Being Right vs. Being Christlike

In many of his letters, the Apostle Paul roots his understanding of both Christian ethics and unity in his belief that the church is the new temple of God. As a highly educated Jew, Paul knew the Old Testament and the temple’s critical importance. It was the centerpiece of Jewish faith and practice. It’s where God’s presence dwelt on earth, and maintaining the purity of that sacred space was essential to ensure the proper functioning of the covenant between God and his people. It’s no exaggeration to say that God’s presence in the temple defined both Israel’s identity and purpose. Without it, they were no different than any other nation.