Where Heaven Meets Earth

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own. 1 Corinthians 6:19

N.T. Wright once said, “The temple is the place where heaven and earth meet together, the place where God meets with His people.” In the Old Testament, God’s presence dwelled in the Tabernacle, hidden within the Holy of Holies—sealed behind a thick veil. Only the high priest could enter, and only once a year, to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. A place of such holiness that it brought both awe and separation – reminding the people that their God was near and yet, because of their sin, was unapproachable. They didn’t know it then, but this would not always be the case.

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. Matthew 27:51

The barrier between God and humanity was destroyed—not from earth’s side, but from heaven’s. Through Christ’s sacrifice, communion with God was no longer confined to a place beyond the curtain. Jesus, fully human, fully God, made a way to restore the intimate communion that had been in place at the very beginning. These fragile bodies of dust have become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit – the dwelling place of the presence of God.

…and the glory of the LORD filled the temple. 1 Chronicles 7:1

Every believer is a walking sanctuary where heaven meets earth, for the God who once filled the temple, now fills us. The veil is gone. There is no longer any barrier between God and His people.

Take a moment today to reflect on the awe of this reality. Wherever you go, God’s presence goes too—because through Jesus, you are where heaven and earth meet.