Paul now unveils the meaning behind bringing unity to Jews and Gentiles by saying that they “are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” All those who have trusted in Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for sin are members of God’s family. With God there is no Jew or Gentile, but all are considered sons and daughters of God. The foundation of this truth is based on inspired scripture written by the apostles and prophets as well as Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone (2:20). A cornerstone squares a building and provides the foundation for a structure and the spiritual illustration is that in Him “the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.” Followers of Christ represent stones in a building and together we are the church. Paul goes on to say that this building (the church) is “being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” The Holy Spirit indwells believers to complete the work of God (2:22). It is a humbling thought to contemplate that each one of us makes up the body of Christ on earth. Each one of us must do our part in making sure that His body functions properly. The way this can be done is to be continually surrendered to God in every area of our life and consistently be aware of what God wants to do through our life. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit of God works in conjunction with the word of God to accomplish His will in our attitudes and actions. At the moment of salvation we receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, but we must fill our mind with the word of God in order to receive guidance for daily living.
Dear God, may the Holy Spirit of God do His work as I read Your word. Help me to allow them to do Your work through me!
