Build -ing, -er

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 16
 
This word, which is the same as “edifying,” is used as a figure in 1 Cor. 3, Ephesians 1, Peter 2, &c., where Christians (who are living stones) are builded together by divine power and human instrumentality on Christ, the comer stone, who, together with His apostles and prophets (in their unity), forms the foundation. This building is a spiritual one, and may be composed of true believers only (in what is built by God, Eph. 2) or there may be a mixture of mere profession (through the failure of the human builder, 1 Co. 3) In this professing building judgment begins (1 Peter 4:1717For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)). Love is the cement of this divine house (1 Cor. 8:11Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Corinthians 8:1), &c.). Building on the rock, or on the sand, refers to resting one’s eternal hopes on a divine or on a human foundation (See also HOUSE OF Gon, GREAT HOUSE).