“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 2:21-22
21. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
What does it mean to be Living Stones?
As we think about Jesus, the foundation for the living house, we also see that we are like the living stones that are built upon the foundation of faith. Jesus is the Living Stone. He is in us and we are in Him. We are told that God is the builder. The church of Jesus Christ is a living church, planned, and designed by God. The Christian Church is made up of believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue to demonstrate the glory of God and faith in Christ.
Jesus is looked on differently by believers than those who reject Him and do not believe in Him. The very one who saves and is precious to some and is the very one who brings destruction to others.
Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, they told Him what people were saying. “They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matt 16:14-16).
Catholic church teaches that Peter is the rock and he was foundation upon which the church is built. They teach apostolic succession and the Pope is God’s representative on earth until Jesus comes again, but this passage in his letter denies that.
Peter himself teaches Jesus is the cornerstone upon whom our faith is placed. Jesus said, “I will build My church.” (Mt. 16:18) It isn’t Peter, or other pastors, nor church members, but God is building His church using each of us according to His will. We all are part of that building. We too are like living stones, not only chosen, but the very ones God uses to build His house which is His Kingdom.
We are a temple in two ways. First, we are a temple individually as believers in Jesus Christ. Our bodies house a living God. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes us special. The second aspect of the temple or the building is all the people who trust in Christ and follow Him. Together we represent God to a world. We cannot do it alone or by ourselves.
Application: We are living stones. We are individually and corporately part of God's temple. What a privilege! Live as a living stone joined together in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that I am a part of Your body along with all other believers. Help me always to seek unity in the Body of Christ.
