Topical Bible: Church: City of the Living God

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The term "City of the Living God" is a profound biblical metaphor that encapsulates the essence and purpose of the Church as the dwelling place of God among His people. This concept is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the continuity of God's plan for His people throughout redemptive history.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "City of the Living God" is prominently featured in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 12:22 states, "Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem." This passage contrasts the old covenant, represented by Mount Sinai, with the new covenant, symbolized by Mount Zion and the heavenly Jerusalem. The Church, as the assembly of believers, is depicted as having access to this divine city, emphasizing its spiritual and eternal nature.

Old Testament Imagery

The imagery of a city as God's dwelling place is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion, was the physical city where God's presence dwelt in the temple. Psalm 46:4 declares, "There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells." This verse highlights the idea of God's presence bringing joy and sustenance to His people. The Church, as the spiritual successor to this city, inherits these promises of divine presence and blessing.

The Church as the New Jerusalem

In the New Testament, the Church is often seen as the fulfillment of the promises associated with Jerusalem. Revelation 21:2 describes the vision of the New Jerusalem: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." This imagery underscores the intimate relationship between Christ and His Church, portraying the Church as both a city and a bride, prepared and perfected for eternal communion with God.

Spiritual Significance

The designation of the Church as the "City of the Living God" carries profound spiritual significance. It signifies that the Church is not merely a human institution but a divine community where God's presence dwells. Ephesians 2:19-22 elaborates on this by stating, "So then, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

Theological Implications

The Church as the City of the Living God implies a calling to holiness, unity, and mission. As the dwelling place of God, the Church is called to reflect His character and purposes in the world. This involves living out the values of the Kingdom of God, fostering community among believers, and engaging in the mission of making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).

Conclusion

The concept of the Church as the City of the Living God is a rich theological motif that underscores the Church's identity as the locus of God's presence and activity in the world. It invites believers to live in the reality of their heavenly citizenship, embodying the values and mission of the Kingdom of God.

Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 12:22
But you are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church in Babylon
... unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem; to an innumerable company
of angels; to the spirits of just men made perfect; and to the Church of the ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the church in babylon.htm

Arise, and Go into the City
... George's Church, New York City, and after his ordination ... We came here church people,
professing the Christian faith ... made him the voice of the living God, to us ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/arise and go into the.htm

Of the Church
... family; not only the Christians of one congregation, of one city, of one ... is one Spirit"
who animates all these, all the living members of the Church of God. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

The Hymnal of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA
... The Church Militant 470. City of God, how broad and far. ... Litany of the Church 473.
Jesus, with thy Church abide. ... O Spirit of the living God. Missions 476. ...
/.../various/the hymnal of the protestant episcopal church in the usa/

The Communion of Saints.
... live apart from the Church, but has descended in the Church and in ... merciful, and
divine; we also are pilgrims to Zion, the City of the Living God." This is ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

The City Without Walls
... So long as the city obeyed and trusted God it was impregnable, though all the ... churches,
it is as true as ever it was that the living Church of God is eternal ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the city without walls.htm

Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... The term "living God" was used by prophets to express ... the military forces of an ancient
city always sallied ... shall neither destroy the organic church which is ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 2.htm

City of God
... Did Such Great Things for Human Glory and a Terrestrial City. ... Who Deny that the Books
of the Church are to ... by Which "The First Man Was Made a Living Soul," And ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Canons of the Church of Alexandria.
... our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; and we ... and widows, that they should
pray and fast in the church. ... the first patriarch of the great city of Rome ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/canons of the church of.htm

Our Strong City
... No church which is organised amongst men can be the New Testament ... we may belong,
for 'ye are come unto Mount Zion, the city of the living God,' and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/our strong city.htm