Jesus' Church is Referred to as a
House, or the Household of God
A person can easily imagine the concept of a
house. A house is built on a foundation.
If the foundation is strong enough the house can
withstand the troubles it will face such as winds,
rain, snow, etc. A large cornerstone sometimes
was used in foundations to make sure that they stood
fast. The rocks or building materials built
upon that foundation help to make the entire
structure. The Bible uses this word picture or
physical image to again help us understand the
spiritual nature of the church and the foundation
that it is built upon.The house belongs to God and Jesus:
Jesus is the rock...the cornerstone of this
house...the church. Upon the confession that Jesus
is the Christ, Jesus built His church:
 Hebrews 10:21 "and since we have a great priest
over the house of God," (NAS)
Romans 9:33 "just as it is written, "Behold, I
lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of
offense, and he who believes in Him will not be
disappointed." (NAS)
Matthew 7:24 "Therefore everyone who hears these
words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared
to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock."
(NAS)
Matthew 16:16-18 "...And Simon Peter answered and
said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living
God." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed
are you, Simon Barjona...and upon this rock I will
build My church; and the gates of Hades shall not
overpower it." (NAS)
Jesus is the chief rock, the chief cornerstone:
Psalms 118:22 "The stone which the builders
rejected has become the chief corner stone." (NAS)
Luke 20:17-18 "But He (Jesus) looked at them and
said, "What then is this that is written, 'The stone
which the builders rejected, this became the chief
corner stone ? "Everyone who falls on that stone
will be broken to pieces; but on whomever it falls,
it will scatter him like dust." (NAS)
 Jesus is the chief cornerstone, and we are, like
Peter and the other disciples, living stones in that
house:
1 Peter 2:4-5 -- "And coming to Him (Jesus) as to
a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and
precious in the sight of God, you also, as living
stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for
a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (NAS)
How are We Added to This Spiritual House?
1
Peter 4:17 -- For it is time for judgment to begin
with the household of God; and if it begins with us
first, what will be the outcome for those who do not
obey the gospel of God? (NAS)
The household of God are those who have obeyed the gospel.
For more information on obedience to the gospel -
see Lesson 1. Click on "Bride of Christ" below to look at the next word
picture given of Jesus' Church:
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