UP THERE AND DOWN HERE

It is very easy, if not confusing, to give location to God as ‘up there’ meaning up in heaven and to locate us as ‘down here’ meaning on earth. Perhaps the Old Testament history has formed these ideas deep within us. But with the New Covenant came a new way, a new understanding and a new location. God left all the buildings, synagogues and temples ‘made with hands’ and came to live within us. We now have a union with Christ in God by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit giving us new birth, life and location: God lives within us. He is no longer external to us. To say God is ‘up there’ and point to the sky is to not live in New Covenant reality. It is to live in human perception.

The Temple of the Lord is within us. The House of the Lord is our hearts. Paul, an apostle, wrote: “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.” And, “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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:17; 19-20) What a thought: We are now the temple the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Up There and Down Here moved in together.

“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9)

“If anyone loves me, he will keep my word; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” (NKJV) Jesus