Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

God’s Frown Upon Irreverence

How did Christ manifest His regard for the sanctity of God’s house? BR-ASI9 420.15

“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And He taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.” Mark 11:15-17. BR-ASI9 420.16

Note.—This cleansing occurred at the close of Christ’s public ministry. There was a similar cleansing also at the beginning of His ministry. (See John 2:13-17.) BR-ASI9 421.1

What punishment did God bring upon Nadab and Abihu for offering strange or common fire in the tabernacle service? BR-ASI9 421.2

“And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He commanded them not. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.” Leviticus 10:1, 2. BR-ASI9 421.3

Note.—This, like the two cleansings of the temple by Christ at the beginning and close of His ministry (John 2:13-17; Matthew 21:12-16), shows that God is particular in regard to the worship and conduct of the worshipers in His house. No performance or exercise should be permitted in any church or building especially dedicated to God’s service which is not in keeping with its sacred character, or conducive to reverence for God and for holy things. It should not be made a place for feasting, visiting, or worldly entertainment and amusement. BR-ASI9 421.4