The book of Hebrews uses the technical expression ta hagia, "holy places," found nowhere else in the NT. In the LXX it is used for the earthly sanctuary. And the book of Hebrews says specifically that the holy places not made with hands, where Christ entered, are in heaven.

The Bible plainly says there is no temple in the New Jerusalem, that is what I was addressing.
God however IS in the New Jerusalem, so the texts of worshipping God in the "temple" on the New Earth, would now contradict according to your "scholarship."

Of course James will rejoice to see this discrepancy amongst those who know there is a temple in heaven where Christ is officiating as priest.

But let's look at this more fully, for indeed there is a change on the New Earth.
According to EGW, the temple, after the sin problem is forever ended, is like a museum outside the city and only the 144,000 can enter it. So how can the "great multitude" be serving God in the temple?
And we know God and the Lamb and His throne are in the city, where there is no temple. And God's redeemed will also be in the city, not outside the city.

A careful comparison of Revelation 21-22 with Ezekiel's temple in the last chapters of his book, give credence that the New Jerusalem itself will take the place of the "temple" in which people will come to worship and serve God upon His throne in the New Jerusalem.

I don't have time right now to do all the comparisons as I have to go to work.

The arguments being addressed here on this thread aren't about Christ serving as High Priest after sin is fully dealt with, hopefully we are all in agreement that work will be fully completed when Christ leaves the sanctuary at the close of probation. When the New Jerusalem comes to earth after the millennium, the priestly work in the temple will no longer continue for reconciliation of all things will be completed --

We will be face to face with our God, walking and talking personally with Jesus. It will no longer be necessary to go through the temple, through a mediator, which is now our Savior Jesus Christ officiating in the heavenly sanctuary. But because of what Christ is doing NOW, we will literally be in God's presence.


The important thing is that Christ is NOW in the heavenly sanctuary dealing with the sin problem.

James is saying there is no temple in heaven at all.

No - there will be no temple in the New Jerusalem when it comes down from heaven. WHY? Because sin has been dealt with, there is no more need for it.


Why would God tell John there is no temple there, when in so many previous verses John saw all kinds of activity taking place in the temple in heaven?

The obvious answer is -- there is now a change, since there is no more sin problem that has separated mankind from God, a temple in which the work of reconciliation was carried out, is no longer needed.
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This text is very different from the texts depicting angels coming out of the temple. In those verses the word "temple" is used as a "place" situated in heaven, that contains furniture, and from which beings can go in and out.

The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the threshold is flushed with the glory of God which is for every church that will love God and keep His commandments. We need to study, to meditate, and to pray. Then we shall have spiritual eyesight to discern the inner courts of the celestial temple. We shall catch the themes of song and thanksgiving of the heavenly choir round about the throne. When Zion shall arise and shine, her light will be most penetrating, and precious songs of praise and thanksgiving will be heard in the assemblies of the saints. Murmuring and complaining over little disappointments and difficulties will cease. . . . We shall see our Advocate offering up the incense of His own merits in our behalf. . . . {AG 76.3}

God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate the attributes of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the mansions that Christ has gone to prepare for all who love Him. There they will assemble in the sanctuary from Sabbath to Sabbath, from one new moon to another, to unite in loftiest strains of song, in praise and thanksgiving to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever. {AG 76.4}

For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain. And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 66:22-23)

M: James, I do not consider myself "naive and unlearned" for believing the Revelation describes a literal temple in Heaven. "The language of the Bible should be explained according to its obvious meaning, unless a symbol or figure is employed." {GC 598.3} I'm sure you believe the Revelation describes things we can take as literal. Perhaps the New Earth? Possibly the "temple" (Rev 7:15) there?

J: Well I can tell you that the "temple in heaven" spoken of in the Revelation, is not literal. Look at these two "contradictory" verses: "And I saw no temple therein (the city, the New Jerusalem): for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." (Rev. 21:22), AND "Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out:and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God." (Rev. 3:12) The New Jerusalem never had, does not have, nor will ever have a temple. How then does he make you a pillar in a non-existent temple?

Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies. And I saw the little ones climb, or, if they chose, use their little wings and fly, to the top of the mountains and pluck the never-fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place: the box, the pine, the fir, the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs--these made the place all over glorious. And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, "Only the 144,000 enter this place," and we shouted, "Alleluia." {EW 18.2}

This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw I cannot describe. Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold. After we beheld the glory of the temple, we went out, and Jesus left us and went to the city. {EW 19.1}

The important thing is that Christ is NOW in the heavenly sanctuary dealing with the sin problem. James is saying there is no temple in heaven at all.

James, am I wrong in believing you think the Revelation describes things that are literally true? I'm sure you don't believe the Revelation contradicts itself. Neither do I. Obviously, the "temple" in the New Earth is located outside the city limits of New Jerusalem. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." Rev 7:15. The 144,000 will be privileged to worship there.

James, clearly you believe the temple of God in heaven symbolizes His people. What about the SDA belief regarding 1844 and the investigative judgment - do you not believe it?

James, clearly you believe the temple of God in heaven symbolizes His people. What about the SDA belief regarding 1844 and the investigative judgment - do you not believe it?

James.
The Holy Spirit descended several weeks after the crucifixion -- after Christ ascended to heaven. Your belief seems to lead to an "everyone is saved" idea. Since if the cleansing happened at Calvary it would have been applied to the world in a single sweep and all would be saved since Jesus took everyone's sin upon Himself and died the sinners death. And so yes, Christ did provide for the cleansing of all people at Calvary, but He is now our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary applying that cleansing to those who respond to His Holy Spirits leading. Though salvation is available for all, all will not be saved.

Why did Christ ASCEND into heaven at His resurrection?

If His "temple" and "the Lord is in His Holy Temple" means He is in people, won't He have simply stayed on earth? Yet, He ascended to heaven and a second coming is predicted when He will return.

It is the Holy Spirit Who abides with us, and brings the presence of God and Jesus to us.
While God's presence, through His Holy Spirit, in our lives is very real, yet God does not literally dwell in us.