Bible Commentaries

The next subject is the edification or building of the Church. The materials of the building are found amid things which are absolutely opposed to the will and purpose of God. From this material God, who is rich in mercy, finds the material for His building. The process is that in Christ Jesus those found are made alive, are raised up, and made to sit with Him.

The purpose for which the building is created is then distinctly told in the words, "That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus." If the heart is overwhelmed by the splendor of the vision suggested, it is comforted by the declaration immediately following,

'We are His workmanship."

Following on, the apostle shows how these materials are to be unified into one building. Jew and Gentile are to be united in Christ. Though they were "far off," they are to be "made nigh." Thus Jew and Gentile are admitted into the one household of God.

Finally, we have the revelation of the foundation, ''Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief Cornerstone." It is evident that the geometrical figure in the mind of the apostle was of a pyramid, for in the pyramid the cornerstone is the key to the whole structure. This can hardly be said of any other form of building. The building is then described as "a holy temple in the Lord," and its purpose that it should be "a habitation of God in the Spirit." The creation of the temple is the result of the work of Jesus. The incoming of the Spirit is making use of the appropriated temple according to the intended purpose.