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THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD
Our last study had to do with the church from the standpoint of a "body;" it is "the body of Christ." In this present study we view the church from the standpoint of "the household of God." This emphasizes the "family aspect" of the church. The church is referred to as the "house of God" (1 Tim. 3:15), and as such denotes a family. Also in Hebrews 3:6 we find that Christ is a "son over his own house." In Ephesians 2:19 Paul called it the "household of God." Moving on in Ephesians the apostle makes reference to a "family" (3:15). With this in mind we then should note some distinctive features of a household. In God's house, he is the Father (Eph. 3:14). This is also noted in Ephesians 4:6 and First Corinthians 8:6,
as well as in other places. When we think of a household, or family in its entirety
or fully formed condition, we think of the father, and God himself then is the Father in this great household.
Also in a household there are children. We have already noted that Christ is a Son in this household; in fact he holds a supreme place in it (Heb. 3:6). But he is not the only son in this household; there are others and these are his brethren (Heb. 2:12; Matt. 23:8). In fact, all Christians are the children of God. This then presupposes that these children are also "heirs of God" (Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:7). This condition is attained only when one becomes a part of God's family, the church. In writing to the churches of Galatia, Paul said "ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (3:26). He then goes on and shows how one becomes a part of this family. Note verse 27: "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." What then do we conclude from this study? First, that God's children are in his family. We understand this perfectly when speaking of physical families. God in his wisdom used that as an illustration to show that Christians (his children) also compose a part of his spiritual family, the church. With this before us, how may we conclude that anyone can be a part of God's family who is not a part of his church? Such a conclusion is impossible! But in families there are blessings to be enjoyed by its members. One of these blessings is that of prayer; the right to approach God as our Father. In a physical family that is how it ought to be; a child can go to his father in his happy times as well as bad times. He can do so knowing that his Father will not turn a deaf ear to him, but will hear him and respond accordingly. In this family we have one to plead our case for us, and that is Christ, our "elder brother" as it were. John called him "our advocate with the Father" (1 John 2:1). He even serves as our High Priest before God (Heb. 3:1; 4:14)! As God's children we are assured that he will provide (Rom. 8:32; Jas. 1:17). Children tend to go astray at times, and at such times need correction, or discipline. When such is needed, God gives that (Heb. 12:4-11), and does so in a loving way. If you are not a part of God's family, please refer to the passages in Galatians chapter three above! - Bill Moseley |
