Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?—1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV

What sets God’s people apart from all the other people of the world? The first thought that pops in my head is doctrine—who or what we believe. As Christians, we follow the teachings of Jesus, which produces a radically different lifestyle from those around us. This in turn leads us to develop deep, supporting relationships with other believers. But doctrine, lifestyle, and relationships—while they do characterize God’s people—do not set us apart from others. 

What sets us apart is simply this: God’s Presence. Let’s look back at when God established the Israelites as His people.

God led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to camp at Mount Sinai. There He established His covenant with them (Exodus 19:1-8). He called Moses back to the mountain in order to give him the stone tablets with His commandments (Exodus 24:12). He also gave Moses specific instructions for building the tabernacle—the place where God intended to dwell with His people (Exodus 26).

Unfortunately, when Moses descended from the mountain, he found the Israelites had violated their covenant with God. They had created a golden calf which they chose to worship in the place of God (Exodus 32:7-8). Because of their sin, God declared He would no longer accompany the Israelites into the promised land. Instead, an angel would go with them (Exodus 33:1-3).

In reply, Moses voiced these words to God:

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:15-16 NIV)

Moses understood that God’s presence set His people apart from all the other people in the world. In response to Moses’ appeal, God agreed to accompany His people (Exodus 33:17). As they moved forward, the Israelites built the tabernacle which served as a mobile temple during their travels (Exodus 40:36-38). Later King Solomon built a permanent temple which replaced the tabernacle (2 Chronicles 6:10). Both the tabernacle and the temple were places where the Israelites could meet with God—where they would be in His presence (Exodus 40:34; 2 Chronicles 7:1). 

The Apostle Paul, because he was raised under the strict traditions of Judaism, was very familiar with the imagery of the tabernacle and temple. He often drew on this imagery to illustrate how Christians experience the presence of God. For example, in his letter to the Corinthians, Paul reminded them of this truth:

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?  (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV)

Paul understood that believers in the New Testament, like the Israelites, had access to God. But instead of a physical location, we experience His presence through the Holy Spirit—both individually and collectively. It is the Holy Spirit who ushers us into God’s empowering presence—and keeps us there.

The Corinthians needed this reminder because at that time their lives had begun to mirror those of the people around them (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Paul’s letter called them to repent, but it also included this message of hope. Through the Spirit, all believers have continual access to God’s presence—a presence which leads His people to holiness.

Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who keeps us in Your presence. We know this is what sets us apart from all the other people of the earth. May we never take this for granted but allow this truth to lead us to holiness. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.