THE HOUSE OF GOD

“But if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the HOUSE of GOD, which is the CHURCH of the Living God, the pillar and ground of truth” – 1 Timothy 3:15

The concept of the HOUSE of GOD is real; it is not mere theory. In the Old Testament, the house of God denoted at first, the Tabernacle, and later, the Temple (Exo.25:8-9; 1Kgs.5:4-5). Ezra 1:5 refers to how “all those whose spirits God had moved, arose to go up and build the HOUSE of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.” The idea of God dwelling in a House is as old as His relationship with humanity. For example, Scriptures record Jacob’s exclamation after he had a unique encounter with God through a dream: “…Surely the LORD is in this PLACE, and I did not know it.” And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this PLACE! This is none other than the HOUSE of GOD, and this is the gate of heaven!” (Gen.28:16-17).

In the Old Covenant, the House of God was seen essentially a PLACE that people went to: “Walk prudently when you GO to the house of God and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools…” (Eccl.5:1). The Psalmist said: “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us GO into the house of the LORD” (Psa.122:1). There was a severe limitation to this collective concept: “For I used to go with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God…” (Psa.42:4a). Individuals were “lost” in the crowd! Following the Old Testament view, many Christians still see the house of God as just the physical church building where they assemble routinely. Of course, physical buildings are necessary for believers to gather for fellowship and worship, but the House of God is more than a PLACE; it transcends stones and mortar. God’s PEOPLE are His House!

By the New Testament revelation, the House of God is fundamentally spiritual: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a SPIRITUAL HOUSE, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1Pet.2:5). Paul described the House of God as “the Church of the Living God, the pillar and ground of truth” (1Tim.3:15b). This is one of many such illustrations and depictions of the House of God in the Scriptures. By the help of the Holy Spirit, in the days ahead, we shall meditate on the varied meanings and manifestations of the House of God. Here are five of such:

The House of God is “the CHURCH of the Living God” (v.15). The Lord Jesus declared: “and on this rock I will build MY CHURCH, and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it” (Mt.16:18). The Church belongs to and is being built by JESUS!

The House of God is the BODY of CHRIST: “And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, which is HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph.1:22-23); “And He is the Head of the Body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Col.1:18).

The House of God is HIS BUILDING: “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole BUILDING, being joined together, grows into a holy TEMPLE in the Lord” (Eph.2:21). Paul reminded the Corinthians: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are GOD’S BUILDING” (1Cor.3:9).

The House of God is HIS HABITATION: “in whom you also are being built together for a HABITATION of GOD in the Spirit” (Eph.2:22). At the collective level, the Church – the gathering of Believers – is the spiritual habitation of God.

The House of God is HIS TEMPLE: “Do you not know that you are the TEMPLE of GOD and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1Cor.3:16). In essence, at the personal level, you and I – Believers in Christ – are individually, the House of God!