Question 38: Church Metaphors

Read: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Listen: 1 Peter 2

Question: What are some biblical metaphors for the church?
Answer: The Bible describes the church as the people of God, God’s flock, the body of Christ, and the bride of Christ.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Peter writes to scattered believers to help them remember their identity and purpose as God’s people. He uses metaphors God used for Israel to help them grasp their new calling in Jesus. They are a “chosen people” selected by God himself, a “royal priesthood” with direct access to God and the responsibility to lead others to him and a “holy nation” set apart for God’s purposes. Peter explains that they are God’s “special possession,” speaking of ownership, family and calling, whether they were Jew or Gentile. They belong to God alone and are given a distinct status as his people.

Scripture provides many metaphors to help us understand our identity and purpose as the church. We are the people of God, chosen, assembled and sent by him. As God’s flock, we follow Jesus, our Good Shepherd, who leads, feeds and protects us. We are utterly dependent on him for guidance (John 10:14-16). As the body of Christ, every member has purpose and responsibilities. We need each other to grow and function in a healthy way (1 Corinthians 12:27). All followers of Jesus form one body with Christ as the head (Colossians 1:18, Romans 12:4-5). Perhaps most intimately, we are Christ’s fully loved bride. Jesus loves us as the most faithful and committed husband could ever love his wife (Matthew 9:15, Ephesians 5:25-27). These metaphors reveal how profound and meaningful the church is to God.

TODAY: Reflect on which metaphor for the church resonates with you most. Thank God for choosing you as part of his people, flock, body and bride. Ask him to help you live out your identity and fulfill your role in his church. Learn more about the church in our We Believe document HERE.