Ephesians Part 08

God’s purpose has always been inclusive—He planned to gather others beyond Israel to Himself (Isaiah 56:8). The Gentiles, once far off, are now welcomed into this spiritual household, not by conversion to ethnic Israel, but through union with Christ, the Head of the house.

Hebrews 3:1–6 reinforces this truth by describing Christ as the builder and ruler of God’s house. Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, but Christ is faithful as a Son over the house—“whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” The people of God today are that spiritual house, built by Christ Himself.

Paul continues in verse 20 of Ephesians chapter 2, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”

The apostles and prophets here refer to those chosen by God to declare His Word—both those who wrote the Hebrew Scriptures and those who were commissioned by Christ to establish the New Testament Church. Together, their teachings form the foundation of God’s truth.

Yet even this foundation rests on one supreme support—Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone. The cornerstone is the key structural stone that joins two walls at a perfect right angle. It determines the alignment and stability of the entire building. In ancient architecture, it was often the most honored stone, sometimes bearing the name of the ruler or builder. Likewise, Christ holds together the whole structure of God’s spiritual temple—He unites Jews and Gentiles, law and grace, heaven and earth, into one living building.

As The Expositor’s Bible Commentary explains, the term akrogōniaios (“cornerstone”) literally means “at the tip of the angle.” It not only binds the structure but gives it its proper orientation. Without Christ as the cornerstone, the whole building would lack both alignment and strength.

Paul then expands the metaphor even further, 

“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21).

This spiritual building is not static.  It grows through each believer as Jew or Gentile becomes a living stone placed precisely by the Master Builder. Together, they form the true temple of God—not a physical structure made of stone, but a living temple composed of those in whom God’s Spirit dwells.

The physical temple in Jerusalem was served by the Aaronic priesthood, but this spiritual temple—the Church—is served by Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. It includes all who have been reconciled to God through Him. Paul emphasizes the unity and growth of this temple—it is “being fitted together,” meaning every member has a place and purpose. God Himself dwells in this temple through His Spirit, just as His presence once filled the Holy of Holies in the physical temple.

Paul wrote elsewhere to the Corinthians, 

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16–17).

The Church of God, then, is not a building or denomination—it is a spiritual organism, a living temple in which God resides. Each believer contributes to its structure, unity and growth as part of God’s household. Together they are being shaped into a dwelling place fit for God’s Spirit—a permanent habitation where His glory and presence dwell eternally.

In tomorrow’s lesson we will move into chapter 3 of Ephesians.

UYA Team | uya@ucg.org  

United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.