2. DWELLS versus DWELLS NOT

INTELLIGENT ANSWER TO "SELF-CONTRADICTIONS OF THE BIBLE BY WILLIAM HENRY BURR"

The perceived "contradiction" is a matter of interpretation and context.

THEOLOGICAL DOCTRINES

2.

GOD DWELLS IN CHOSEN TEMPLES.

 And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him: I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.    For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there forever; and mine eyes and my heart shall be there           perpetually. (2 Chron. 7:12, 16.)

GOD DWELLS NOT IN TEMPLES.

Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands. (Acts 7:48.)

The first passage, from 2 Chronicles 7:12, 16, describes God appearing to Solomon and choosing the Temple in Jerusalem as a place for sacrifice and worship, and that his name and presence would be there forever. This passage is describing the specific historical context of the Temple in Jerusalem and the significance it held in the religious practices of the Israelites.

The second passage, from Acts 7:48, states that "the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands." This passage is from a speech given by the apostle Stephen, and he is quoting from the Septuagint version of the Book of Isaiah.

This statement is not denying that God had chosen the Temple in Jerusalem as a place of worship and sacrifice, but rather emphasizing that God's presence is not limited to a physical building or temple. God is not confined to any particular place and is omnipresent, everywhere at all times.

These two passages do not contradict each other, but rather, the first passage describes the significance of the Temple in Jerusalem in the religious practices of the Israelites, while the second passage emphasizes that God's presence is not limited to a physical building or temple.

The first passage from 2 Chronicles 7 describes the Temple in Jerusalem as being chosen by God as a place for sacrifice and worship. This passage is describing the specific historical context of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Israelites. The Temple was considered to be the dwelling place of God and the place where his presence was especially manifest. It was the focal point of the religious practices of the Israelites and was considered to be a sacred and holy place.

The second passage from Acts 7, is from a speech given by the apostle Stephen, and he is quoting from the Septuagint version of the Book of Isaiah. The verse is in the context of Stephen's speech to the Jewish council, he is trying to make a point that the Israelites were guilty of always resisting the Holy Spirit, they were always looking for a physical place or a physical leader to follow instead of following God. So he is emphasizing that God's presence is not limited to a physical building or temple, and not confined to any particular place. God is not restricted to the temple, but rather is all-pervading and omnipresent, he is beyond time and space.

In summary, these two passages, do not contradict each other, but rather complement each other. The first passage describes the significance of the Temple in Jerusalem in the religious practices of the Israelites, while the second passage emphasizes that God's presence is not limited to a physical building or temple, and that God is not restricted to any particular place, but rather is all-pervading and omnipresent.

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