Consequently...

Ephesians 2:19-22

"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

Here are some comments on this passage from Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile at Modern Reformation Magazine that I read on the plane ride home tonight. It is right in line with Steve's teachings on Revelation, dealing with The New Creation and our New Dwelling in Christ:

"What is consequent to new life in Christ individually, and new reconciliation and unity with others and God through faith in Christ? Three things: citizenship; membership; and dwelling.

Our citizenship has been changed, which is what Paul's been reflecting on all along in Ephesians. But Paul concludes with another reminder of that fact here in verse 19: "No longer foreigners and aliens (sojourners), but fellow citizens."

"No longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow... members of the household of God." The imagery grows more intimate. It's not just that we've made it inside the borders of a new kingdom or territory, but by God's grace we have been brought into the King's household-and not just as mere servants, but as members of that household. We have been adopted into the family as heirs together of this kingdom with Christ (Rom. 8:15-17). All who are in Christ are made a part of one family-God's family, God's household. Far from being at war, hostile and threatening, we sleep securely under the roof of God our King as his children. This is the future of all who love and follow Jesus as their Savior.

This household is "being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit." Notice how the imagery grows yet more intimate still. It's not just that we're now citizens, and it's not just that we're members of God's household; we are the house or dwelling of God (vv. 19-20). We are a "household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets..."

Notice too that this dwelling, this household, is founded "with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." Christ is the Chief Apostle, sent by God the Father to die for the sins of his people and to preach the good news of peace. Christ is the Chief Prophet foretold by Moses in Deuteronomy 18. He is the fulfillment of Israel's hope and the One who brings the Gentiles near to God. He, then, is the cornerstone. He anchors the entire building, and he keeps it level and sturdy. As the cornerstone, he is the foundational element that joins together the walls of Gentile and Jew. It is upon Jesus that the entire edifice is raised (vv. 21-22).

Here is the glorious end of it all! All of history is about God building for himself a holy temple, a dwelling place. That dwelling is not made by hands, does not suffer construction delays or need weather treatment, or require bricks and mortar. The temple of God is built on the cornerstone of his Son, Jesus. It is laid on the foundation of his sent messengers, apostles and prophets; but it is raised with the "living stones" of the once dead now living, once alien now citizen, once hostile now reconciled followers of Jesus Christ! The one people of God-Jew and Gentile; black and white; male and female; young and old-all of God's people of all time through faith in Jesus Christ have become the temple of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.

This is the destiny of all who repent of their sins and turn toward God through faith in Jesus Christ. We are destined to be his dwelling place, until we hear that final proclamation from the throne of heaven (Rev. 21:3)-

"Behold, now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God."

(source: Modern Reformation Jan/Feb 2008)

For The Glory of It All