Topical Bible: Church: Household of God

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The concept of the Church as the "Household of God" is a profound biblical metaphor that underscores the intimate and familial relationship between God and His people. This imagery is rooted in the New Testament and reflects the communal and covenantal nature of the Church.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul explicitly refers to the Church as the "household of God" in his epistles. In Ephesians 2:19-22 , Paul writes, "Therefore 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." This passage highlights the transformation of believers from outsiders to integral members of God's family, emphasizing unity and growth in Christ.

Similarly, in 1 Timothy 3:15 , Paul instructs Timothy on how to conduct himself in the Church, "so that, if I am delayed, you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." Here, the Church is described as the "pillar and foundation of the truth," indicating its role in upholding and disseminating divine truth.

Theological Significance

The designation of the Church as God's household conveys several theological truths. First, it affirms the Church's identity as a family, where believers are adopted as children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:15-17). This adoption grants believers the rights and privileges of family members, including intimacy with God and inheritance of His promises.

Second, the metaphor underscores the Church's unity and interdependence. Just as a household functions as a cohesive unit, so too are believers called to live in harmony, supporting and edifying one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This unity is rooted in the shared foundation of faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Third, the Church as God's household implies a sense of order and governance. As in any household, there are roles and responsibilities to be fulfilled. The New Testament outlines various offices and gifts within the Church, such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, to equip the saints for service and build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Practical Implications

Understanding the Church as the household of God has practical implications for Christian living. It calls believers to foster a sense of belonging and commitment to the local church community. This involves active participation in worship, service, and fellowship, reflecting the love and unity that characterize God's family.

Moreover, it challenges believers to uphold the truth and purity of the Church, recognizing its role as the "pillar and foundation of the truth." This entails a commitment to sound doctrine, moral integrity, and the proclamation of the gospel.

In summary, the Church as the household of God is a rich biblical metaphor that encapsulates the identity, unity, and mission of the Christian community. It invites believers to embrace their role as members of God's family, living out their faith in love and truth.

Nave's Topical Index

Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Church of God.
... that enjoys this pleasant unity, and we must never confound this church with the ...
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Eph.2:19 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Methodists, or the Methodist Protestant Church.
... the household of God; and whereas, a written constitution, establishing the form
of government, and securing to the ministers and members of the church their ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/methodists or the methodist protestant.htm

Methodist Church Union in England.
... 3. Christ's ministers in the Church are stewards in the household of God,
and shepherds of His flock. Some are called and ordained ...
/.../methodist church union in england.htm

The Church Triumphant
... erection of a temple is frequently used to illustrate the building of the church. ...
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 58 the church triumphant.htm

The Epistle to the Ephesians.
... He therefore bases the family on new and holy ground, and makes it a miniature
of the church, or the household of God. Accordingly ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 95 the epistle to.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... account forsake the Church distinguished by such marks. Those who act otherwise
are apostates, deserters of the truth and of the household of God, deniers of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Mission of the Christian Home.
... he "returned to bless his household." To him his family was a church in miniature,
and he its priest. Thus too Joshua felt that his service of God must include ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ii the mission of.htm

Peter's Apologia
... them had any objection to such being welcomed into the Church, for they ... implied the
reception of Cornelius and his company into the household of God, and so ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/peters apologia.htm

Caesar's Household
... as if already beholding the terrors of the day of God. ... was won for the gospel; for
from the very household of the king, members were added to the church. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 44 caesars household.htm

A Great Household
... The parish church, which was in great disrepair, was rebuilt ... destined to do great
work for God, it would ... low birth as tutor in that princely household was not ...
/.../forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 3 a great household.htm