The Temple of God

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19–22, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 1. The Cornerstone “…‘Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame.”” (1 Pet. 2:6, NKJV)

The Components of the Temple 1. The Cornerstone “as it is written, ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.’” (Rom. 9:33, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 1. The Cornerstone “therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: Whoever believes will not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.”” (Isa. 28:16–17, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 1. The Cornerstone “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder…to order it and establish it with judgment and justice…” (Isa. 9:6-7, NKJV)

The Components of the Temple 1. The Cornerstone “…Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 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.” (Eph. 2:20–22, NKJV)

The Components of the Temple 2. The Foundation “When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:1–2, NIV)

The Components of the Temple 2. The Foundation “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1, ESV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Heb. 13:15, NKJV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “…do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16, NKJV)

The Components of the Temple 3. The Stones “…serving as a priest of God’s good news. My purpose is that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:16, HCSB)