Topical Bible: Church: God's Building

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The concept of the Church as God's building is a profound metaphor found within the New Testament, illustrating the spiritual and communal nature of the Christian faith. This imagery emphasizes the Church's divine foundation, its construction through the work of the Holy Spirit, and its ultimate purpose as a dwelling place for God.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul frequently employs the metaphor of a building to describe the Church. In 1 Corinthians 3:9, Paul writes, "For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building." Here, Paul underscores the collaborative effort between God and His servants in the establishment and growth of the Church. The believers themselves are depicted as the building, constructed upon the foundation laid by the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

Christ as the Cornerstone

The cornerstone is a critical element in ancient construction, ensuring the stability and alignment of the entire structure. In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul elaborates on this imagery: "So then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

This passage highlights the centrality of Christ in the Church's existence and unity. As the cornerstone, Christ provides the essential support and coherence, ensuring that the Church remains true to its divine purpose.

The Role of Believers

Believers are depicted as living stones in this spiritual edifice. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, the apostle Peter writes, "As you come to Him, the living stone, rejected by men but chosen and precious in God’s sight, you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." This imagery conveys the active participation of each believer in the life and mission of the Church. Each member contributes uniquely to the strength and function of the whole, reflecting the diversity and unity within the body of Christ.

The Holy Spirit's Work

The construction of God's building is not merely a human endeavor but is empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:16, Paul reminds the believers, "Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?" The indwelling of the Holy Spirit sanctifies the Church, enabling it to fulfill its role as a holy temple and a witness to the world.

Purpose and Mission

As God's building, the Church serves a dual purpose: to glorify God and to serve as a beacon of His truth and love in the world. The Church is called to be a light in the darkness, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14). Through its worship, teaching, fellowship, and service, the Church manifests the presence of God and extends His kingdom on earth.

In summary, the metaphor of the Church as God's building encapsulates the divine origin, Christ-centered foundation, and Spirit-empowered mission of the Christian community. It calls believers to unity, holiness, and active participation in the unfolding plan of God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Corinthians 3:9
For we are laborers together with God: you are God's husbandry, you are God's building.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Symbolism of the Church Building
... In the symbolism of the church building it represents that part ... which is known as
the "Church expectant""those ... we have this prayer: "Almighty God, with whom ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/symbolism of the church building.htm

The Church Triumphant
... New workers took the place of those who fell, and stone after stone was added to
the building. Thus slowly ascended the temple of the church of God. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 58 the church triumphant.htm

As his Fellow-Workers
... He speaks here of the Church as God's building, which, as the Great Architect,
He is building up into a holy temple and dwelling for Himself. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxiv as his fellow-workers.htm

Vision Third. Concerning the Building of the Triumphant Church ...
... [90] The tower which you see building is myself, the Church, who have ... ought to be
revealed, will be revealed; only let your heart be with God, [91] and ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/vision third concerning the building.htm

Building in Silence
... That work of building is work that must be done in ... progress, both for individuals
and for the Christian Church as a ... How God's house is built of prepared stones ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/building in silence.htm

Of the Babylonish Captivity, and the Things Signified Thereby.
... and charity.' [1462] Accordingly peace has been given to the Church by these ... thus
expresses himself: Ye are God's husbandry; ye are God's building.' [1463] 38. ...
/.../chapter 21 of the babylonish captivity.htm

Letter from the Emperor to Macarius, Bishop of Jerusalem ...
... of Jerusalem, concerning the building of the Holy Church. ... that consecrated spot,
which by God's command I ... its arrangements be such that this building may be ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xvi letter from the emperor.htm

The Church, the Place of Worship
... The consecrated character of the church should have distinct recognition ... The building
has been thereby "separated from all unhallowed ... It has been given to God. ...
/.../regester/the worship of the church/the church the place of.htm

Constantine's Letter to Macarius Respecting the Building of the ...
... Chapter XXX."Constantine's Letter to Macarius respecting the Building of the Church
of our ... been accounted holy from the beginning in God's judgment, but ...
/.../the life of constantine/chapter xxx constantines letter to macarius.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... The building is set apart for prayer especially, and as God has made ... Prayer should
be the chief attraction for all spiritually minded church-goers. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm