Solomon's Temple Spiritualized

by John Bunyan

Publisher:

Faithlife

, 2006

Overview

John Bunyan was far from the first to find spiritual meaning in the structure and furniture of the Temple. Jewish rabbis and Christian church fathers alike indulged in sometimes extreme and fanciful interpretation of the Temple's symbolic nature. Here Bunyan confines himself to "those types exhibited in the temple and alluded to by the inspired writers of the New Testament" such as Christ as the cornerstone, the role of the individual believer as a "living stone," and the quality of materials used for the building.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Every part of the building, including the foundation, its altar, its courts, the holy of holies, all the utensils, and the ark, were types of that more glorious system which, in the fulness of time, appeared as the antitype, and perfected the Divine revelation. The temple becomes therefore an object of our special attention as a light to guide us while searching into gospel truths.” (Volume 3, Page 460)

“Still it was only a type of that infinitely more glorious antitype, the Christian dispensation” (Volume 3, Page 461)

“Now, as the temple had this double foundation, so we must consider it respectively and distinctly; for Christ is the foundation one way, the prophets and apostles a foundation another. Christ is the foundation personally and meritoriously; but the prophets and apostles, by doctrine, ministerially.” (Volume 3, Page 467)

“No unclean thing will be able to exist in that dazzling and refulgent brightness which will arise from the perfection of holiness in the immediate presence of Jehovah; and of this, as well as of the whole Christian dispensation, the temple of Solomon was a type or figure.” (Volume 3, Page 460)

“‘A greater than Solomon is here.’ ‘The BRANCH he shall build the temple of the Lord’—the more glorious, spiritual, eternal temple (Zech 6:12).” (Volume 3, Page 461)

Praise for John Bunyan

Bunyan has always been one of the most popular of the Puritans—no doubt because, while possessing the Word-centeredness as well as the depth of doctrine and experience of other Puritans, he also possessed a warm simplicity of style.

—Reformation and Revival Ministries, Reformation and Revival Volume 5, 2003

Bunyan is best known for his ageless classic, The Pilgrim's Progress. His literary genius in this work [is such] that people are prone to forget that this tinker from Bedford was first and foremost a Pastor and preacher...

—Thomas K. Ascol, The Founders Journal

For over 150 years the accepted edition of The Works of John Bunyan has been that edited by George Offor... This scholarly labor has contributed much toward a better appreciation of Bunyan's gospel motivated writings...

—From Bunyan Ministries

Product Details

• Title: Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
• Author: John Bunyan
• Editor: George Offor
• Publisher: John Knox Press
• Publication Date: 2006
• Pages: 50

About John Bunyan

John Bunyan (1628–1688) is one of the most prominent Puritans of all time. Bunyan was well known as a respected preacher during his lifetime and remembered through his writing to this day—namely The Pilgrim's Progress.

After joining the Bedford Baptist Church of Bedford, England, in 1654, Bunyan began preaching in nearby villages. He was prosecuted under an Elizabethan act against nonconformity and imprisoned for three months which was extended to twelve years. Bunyan became the pastor of St. John's Church the same month as his release from prison.

The author of more than 60 books, Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, Holy War, and his autobiographical book Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, gained a prominent and unique place in history. The Works of John Bunyan (3 vols.) includes 61 Bunyan-penned classics.