antioch – Acts 11:27
Saul joins disciples at Jerusalem – Acts 9:26-28, Gal 1:17-18, 2:1
Paul and Barnabas returned to Jerusalem after 1^st missionary journey – Acts 12:25
First church council – Acts 15
Ordination of elders and apostles – Acts 16:4
Paul fully preached Gospel from Jerusalem to Illyricum – Ro 15:19

Jerusalem is where religious activity occurs

It was referred to as a Holy City – Mat 4:5, Mat 27:53
Jesus presented to the Lord by parents – Lk 2:22
Swear not by since it is the city of the great king – Mat 5:34-35
Where the unsaved Pharisees, priests and scribes were – Lk 22:2, 23:10, Acts 4:5, 6:2, 23:9
Jerusalem is a type of being under the bondage of the law (Hagar, Mt. Sinai) – Gal 4:25-26
Where the Old Testament feasts and Sabbaths were held – John 7:1-14, John 2:23, 6:4, 12:1, 13:1, 18:28, 1 Cor 5:7, etc.

Where persecution of Jesus Christ and Christians Occur:

Where the early church was persecuted – Acts 3-4
No prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem – Lk 13:33-34, Mat 23:37-38
Jesus to die at Jerusalem – Lk 9:31
Jesus condemned / suffered at Jerusalem (priests and scribes) – Mat 20:17-18, Mat 16:21
Where all things that were written would be accomplished – Lk 18:31
Paul persecuted followers of the Way and brought them to Jerusalem – Acts 9:2
Pau did evil to saints – Acts 9:13, 21
Great persecution at Jerusalem – spread disciples abroad, except apostles – Acts 8:1, 14
Paul returns bound in spirit – Acts 20:21-22, 21:4, 22:5
Paul should leave since he will not be received – Acts 22:17-18
Paul sent there to be killed – Acts 25:3
Paul received judgment in Jerusalem – Acts 25:1, 7, 9, 15, 20, 24 (priests and scribes)
Contribution for poor saints at Jerusalem – Ro 15:25-26, 31, 1 Cor 16:3

Represents the church trodden down by the Gentiles during Great Tribulation – Lk 21:24, Rev 11:2

John 4:20-23 – Spiritual Jerusalem

Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

(Joh 4:20-23)

Gal 4:22-26 – Earthly Jerusalem verses Heavenly Jerusalem

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

(Gal 4:22-26)

This passage outlines an important distinction between earthly Jerusalem and heavenly Jerusalem. Earthly Jerusalem represents the nominal church in this world, which is in bondage (represented by Hagar). To be in bondage means that the nominal church is in bondage to sin and pursuing salvation through good works and not through the grace of God (Eph 2:8-10). However, the true church of God is heavenly Jerusalem which spiritually the abode of Christians with the saints (Heb 12:22). Nonetheless, Christians are still in the flesh and therefore, still in the church in the world. Throughout church history, the church has always been nominal and therefore, much of its members are attempting to be saved by their own good works (in bondage). We know that the way to life in narrow and many will strive by their own good works to enter through the broad way that leads to destruction (Mat 7:13). Many will say ‘Lord, Lord’ on that day, but only few are saved (Mat 7:13, Lk 13:22-30, Mat 7:21-23).

Summary of Earthly Jerusalem

We find that Jerusalem was the original headquarters for the Christian church. The Holy Spirit was given in Jerusalem and the Gospel and missionaries were dispatched from Jerusalem. However, it was also a center of Christian persecution by the religious establishment that was there. Earthly Jerusalem represents the nominal church where most people searching for salvation through Jesus Christ are searching for it based on their own good works.

Heavenly Jerusalem

It is very important to understand that the true spiritual Jerusalem is the dwelling place of God:

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

(Gal 4:26)

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

(Heb 12:22)

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

(Rev 3:12)

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband…And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

(Rev 21:2, 21:10, see also Rev 22:19, Is 65:17-25)

All the above verses from the New Testament clearly identify for us that the true spiritual Jerusalem is the heavenly Jerusalem. This heavenly Jerusalem is the dwelling place of God and His people in the new heavens and the new earth (Rev 21:1) since the first earth and first heavens will be destroyed (2 Pet 3:7-14). The entire chapter of Revelation describes the true, new Jerusalem, which is the city of God. We find that New Jerusalem is the true church (i.e., all of God’s saved people from all times). Therefore, it is likened as a bride prepared for her Husband, who is Jesus Christ (Eph 5:22-23, 32). Additionally, in Rev 21:3, we find that this new Jerusalem is the tabernacle (i.e., tent) of God where God will dwell with His people. Therefore, we find that the true heavenly Jerusalem is the eternal dwelling place of God and His people, which was typified by earthly Jerusalem and the earthly tabernacle of Israel in the wilderness. Also, we find in Hebrews 9:24 that the Holy of Holies (i.e., the inner holy place) of the temple of God also symbolized heaven itself.

In the Old Testament, we also find that Jerusalem is the location where God would place his name forever (see also, 2 Chr 33:4, 2 Chr 6:6, 2 Chr 7:16, 1 Ki 8:29, 1 Ki 9:3, Deut 26:2, etc.):

(Deu 12:11)

However, we find that when Jesus was speaking with the Samaritan woman that the worship of God occurs not only in a physical place, but all those who worship God worship Him in spirit and in truth:

(Joh 4:20-23)

Jesus emphasizes that earthly Jerusalem is not the focus of where we are to worship. It is God who is our focus, who dwells in heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God (Gal 4:26, Heb 12:22).

Moreover, we find ample evidence in the Old Testament that God dwells in heavenly Jerusalem:

Blessed be the LORD out of Zion, which dwelleth at Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

(Psa 135:21)

For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.

(Psa 132:13-17)

Other passages that testify to spiritual heavenly Jerusalem include:

Is 52:1-12, Is 45:11‑25, Is 65:17-25, Is 60:14-15, Is 40:1-9, Is 62:1-12, Ps 102:12-28, Ps 116:13-19, Ps 122, Ps 125, Ps 128, Ps 135:21, Ps 137, Ps 147

The House / Temple of God is the Church

The house (temple) of God were physically located in Jerusalem

And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the door, to bring forth out of the temple of the LORD all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of heaven: and he burned them without Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron, and carried the ashes of them unto Bethel.

(2Ki 23:4)

And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is that executed the priest’s office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusalem:)

(1Ch 6:10)

And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;

(Ezr 5:14)

And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.

(Ezr 5:15)

And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.

(Ezr 6:5)

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

(Psa 68:29)

A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

(Psa 79:1)

That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.

(Isa 44:28)

The LORD shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the LORD, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

(Jer 24:1)

Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

(Dan 5:2)

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.

(Dan 5:3)

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

(Mar 11:11)

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

(Mar 11:15)

And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

(Mar 11:27)

And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

(Luk 4:9)

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

(Act 22:17)

(Rev 3:12)

Christians are the House of God

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

(1Ti 3:14-15)

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

(2Ti 2:20)

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

(Eph 2:19)

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

(Heb 3:6)

Christians are the Temple of God

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

(2Th 2:4)

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

(1Co 3:16-17)

And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

(2Co 6:16)

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

(Eph 2:21)

Jesus is the cornerstone

The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

(Psa 118:22)

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

(Mat 21:42)

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

(Act 4:11)

And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

(Eph 2:20)

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

(1Pe 2:6)

But, earthly visible church contains both saved and unsaved

For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

(1Co 11:18-19)

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

(Mat 7:21-23)

Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are: Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets. But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

(Luk 13:23-30)

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

(Act 8:12-20)