The Anatomy of the Church

What are we? Are we a body, a temple, a family? I found this summary of metaphors or images of the church to be very empowering but challenging.

More detail at this link

A New Race (Gal. 6; Eph. 2; 1 Pet. 2). We are “a new humanity,” “a chosen generation,” “one new man,” and “a new creation.”

A Family (Gal. 6; Eph. 2; 1 John 2). This is one of the most striking images presented in all the New Testament.

A Body (Rom 12; 1 Cor. 12). We are members of the Body of Christ and members of one another.

A Bride (2 Cor 11; Eph 5; Rev. 21). We are part of the most beautiful woman in the world.

An Army (Eph. 6). As followers of Christ, we are in a war against God’s enemy. But that war is fought by a corporate army.

A Holy Priesthood (1 Pet. 2; Rev. 1; 5). Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest, and we are priests unto God through Him.

A Holy Nation (1 Pet. 2; Rev. 1; 5). The word “holy” carries the idea of being uncommon and set apart.

A Golden Lampstand (Rev. 1-2). We are little lights joined together and made part of the same lampstand.

One Loaf (John 12; 1 Cor. 10). Jesus Christ is the one grain.

God’s Field (1 Cor. 3). We are the crops that have been planted and have grown up in God’s field.

A Vineyard (John 15). Jesus Christ is the vine tree as well as the new wine.

A Sheepfold (John 10; 21; 1 Pet. 2). Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd, and we are His beloved sheep.

A Temple (1 Cor. 3; 2 Cor. 6; Eph. 2; 1 Pet. 2). We are living stones designed to be assembled together with other living stones to form God’s House.

A City (Php. 3; Heb. 12; Rev. 21-22). We are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of God.