The Building God Intended

As we look at pictures of the ruins of the Parthenon in Greece, we see some of the building techniques common in Paul’s day. That part of the structure is still standing more than two thousand years later is a testament to the efficacy of the design. It was this type of construction to which Paul referred in his descriptions of the church as a building which God was building.

As we look at the pictures, we notice that the foundation is comprised of huge cut and fitted stones. Paul is adamant that this foundation is Jesus Christ, declaring in I Corinthians 3:11, “1co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” This statement is in accord with Jesus statement in Matthew 16:18 when he said, “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Peter or petros refers to a small stone, while the rock(petra) refers to a huge stone. I Corinthians 10:14 tells us that rock(petra) was Christ.

On top of the foundation, we see several massive pillars which support the main beams. Each pillar is supported and stabilized by a base which keeps the pillar from falling over. I timothy 3:15 describes the church as being that pillar and base. “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” That base is essentially a foundation for the pillar, and Ephesians 2:20 describes that base. “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” The church is totally based on the teachings of the apostles and prophets, aligned to what Jesus himself taught.

II Peter 1 describes how the apostles obtained their message. Peter then stresses the importance of the scriptures, and that accurate interpretation can depends comparison with other scripture in II Peter 1:19-21. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”

The pictures of the Parthenon I have seen show many fallen pillars, and the base of each fallen pillar has been destroyed. As Psalm 11:3 asks, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” The strength and stability of each pillar is dependent on the strength and stability of it’s base. The building has many pillars, just as there are many churches, and each section is dependent on the individual pillar being built to the proper specifications.

God is both owner and architect. We are laborers, doing the actual building, but it is critical that we build according to the architect’s plans. II Corinthians 3:9-10 describes our part. “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.” When each part of the building is properly completed to God’s specifications it will be his own house, as Ephesians 2:21-22 describes. “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”

Those who don’t build according to the specifications hold up construction while corrections are made. Are you building according to the plan and using proper materials?