19”So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” (Ephesians 2:19–20 (ESV)
One of the metaphors, or comparisons, the Lord makes regarding believers in Christ is that they are a household. In other words, they are His family. We belong to Him and He is our heavenly Father. Believers are His children (Matthew 6:7-15).
Dr. R. C. Sproul writes, “One of the most well-known statements of the Christian faith is the Lord’s Prayer, which begins with the words “Our Father which art in heaven.” This is part of the universal treasury of Christendom. When I hear Christians in a private gathering praying individually, almost every single person begins their prayer by addressing God as Father. There’s nothing more common among us than to address God as our Father.”
However, this biblical relationship is exclusively for those who are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. In the nineteenth century, there were some who said the basic essence of the whole Christian religion could be reduced to two points: the universal brotherhood of man and the universal fatherhood of God. Those who advocated this perspective were mistaken.
Throughout Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul has extensively explained that those who are without Christ as their Savior and Lord are not only dead in their trespasses and sins but also are objects of God’s holy wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). Rather than God being the unbeliever’s Father, He is their judge.
Paul then shared another metaphor of the church. He continued to explain that the truth of believers in Christ being God’s household was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. The church of Jesus Christ is not only likened to a household, but also to a house.
To begin with, a house is built (ἐποικοδομέω; epoikodomeo). God is the master builder ((1Cor. 3:10, 12, 14; 1 Peter 2:1-5).
Secondly, every building built has a foundation. The foundation of God’s spiritual building are the apostles and prophets. Respectively, these two offices are in reference to New Testament and Old Testament heralds of God. These men received the revelation of the mystery of the church in the present age (Revelation 21:9-14).
Thirdly, every house which is built requires a cornerstone. Jesus Christ alone is that cornerstone. Jesus Christ is the central part of the foundation of the church (I Peter 2:6-8).
Dr. John Walvoord writes, “In ancient building practices “the chief cornerstone” was carefully placed. It was crucial because the entire building was lined up with it. The church’s foundation, that is, the apostles and prophets, needed to be correctly aligned with Christ. All other believers are built on that foundation, measuring their lives with Christ.”
Therefore, it is not necessary for the church today to require new revelation from God. The foundation of biblical truth has already been laid and established. What we, the church, need to do is to continue to study the apostles and prophets foundational truth concerning Jesus Christ. This is solely contained in the Scriptures.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Soli deo Gloria!
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