An Habitation of God #2
Ephesians 2:20-22

Now such truth as we have in Ephesians 2:20-22 is almost totally unknown today. It is speaking of a "dwelling place" of God.

"And are builded upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (2:20a).

Foundation there is the apostles and prophets on this side of Acts 28:28. The O.T. prophets are over on the other side. In Eph. 4:11 we read that the Church which is the Body of Christ had gifts given to it, and these apostles and prophets here is what that verse is talking about.

"Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone" (2:20b).

Secondly there's a corner stone - CHRIST. Now the corner stone, in that verse, is known today as a keystone of an arch, not a corner stone in the foundation as we think of it today. In Psalm 118:22, Christ is pictured as Israel's King (as that's His title as leader over them or head over them). They refused their King. This is quoted in Acts 4:11. Today this key-stone, or headstone in the arch, is known as our Head. Here's the picture to keep in mind about this stone here being One and the same as that One the builders (Israel) refused. In every case the keystone that is at the top of the arch is different. It is the one that holds the thing together - keeps it from falling down, and so it is the chief corner stone. And so Christ Himself is the chief corner stone or the Keystone of the arch. And in this particular case, He is the connecting link between the Jew and the Gentile (Eph. 2:14). And there can only be one chief corner stone --- CHRIST!

"In Whom all the building fitly framed together" (2:21a).

That means it was carefully planned as in Eph. 1:4 and other references; so carefully that there wasn't any need for subtractions, additions or after thoughts in the building of it. It was all absolutely planned in every detail.

"Groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord (2:21b).

Compare Eph. 1:4b and Col. 1:22. The Temple grows, and if it does grow, it must have life for only living things grow. And so it must be made of living stones - members of the Church which is His Body (Eph. 1:22 and 23).

"In Whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (2:22).

The holy Temple then becomes a habitation of God, builded together in Christ that we might be a habitation of God! The whole Church, the Body of Christ, is a habitation, a home, a dwelling place for God. And so what need have we for a dwelling made with hands if we have this glorious truth. The only need we have is because of unbelief! Are you a part of that great Temple in which God dwells, or have the traditions of Christendom robbed you of your truth?