Measuring The Temple Of God

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: 

and the angel stood, saying, Rise and measure 

the temple of God, and the altar, and them 

that worship therein. But the court which is 

without the temple leave out, and measure it not: 

for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city 

shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 

Revelation 11:1-2

     Well Thanksgiving is over and I do hope it was a good one for you, a time to just enjoy life, family, and friends. Now we are approaching Christmas, boy, these months go by fast and the need to give is never greater. Now, we continue in our study of Revelation.

     Chapter eleven represents the state of the Church by the figure of a temple. This chapter is a prophetical passage speaking of measuring the temple and there seems to be a reference to Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel 40). Zechariah speaks of a man with a measuring line in his hand (Zechariah 2:1). This measuring of the temple has as it design the preservation of the temple in times of trouble, calamity. Jesus speaks of Himself as a temple: "Then Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up...but He spake of the temple of His body" (John 2:19,21). Paul gives this for us: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you" (1Corinthians 3:16)? Why measure this temple? There is an old saying: "Inspect what you expect." There is a need to ensure that the Church of God, the temple of God, that is you, are measuring up to the standard given to us by God. If there is need after measuring the temple and it does not meet the standards of God then a reformation is required so that what is deficient or has been changed may be brought back into conformity. This measuring is to be all the way to the altar, the place of worship, not necessarily a physical place but your worship towards God, and to determine those solemn acts as to whether or not they are truly worship of God or that it is simple self-righteousness. The Altar, the place where Jesus is, this is the place where Authentic Christians worship, and lay before Him all their offerings, whether or not you are worshiping in spirit and truth. The temple was laid out according to the specifications by God, to the very inch, the color, and the three places of worship, the Most Holy, the inner court and the outer court. God has laid out the specification for you, the temple of God. This measuring is not eternal, it is for a short period of 42 months, 3 1/2, half of seven, seven being the number referring to perfection, completion. During this measuring, doctrine, practices, behavior, will be measured according to the word of God where there is presented the specifications for all Authentic Christians. This measuring is to measure your heart.

     Now, then this outer court will not be measured. Why? they are Gentiles, that is non-believers and those who profess to be Christians but would make their worship to be formal, superstitious, idolatrous, Christians in name only. We have Churches that have succumbed to such practices that are not found to be in Scripture no matter how many "proof" Scriptures they forward in their defense. The outer court was for those who were seeking ceremonial, or some euphoric element in their worship, they even have annexed them into their Church, to the gospel that they preach. Jesus Christ is rarely mentioned and salvation is not the way Jesus taught, no, Jesus is abandoned to them, and they rely on the shirttails of Authentic Christians so that they feel godly. They make converts to their false form of religion and those who linger in their Christianity are often the dupes of this false and heretical teaching. 

     It is good to confront heresy and false teaching and this we should be doing in meekness and fear (1Peter 3:15). Yet many who profess Christianity do so because it is fashionable, to belong to a Church that teaches a gospel that is not Gospel. Those who are misled show zeal for the interest of their Church, talk and discuss controversies of the day, buy the lastest book, or CD, attend meetings, and subscribe to societies, discuss the merits of preachers, and speak of the sensational religion they adhere too, all easy Christianity. It is easy to see those who are falling short of the measurement, they speak of being spiritually minded but are not walking like strangers and pilgrims in this world. They are not distinct in their life from the world and they dress like the world, their conversations are more like the world, in their amusements they are just like the world, this does not mean that an Authentic Christian can enjoy that which is offered to you by the world, that is, if it does not conflict with God measurement for Authentic Christians. Yes, we will be measured and for some their entry into heaven will be just like coming through fire: "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 22,23). Paul adds: "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1Corinthians 3:15). 

     I do not relate this to you to make you sad or fearful and think that you are beyond recovery: you are not! I write this to give warning, to you, and to me. The goal is to change from the inside/out and this will bring you peace and comfort. The great Physician, Jesus Christ is merciful and has died for you, and will bring you to heaven, but do not go without being all that you can be: a witness for Jesus Christ. Others are looking at you and deciding whether or not you are really an Authentic Christian and if they do not see that, then they will not come to Jesus, or make the needed changes, to measure themselves according to Scripture. We have a responsibility to God, to our Savior Jesus Christ, our family and friends: Will you accept this responsibility? 

Better is the poor that walketh

   in his integrity, than he that is

perverse in his lips, and is a fool.

           Proverbs 19:1

You are the temple of God: Live as such!

Richard L. Crumb