In the first post, I began with passages that describe God’s dwelling in relation to people. As I continue, another detail catches my attention: these people are described as being built together.
That gives me more to consider than the word house alone. There is a foundation, a cornerstone, a relationship among those being built, and a purpose for the dwelling.
Before following what might enter or defile that house, I want to spend a little more time with what belongs there.
Coming to the Living Stone
In 1 Peter 2:4–5, the description begins with coming to Christ. He is presented as a living stone, rejected by people but chosen and precious in God’s sight. Those coming to Him are then described as living stones being built into a spiritual house.
The connection with Him comes first.
That matters to how I am following this study. I cannot separate the description of the house from the one to whom its people are coming.
Peter also connects this house with a holy priesthood and spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. The dwelling has a purpose. Its description includes service and a relationship with God.
I find myself returning to the word living. It keeps my attention on the people and their relationship with Christ as I follow the building imagery.
Being Built Together
Ephesians 2:19–22 develops a similar picture. Those addressed belong to God’s household. The apostles and prophets are named in connection with the foundation, and Christ Jesus is identified as the cornerstone.
The building is joined together and grows into a holy sanctuary. The people are being built together as God’s dwelling in Spirit.
The word together is important here.
In my studies, I have explored the house in relation to the person. Here, I also need to keep the shared dwelling in view. The passage is describing people in relationship with one another and with Christ.
That gives me a question to carry forward: when another passage speaks about a house or sanctuary, is it referring to a person, a people, or a physical place? I want the surrounding words to help me answer.
Whose House We Are
In Hebrews 3:1–6, Moses is described as faithful within the house as a servant, while Christ is over the house as a Son.
Then comes the phrase:
“whose house we are.”
I want to keep the rest of that sentence with it. The statement is connected with holding firmly to confidence and hope.
As the chapter continues, it addresses hearing, hardened hearts, unbelief, and encouraging one another. That brings the condition of the people into the discussion of the house.
For me, this connects with questions that arose throughout the Matthew studies. What does our response reveal? What happens over time? How do we respond to what we hear?
The house language gives those questions a setting in which to consider them.
What Belongs in the Dwelling?
These passages help me develop the foundation for this study. The house is connected with Christ, with people being built together, with Spirit, and with faithfulness.
That is why the question of occupation became meaningful to me. If Scripture describes a living dwelling, then questions about its condition and what is present within it deserve attention.
I am not yet using these comparisons to settle the identity of the abomination. I am following the dwelling language that led me to ask the question in the first place.
Next, I want to place this beside the account of the house that is swept and put in order—and examine what is said about its condition when the spirit returns.
Threads to Follow
Christ as the living stone and cornerstone
Living stones and the spiritual house
People being built together
A dwelling of God in Spirit
Faithfulness, hearing, and the condition of the heart
The house that is swept and put in order
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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