The Church Built on Christ

November 6th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

Ephesians 2:19-22 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone. 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.

In Christ, the “cornerstone” of the foundation, “the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” First, note how the “whole building” implies an extremely large structure—a church comprised of countless myriads of people. Second, note that the building is “being fitted together.” The present-passive-participle denotes an ongoing project being built by someone, namely God. This points to an ever-growing group of new believers who come together from every era and every nation to comprise the Church of Jesus Christ, being built by God. The wording points to the fact that it is currently under construction, and when complete, Christ will unite Himself to it in marriage (cf. Rev. 19:6-8).

The church is intended to be a holy temple where God’s presence is evident. This was of course nothing new to OT saints, for God’s presence was evident in His tabernacle (Exod. 40:34) and later in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8:11; Ezek. 43:4-5). Though Paul speaks of the church’s foundation (v. 20), creation (v. 21), and occupation (v. 22), it is not a physical structure he describes; it is people—the redeemed in Jesus Christ, those saved after the events of Acts 2.

“Being fitted together” also denotes a structure with various parts, parts that are skillfully matched, not randomly attached. This points to God Himself as the Master Builder, calling His people, those whom He chose and predestined before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4-5), in their designated era of life to trust in Christ for salvation. As each member of Christ’s church is called in each era, the church “is growing into a holy temple in the Lord” (v. 21). The “one new man” (v. 15), the “one body” (v. 16), is now called “a holy temple.” The term “temple” (Gr. naos) is always a reference to the sanctuary within the Jerusalem temple itself where the high priest went annually to offer blood for sins (Lev. 16), not to the entire temple area with its open courts (Gr. hieron). Thus, the “holy” temple which is the redeemed of all ages is the place of God’s dwelling, not the physical structure of any given church building.

Since the church is “being fitted together” and “growing,” it is a living organism, growing not dying. It may grow larger in one era compared to another, but it is always growing, even thriving. As each new believer in Christ is added to the church, the structure itself increases. Peter wrote, “…you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5).

Ultimately, the church is to be “a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (v. 22). This fits with the imagery of the temple, for God’s glory was evident in the temple—a structure that represented His presence with Israel. After the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70, God took up residence in His people, those indwelt with His Spirit. So the physical structure through which God is made evident is in Christians, through whom He lives and works (cf. John 14:17; Rom. 5:5; 8:9, 11; 1 Cor. 2:12; Gal. 3:2; 4:6; 1 John 3:24; 4:13)—each believer being a temple of God (1 Cor. 6:19). Now, through both believing Jews and Gentiles, God’s glory is made manifest.

Food For Thought
We often make a big deal about being a part of something special—a graduate of a certain school, a member of some organization, etc. But as Christians, we are part of God’s holy Church! We were selected for membership, called to join, promised status in heaven, and granted an eternal inheritance there. Now isn’t that an organization we can be proud to be part of?