The Word of God presents the church under the figure as a building — the house of God. When it comes to the house of God, there is a continuum between the Old and New Testaments. God dwelt among His people Israel, and the place of His dwelling (whether the tabernacle or the temple) was called the house of God: “All the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came unto the house of God, and wept, and sat there before the Lord” (Judg. 20:26). Whereas these were physical buildings, set down at a geographic location, the church is a spiritual building: “Yourselves also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5 JND). There is still a foundation and stones, but not of this earth. “Ye ... are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20). In writing his epistle, Peter no doubt recalled the words of the Lord: “That thou art Peter [a stone], and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). The church is now the house of God. It is the habitation of God on earth for the present time, and she supersedes all other dwellings. “Ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Eph. 2:22). We also note that the Apostle Paul refers to the church as the temple of God: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Cor. 3:16). The same building is in view, but with this expression the holiness of God is emphasized.
God Dwelling Among Them
It was not until the children of Israel were redeemed from Egypt that we have any thought of God dwelling among them (Ex. 15:17). It was necessary that they be delivered from that idolatrous country and its prince. In the wilderness, on Mount Sinai, God gave Moses the blueprint for the tabernacle — a pattern from which they were not to deviate (Ex. 25:40; Heb. 8:5). Although built by men, their ability was given by God through His Spirit (Ex. 31:2-3). Human ingenuity played no part in its construction. All these things foreshadowed what was to come. “The first [covenant] therefore also indeed had ordinances of service, and the sanctuary, a worldly one ... which is an image for the present time” (Heb. 9:1,9 JND). These principles, gathered from the Old Testament, are helpful in our understanding of the New. Throughout the book of Hebrews, the Apostle contrasts the earthly figure of the tabernacle with the present reality we have in Christianity.
The Building as Built by God
In considering the church as the house of God, we must distinguish, as Scripture does, between the building which God is forming (which will ultimately be seen in all its perfection and beauty) and the church’s present testimony here on earth — that which we currently see. As to the former we read: “Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:20-21). This building is perfect. It is of this building which Christ spoke to His disciples: “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Christ is not only the foundation and chief cornerstone, but He is also the builder. Nothing contrary will be added to God’s building. We see that building in her heavenly splendor at the close of Revelation: “Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God” (Rev. 21:9-10).
The Building by Men
In contrast to this perfect building, the Apostle Paul presents us with another perspective: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man’s work shall be made manifest” (1 Cor. 3:10-13). Although the foundation remains sure, men have added to this building materials that are seriously defective. As with her grand cathedrals, Christendom has become an impressive edifice, but not according to the Word of God. Much has been added which God will ultimately judge and destroy.
The Testimony of God
Whereas the body connects us with Christ in the heavenlies, the house, as the habitation of God through the Spirit, is here on earth. The believers, of any given time, form the house of God (Eph. 2:22). As such, it is the vessel of God’s present testimony to this world. Peter describes our function in this spiritual house, both Godward (1 Peter 2:5) and manward. Of the latter he says: “That ye might set forth the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness to His wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 JND). There is a conduct suited to God’s house, even as there was in the Old Testament. Paul gives instruction to Timothy concerning proper behavior in the house of God: “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:14-15). The church should uphold and display the truths of Christianity.
As something committed to the responsibility of man, the house of God is subject to judgment: “The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God” (1 Peter 4:17). Christ is Son over His own house (Heb. 3:6). We have a responsibility as to the house, not because it is our house, but rather because the house is not ours. It is to Christ’s authority that we are to be subject.
N. Simon