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 4:17). Love is the cement of this divine house (1 Cor. 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).