Where Does God Really Dwell?

In this article, you will learn how Acts 7:48 contradicts 1 Kings 8:27, 2 Chronicles 6:18, Jeremiah 7:4, Isaiah 66:1, Matthew 23:21, Exodus 25:8, Exodus 29:45, 1 Corinthians 3:16 and Exodus 40:34-35. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..

The question of where God truly resides has been a point of contemplation for centuries. Acts 7:48 presents a compelling view: God does not dwell in buildings made by human hands. This message resonates with our understanding of an omnipresent deity, suggesting that God is not confined to any physical location, like a church or temple.

Interestingly, several other verses seem to echo this view, while others offer a differing perspective. For instance, both 1 Kings 8:27 and 2 Chronicles 6:18 affirm the belief that not even the heavens can contain God, let alone a temple, which aligns closely with the sentiment in Acts 7:48. Jeremiah 7:4 warns against placing undue trust in the physical temple, again reflecting the idea of God's presence being beyond physical structures. Isaiah 66:1 further supports this notion by declaring heaven as God's throne, indicating that no earthly structure can encapsulate His essence.

However, some verses present a nuanced view. Matthew 23:21 suggests that the temple is a dwelling place for God, hinting at a divine presence within particular sacred spaces. Similarly, Exodus 25:8 and 29:45 speak of God dwelling among the Israelites, perhaps implying a more physical dwelling at times in their history.

Yet, other verses like 1 Corinthians 3:16 provide a different outlook, portraying believers themselves as the temple of God. This concept suggests a spiritual residence rather than a physical one, aligning again with Acts 7:48 in a more metaphorical sense.

Imagine a traveler who carries their home in their heart. Wherever they go, they feel at home. Perhaps God, too, carries His "home" within the universe, unrestricted by walls or ceilings. This invites the question: Are we looking for God in the right places?