Note 7 at 1 Cor. 3:16: One of the greatest differences between the New Testament believer and the Old Testament believer is the fact that New Testament saints are the temple of God. God Himself actually indwells us.

In the Old Testament, the Spirit of God would come upon men and anoint them for service. He even came within Old Testament prophets to inspire them to write the scriptures, but this was temporary. In the New Testament, the Lord indwells us through the new birth and we become His permanent abode (see note 26 at Jn. 14:16, p.491).

During the days of the Old Testament, man made God an elaborate temple in Jerusalem and God said He would cause His name to dwell there so that men could pray to Him in that place (2 Chr. 7:12-16). But now, in the days of the New Testament, God does not dwell in a building made by man's hands. He now lives in the hearts of those who make Jesus their Lord (Rom. 10:9).

This is why there is no need for fancy buildings for the New Testament church to meet in. The building is no longer the temple of God. The believer's spirit has become the temple of God.

If we had a real revelation of the reality of Christ in us (Col. 1:27), it would drastically change our attitudes, emotions, and actions.