Examining the concept of “Temple” throughout Scripture, Heaven on Earth explores one of the most interesting, but least appreciated themes in biblical theology. Far from being a building used simply for religious activities, the Temple in biblical literature embodies a rich variety of theological ideas. At the heart of these is the interface provided between a holy God and sinful people.
An understanding of the role of the Temple (and its predecessor, the Tabernacle) in biblical history provides a remarkable insight into the redemptive purposes of God. From the Garden of Eden in Genesis to the new creation in Revelation, biblical literature abounds with references and allusions to the Temple, all of which underline its significance as an institution and concept. Heaven on Earth not only makes an important contribution to the study of the Temple in various biblical texts but also to the project of a unified Biblical Theology and its implications for Systematic Theology.
The Temple stood at the very heart of Israelite religion and casts its shadow across Christian faith and spirituality. The Temple is the biblical symbol par excellence of the glory of God's presence with his people. Any Christian theology that attempts to grapple with God's indwelling of creation, with heaven on earth, must come to grips with the meaning of the Temple and its fulfillment in Christ and his body, the church.
