Answer: In Christ's body, we are fellow citizens
with God's people and members of God's household,
(verse 19--see also verses 20-22).
MORE INFORMATION AND/OR OTHER SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
We are fellow citizens with God's people, the family of
believers, the household of God. This household is very
prestigious. It is built on the foundation of the apostles
and prophets--the Gospel of Christ which they proclaimed, and
by which they established the various congregations of the
household of God. Christ Jesus Himself is its chief
cornerstone. It is built on a foundation of Truth, and is
called "the pillar and foundation of the Truth."
From this household comes good to all of mankind (those good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do), but especially to the
family of this household. Our instructions as to how to
conduct ourselves in God's household are the written
instructions of the Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit of
God:
Galatians 6:9-10: "Let us not
become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have
opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who
belong to the family of believers."
1 Timothy 3:14-15: "Although I hope
to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,
if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct
themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the Truth."
1 Peter 4:16-17: "However, if you
suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you
bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the
family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be
for those who do not obey the Gospel of God?"
