God As Architect

In the Beginning

For he [Abraham] was looking forward to the city with firm foundations,
whose architect and builder is God.—Hebrews 11:10 (New English)

The word architect does not appear in the King James Bible, but creator does, five times, and always when referring to Jehovah. “The LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 40:28).

Yet because an architect is someone who “plans or devises,” this title may surely be applied to God, and it is used in translations other than the King James. There are many examples where God had the vision and then either implemented it himself or communicated it for others to implement, often with his unseen help. God says about Bezaleel, an artisan who worked on the Tabernacle: “I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom … and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3).

This issue of The Herald examines a number of examples where God acted as architect. The Earth reminds us of the marvelous “architecture” of our planet. The earth’s suitability for complex, intelligent life as we know it is, we believe, unique in the universe.

Noah’s Ark shows there is more to the ark than just a convenient way to escape a catastrophic deluge. The Tabernacle examines the details of Israel’s sanctuary in the wilderness; in addition to its practical purpose as a place of worship, it contains many pictures showing details of God’s plan.

Solomon’s Temple describes the permanent abode for God built by David’s son. That structure also contains lessons for God’s people today.

A Call to Action is a verse-by-verse analysis of Haggai chapter one, a time when the people were called to rebuild the ruins of Solomon’s Temple.

Ezekiel’s Temple looks at one of the prophet’s many visions, a temple described in great detail but never built. Its details show that God’s plan for future blessings is neither haphazard nor improvised.

The New Jerusalem,  a vision found in Revelation 21, is symbolized by a perfect cube coming down from God to bless the people. And finally we close with the article The Temple of God, an exploration of the building metaphor as it is applied to a living entity, the Church.

As we look at many of God’s works beginning from before the foundation of the world, may we rejoice at what he has done, and is yet to do, for us and for all mankind.