Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side… This description presents to us — I. THE EXTENT AND LATITUDE OF THE CHURCH UNDER CHRIST. He measured the gate to the east, and the east side, to show that the eastern people should be of the Christian Church. And the north, south, and west sides, to assure us that the people of those parts should come to Zion. Christ sent His apostles to all nations. The Church of Christ is all the world over. II. THE STABILITY AND FIRMNESS OF THE CHURCH. The temple here measured was a perfect square. Such buildings are most firm and lasting. Such is the Church; "the gates of hell cannot prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). It is built upon Christ the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), and is established in righteousness (Isaiah 54:14). III. THE BEAUTY OF THE CHURCH. Such a building Ezekiel saw. The Church is the most beautiful and comely thing in the world to such as have spiritual eyes. When the bride of a great prince hath on her royal apparel, is she not beautiful and glorious? Such is the Church, "arrayed with fine linen, the righteousness of saints" (Revelation 19:8; Revelation 21:10, 11). IV. THE SANCTITY OF THE CHURCH. The Church of God is a company called oat from the world. The Corinthians were "called" to be saints (1 Corinthians 1:2). The Macedonian churches gave themselves to the Lord (2 Corinthians 8:5). See also 1 Peter 2:9. As a wall of separation was built around this temple, so God hath set a wall of discipline between the world and the Church. (W. Greenhill, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. |
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