Reverence for God's house is a theme deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the sanctity and respect due to places designated for worship and the presence of God. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of approaching God's dwelling with awe, respect, and a heart prepared for worship.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of reverence for God's house begins with the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In Exodus 25:8, God commands, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction underscore its sacredness and the need for careful observance of God's commands.

The Temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, further exemplifies this reverence. In 1 Kings 8:10-11, during the dedication of the Temple, "the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD." This manifestation of God's presence demanded a response of awe and respect.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself demonstrates reverence for God's house. In John 2:16, He cleanses the Temple, saying, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!" This act underscores the importance of maintaining the sanctity of places dedicated to worship and prayer.

The early church also recognized the significance of reverence in worship. In Acts 2:46, the believers met in the Temple courts with glad and sincere hearts, indicating a continued respect for the place of worship. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, reminds believers that they are God's temple, saying, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple."

Practical Implications

Reverence for God's house extends beyond physical structures to encompass the attitude and behavior of believers. Hebrews 12:28-29 exhorts, "Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. For our God is a consuming fire." This passage calls for a heart posture of humility and respect in worship.

The concept of reverence also includes the manner in which believers conduct themselves in worship services and gatherings. Paul advises in 1 Timothy 3:15, "if I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourselves in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." This instruction highlights the importance of orderly and respectful behavior in the community of faith.

Conclusion

Reverence for God's house is a timeless principle that calls believers to honor the sacredness of worship spaces and to approach God with humility and respect. Whether in the physical structures of the Old Testament or the spiritual temple of the New Testament church, reverence remains a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God.Leviticus 19:30
You shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 26:2
You shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Lix. What was Learned in God's House. Isaiah vi.
... A LESSON IN WORSHIP."We see how the angels behave when in God's house. ... faces, the
slovenly way in which men and women pray, the want of reverence, often in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/lix what was learned in.htm

Reverence in Worship.
... all respects as if he was at home, and not in God's House,"all I ... has been enough
to suggest what it is to serve God acceptably, viz. ... with reverence and godly ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon i reverence in worship.htm

The Church, the Place of Worship
... He called the Temple "My Father's house," and by ... used for no other purpose than the
worship of God. ... consecrated places which were held in reverence as distinct ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/the church the place of.htm

Prayer and the Word of God
... A reverence for God's holy Name is closely related to a high regard for ... As God's
house is called "the house of prayer," because prayer is the most important of ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
... to which Solomon advises us before we enter into the house of God ... attention, that
so thou mayest"First, Shew thy reverence to God's ordinance; Secondly ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/things to be meditated on.htm

Building in Silence
... the quarries, but more probably the silence was due to an instinct of reverence.
We may fairly use it as suggesting two thoughts. I. How God's house is mostly ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/building in silence.htm

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
... A house filled with the glory of God, a heart filled ... Our faith knows that God the
Holy Spirit has His ... inmost being to Him; bow in lowly reverence before the ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/eighth day holiness and indwelling.htm

God's Gentle Power
... face"he became subdued and awe-stricken"full of reverence. ... Say it now, and God help
you, "God be merciful ... You shall go home to your house justified, for he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/gods gentle power.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... of demeanor, and let your deportment indicate the reverence due to the place where
"God's honor dwelleth." "Keep thy foot, when thou goest to the house of God ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

Twenty-First Day for God's Spirit on the Jews
... I will pour out upon the house of David ... Pray with the simplicity of a little child;
pray with the holy awe and reverence of one in whom God's Spirit dwells ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/twenty-first day for gods spirit.htm

According to the Bible, to whom are we to be submissive, and why? | GotQuestions.org

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What does the Bible say about impiety? What does it mean to be impious? | GotQuestions.org

Reverence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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