Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of "Union with Christ" is a central tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's spiritual connection and relationship with Jesus Christ. This union is often illustrated through various metaphors in Scripture, one of the most profound being that of a foundation and building. This imagery underscores the stability, growth, and sanctification inherent in the believer's life through Christ. Foundation The metaphor of Christ as the foundation is vividly portrayed in the New Testament. In 1 Corinthians 3:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" . This passage highlights the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ as the foundation of the Christian faith. Just as a building relies on a solid foundation for stability and integrity, so too does the believer rely on Christ for spiritual security and growth. The foundation metaphor also emphasizes the permanence and unchanging nature of Christ. In Ephesians 2:20, Paul describes believers as being "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" . The cornerstone is the first stone set in the construction of a building, determining the position of the entire structure. Christ, as the cornerstone, ensures that the believer's life is aligned with divine truth and purpose. Building The imagery of believers as a building constructed upon the foundation of Christ is further developed in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 2:5, believers are described as "living stones" being "built up as a spiritual house" . This metaphor illustrates the dynamic and communal aspect of the Christian life, where each believer contributes to the growth and edification of the Church, the body of Christ. Paul expands on this in Ephesians 2:21-22, stating, "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" . Here, the building metaphor conveys the idea of spiritual maturity and unity among believers, as they are collectively transformed into a dwelling place for God's presence. The building imagery also serves as a reminder of the ongoing process of sanctification. In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness" . This passage encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, continually growing and being strengthened in their union with Christ. Conclusion The illustration of foundation and building in relation to union with Christ provides a rich and multifaceted understanding of the believer's relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes the security, growth, and communal aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the unchanging and all-sufficient foundation of Christ. Through this union, believers are called to grow into a holy temple, reflecting the glory and presence of God in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 3:10,11According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:20,21 1 Peter 2:4-6 Library The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon. Three Aspects of Faith The Priest of the World and King of Men According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan. Introductory Essays Centenary Commemoration Comenius and the Hidden Seed, 1627-1672. The Fifth Theological Oration. Resources What does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the concept of a common law marriage? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Union: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Union With Christ is Indissoluble Union With Christ: As Head of the Church Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Abundant Fruitfulness Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Answers to Prayer Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Being Created Anew Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Confidence at his Coming Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Freedom from Condemnation Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Freedom from Dominion of Sin Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Righteousness Imputed Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of The Spirit Alive to Righteousness Union With Christ: Christ Being in Us Union With Christ: Christ Prayed That all Saints Might Have Union With Christ: False Teachers Have Not Union With Christ: Illustrated: Body and Members Union With Christ: Illustrated: Foundation and Building Union With Christ: Illustrated: Husband and Wife Union With Christ: Illustrated: Vine and Branches Union With Christ: Includes Union With the Father Union With Christ: Maintained by Abiding in Him Union With Christ: Maintained by Faith Union With Christ: Maintained by Feeding on Him Union With Christ: Maintained by His Word Abiding in Us Union With Christ: Maintained by Obeying Him Union With Christ: Necessary to Fruitfulness Union With Christ: Necessary to Growth in Grace Union With Christ: Our Being in Christ Union With Christ: Punishment of Those Who Have Not Union With Christ: Saints are Complete Through Union With Christ: Saints: Enjoy, in the Lord's Supper Union With Christ: Saints: Exhorted to Maintain Union With Christ: Saints: Have Assurance of Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in his Death Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Love Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Mind Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Spirit Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Sufferings Union With Christ: Saints: Identified With Christ By Union With Christ: The Gift of the Holy Spirit is an Evidence of Union With Christ: The Holy Spirit Witnesses Union With Christ: They Who Have, Ought to Walk As he Walked Related Terms |
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