If you’ve been in Christian circles for any time, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.” The idea is grounded in scripture, but the quote is often thrown around to make people feel guilty for doing things. Like getting a tattoo, piercings, or anything else that someone seems to think isn’t a dignified use of our body. So, what does this concept mean, and how can yoga help us embody this principle?

In Christian Theology, the concept of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit holds profound significance.

In Christian Theology, the concept of the human body as a temple of the Holy Spirit holds profound significance. The belief underscores the sacredness and dignity inherent in every human being, reflecting a divine presence within each individual. It draws upon the rich symbolism and imagery of the Old Testament and the biblical narratives surrounding the Tabernacle and Temple.

The Tabernacle: A Dwelling Place for God

In the Old Testament, the Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Constructed according to precise instructions given by God to Moses (Exodus 31-37), the Tabernacle provided a place to worship and a dwelling place for God. The tabernacle was made up of curtains and wood and divided into three distinct sections: the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies), each with specific functions and significance.

The Israelites came for worship, atonement, and cleansing in the outer court. It contained the Altar of Sacrifice. The Holy Place contained three things: a table with the Bread of the Presence (Exodus 25:23-30), a Golden Lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40), and an Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-7).
The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments (Exodus 25:16), Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:1-4).

The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place were divided by a veil. This veil was torn from top to bottom when Jesus died on the cross (Matthew 27:51). This veil represented a barrier between sinful humans and our holy God.

The Most Holy Place represented God’s throne on earth.

The Most Holy Place represented God’s throne on earth. The presence of God dwelt above the mercy seat of the Ark, between the Cherubim. The Holy of Holies was entered only once a year on the Day of Atonement by the high priest who offered sacrifice for the nation of Israel.

The Temple: A Permanent Abode for God’s Presence

Following Israel’s settlement in the Promised Land, King Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, replacing the Tabernacle as the central place of worship. Like the tabernacle, the Temple symbolized God’s dwelling among His people. It became the focal point of Israel’s religious life and was a place of sacrifice, prayers, and community.

The Temple’s design mirrored that of the Tabernacle, with the Holy of Holies containing the Ark of the Covenant. However, unlike the Tabernacle, the Temple was a permanent structure, signifying God’s enduring presence and faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.

Your Body: A Temple of the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul employs the imagery of the Tabernacle and temple to convey a profound truth about believers’ bodies. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, he writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

This declaration highlights the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer upon receiving the Holy Spirit. We learn from the author of Hebrews that Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for all sins, eliminating the need for a tabernacle or temple.

Just as God’s presence filled the Tabernacle and Temple in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, making our bodies sacred spaces where God resides.

Jesus’ death and resurrection paved the way for God to dwell not just among people but within them. Just as God’s presence filled the Tabernacle and Temple in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, making our bodies sacred spaces where God resides. Jesus’ life shows us what living as God’s temple means. He’s calling us to live as a temple today.

Implications and Responsibilities

Understanding that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit carries significant implications for Christian living. It demands reverence, purity, and holiness in how we treat our bodies and conduct ourselves. Just as we wouldn’t desecrate a sacred place of worship, we shouldn’t mistreat or neglect our bodies.

As believers, we are called to honor God with our bodies by abstaining from immorality, maintaining physical and spiritual health, and using our bodies to glorify God in all we do.

Recognizing the presence of the Holy Spirit within ourselves fosters a deeper appreciation for the dignity and worth of every human being. It compels Christians to treat others with respect, compassion, and love.

Yoga and Our Body

You might be wondering how yoga fits into all this. Yoga is a practice rooted in awareness and connection. Through yoga, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of our bodies and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. As we flow through yoga poses, we are not only strengthening our physical bodies, but we can also use it as a time of moving meditation and prayer.

Yoga encourages movement and rest, hard work, and stillness. It’s a tool to remind ourselves of the balance of work and the Sabbath. It’s about finding stillness amidst the chaos of life and opening our hearts and minds to God.

At its core, yoga is about union – of the body, mind, and spirit. As Christians, we know that the spirit within us is the Holy Spirit, and yoga can be a tool to help us fall into alignment with God. I’ve found in my yoga practice that I am much more likely to feel the presence of God, reflect on scripture verses, or commune (both talking and listening) in prayer after a yoga practice where I can quiet my mind.

The Takeaway

The concept of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit draws upon rich biblical imagery from the Tabernacle and Temple of the Old Testament. It underscores the sacredness of every human being and transforms the way we think about our physical bodies. This truth profoundly affects how Christians view and treat our bodies and interact with others.

By approaching yoga with an openness to God’s presence and guidance, we can incorporate its beneficial practices into our lives while remaining grounded in faith and a relationship with Jesus. By honoring God with our bodies and recognizing His presence within ourselves and others, we embody the essence of our faith and fulfill our calling to be living temples of the Holy Spirit.