Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
Digital Verbum Edition
Overview
John Bunyan was far from the first to find spiritual meaning in the structure and furniture of the Temple. Jewish rabbis and Christian church fathers alike indulged in sometimes extreme and fanciful interpretation of the Temple's symbolic nature. Here Bunyan confines himself to "those types exhibited in the temple and alluded to by the inspired writers of the New Testament" such as Christ as the cornerstone, the role of the individual believer as a "living stone," and the quality of materials used for the building.
Top Highlights
“Every part of the building, including the foundation, its altar, its courts, the holy of holies, all the utensils, and the ark, were types of that more glorious system which, in the fulness of time, appeared as the antitype, and perfected the Divine revelation. The temple becomes therefore an object of our special attention as a light to guide us while searching into gospel truths.” (Volume 3, Page 460)
“Still it was only a type of that infinitely more glorious antitype, the Christian dispensation” (Volume 3, Page 461)
“Now, as the temple had this double foundation, so we must consider it respectively and distinctly; for Christ is the foundation one way, the prophets and apostles a foundation another. Christ is the foundation personally and meritoriously; but the prophets and apostles, by doctrine, ministerially.” (Volume 3, Page 467)
“No unclean thing will be able to exist in that dazzling and refulgent brightness which will arise from the perfection of holiness in the immediate presence of Jehovah; and of this, as well as of the whole Christian dispensation, the temple of Solomon was a type or figure.” (Volume 3, Page 460)
“‘A greater than Solomon is here.’ ‘The BRANCH he shall build the temple of the Lord’—the more glorious, spiritual, eternal temple (Zech 6:12).” (Volume 3, Page 461)
Bunyan has always been one of the most popular of the Puritans—no doubt because, while possessing the Word-centeredness as well as the depth of doctrine and experience of other Puritans, he also possessed a warm simplicity of style.
—Reformation and Revival Ministries, Reformation and Revival Volume 5, 2003
Bunyan is best known for his ageless classic, The Pilgrim's Progress. His literary genius in this work [is such] that people are prone to forget that this tinker from Bedford was first and foremost a Pastor and preacher...
—Thomas K. Ascol, The Founders Journal
For over 150 years the accepted edition of The Works of John Bunyan has been that edited by George Offor... This scholarly labor has contributed much toward a better appreciation of Bunyan's gospel motivated writings...
—From Bunyan Ministries
- Title: Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
- Author: John Bunyan
- Editor: George Offor
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 2006
- Pages: 50
John Bunyan of Elstow and Bedford, is important to the Reformed tradition, since his famous allegory is one of the chief avenues by which the Puritan spirit entered the mainstream of the English Reformation. With Calvinism as foundational, Bunyan’s prolific writings and fervent preaching embodied a vibrant awareness of Reformed theological thought and its implication for Christian living. The author of more than sixty books, he gained a unique place in history through Grace Abounding (1666), The Pilgrim’s Progress (pt. 1, 1678; pt. 2, 1684), The Life and Death of Mr. Badman (1680), and The Holy War (1682). Other works were primarily expository, doctrinal, and practical.
Bunyan joined the Bedford Baptist Church (1654) and soon began preaching in nearby villages. Prosecuted under an Elizabethan act against nonconformity, he was imprisoned for three months, which was extended to twelve years, with a brief respite during the sixth year.Bunyan emphasized the centrality of the Bible as the foundation for belief and conduct, stressing the grace of God as the basis of predestination, the focal point of eternal salvation. Initiative in the salvation of sinners belonged to God, since God elected, within God’s purpose and framework of grace, certain individuals to eternal life. Subscribing to the doctrine of “effectual calling,” Bunyan believed it was impossible to resist the call because of the power with which the Holy Spirit accompanied and illuminated the sinner’s understanding. None of the elect could fall from grace.
Though Bunyan was primarily an adherent of the Calvinist tradition, his view of God as Savior, providing salvation from divine wrath rather than God as sovereign ruler, and his belief in the necessity of justification through grace alone showed influence of Luther. The separatist tradition shaped his view of the sacraments. He strongly opposed teachings of the Quakers and the Arminians.
—taken from The Encyclopedia of Reformed Faith
Reviews
1 rating
Philip Traynor
4/29/2023
Finally a gospel hyperlinked approach to Solomon's Temple. Bunyan saturates his loving and plain description of Solomon's Temple with multiple temple, tabernacle, and New Testament scriptures (anti-types) to exemplify much of the Gospel of our Salvation and Sanctification through JESUS CHRIST. Logos hyperlinked ALL these scriptures for our instantaneous validation and exegesis of Bunyan's un-biased anti-types regarding so many aspects of God's Temple and Sacrifice. Utmost Blessings to all who dig out this mighty heavenly treasure.