Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Concept The term "God's Household" refers to the spiritual family of believers who are united under the lordship of Jesus Christ. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God, as the divine Father, has established a spiritual family that transcends earthly ties and is characterized by faith, love, and obedience to His will. The household of God is not confined to a physical structure but is a living, dynamic community of believers.
Biblical Foundation The idea of God's Household is prominently featured in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul frequently uses familial language to describe the church. In
Ephesians 2:19, Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household." This verse highlights the transition from alienation to inclusion, emphasizing the unity and belonging that believers have in Christ.
Structure and Function God's Household is structured around the leadership of Christ, who is the head of the church. In
Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul states, "And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all." This establishes Christ's authority and the church's role as His body, functioning in harmony to fulfill His purposes on earth.
The household is also characterized by the roles and responsibilities of its members. In
1 Timothy 3:15, Paul instructs Timothy on how to conduct himself in God's household, "which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." This underscores the church's role in upholding and disseminating the truth of the Gospel.
Membership and Identity Membership in God's Household is not based on ethnic, social, or cultural criteria but on faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:26-28 affirms this by stating, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This passage emphasizes the unity and equality of all believers within God's family.
Responsibilities and Conduct Members of God's Household are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Ephesians 4:1-3 exhorts believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This highlights the ethical and relational responsibilities of believers, emphasizing love, unity, and peace.
Spiritual Growth and Maturity The household of God is also a place of spiritual growth and maturity.
Ephesians 4:11-13 describes the purpose of spiritual gifts within the church: "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ." This passage underscores the goal of spiritual maturity and the collective growth of the church.
Conclusion The concept of God's Household is a profound and multifaceted theme within the New Testament, encapsulating the identity, unity, and mission of the church. As members of this divine family, believers are called to live out their faith in community, reflecting the character and purposes of God in the world.