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Don't Go Out of the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of "House, Symbol of" carries profound significance as a representation of spiritual truths and instructions for God's people. In Exodus 12:22-23, 27, the command "Go not out of the house" is given, where the house symbolizes a place of safety and protection under God's covenant. The door, often used to represent the entire house, underscores this protection, as the blood of the lamb on the doorposts and lintel prevents the destroyer from entering. This imagery illustrates that remaining within the house—spiritually understood as staying within God's will—is essential for safety and deliverance. The term "house" expands in meaning throughout Scripture, representing not just a physical structure but also family, household, dynasty, and kingdom. In Genesis 7, Noah's house refers to his family entering the ark, showing "house" as a container for those under God's care. In II Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17, God's promise to build David a house signifies a dynasty and kingdom, revealing the broader spiritual implications of the term. This symbolism extends to I Peter 4:17, where God's house is identified as His family or church, the starting point of His judgment, emphasizing the importance of remaining within this spiritual household. Further, in I Peter 2:5, Christians are described as living stones built into a spiritual house, highlighting their integral role in a dynamic, living organism connected to Christ, the Chief Cornerstone. This house is a place of function and purpose, where spiritual sacrifices are offered. I Corinthians 3:9-17 reinforces this, portraying believers as God's building, co-laborers with Him, and a structure being built upon the foundation of Christ. The instruction remains clear: do not leave this house, as departing renders one useless and leads to spiritual death. In Ephesians 2, the metaphor evolves to a temple, a dwelling place for God by His Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as fellow citizens in a spiritual community. John 10 introduces the sheepfold as another enclosed structure symbolizing the house, with Christ as the door, providing protection and abundant life to those who remain within. The church, as seen in I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians, is likened to a body with Christ as the Head, illustrating the vital connection and unity necessary for function and growth, further emphasizing the command not to leave. Ultimately, the house symbolizes the church, the family of God, a kingdom, and a living organism where believers are to remain until the morning—until the return of the Light of the world or their own passing. This enduring instruction, rooted in Exodus 12, warns against departing from this spiritual refuge, as there is no higher place on earth than to be within God's house.
Go Not Out of the House
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe symbol of a house in biblical context carries profound significance, representing an enclosure or container that holds and protects what is within. It begins with the literal command in Exodus 12:22, "Go not out of the house," given during the Passover instructions, emphasizing the safety found within the house as a place of divine protection. The house symbolizes a barrier against external dangers, ensuring that those inside remain secure if they adhere to God's command. This symbolism extends beyond a physical structure to encompass broader concepts such as household, family, posterity, and dynasty. In various scriptures, the term "house" is used as a metonymy, where the container represents what it contains. For instance, the "House of Israel" or "House of Judah" includes all descendants and kindred, illustrating an expansive spiritual and communal identity. God's house is described as His Family Kingdom, a dynasty that transcends a mere building to embody a spiritual family. The metaphor evolves further in the New Testament, where believers are depicted as living stones being built into a spiritual house, as seen in I Peter 2:5. This house is not static but a dynamic, living organism, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. It signifies that each member is an integral part of the structure, vital to its purpose and connected to the source of life. To leave this house is to risk spiritual death, as one becomes disconnected from the life-giving foundation. Additionally, the house transforms into other enclosures like a temple, a sheepfold, or even the body of Christ, as explored in Ephesians and I Corinthians. In each instance, the principle remains: the enclosure protects and contains, whether it is God's dwelling place, a protective fold for His flock, or the church as Christ's body. The repeated admonition is clear—do not go out of the house, for outside lies danger, while within is safety, purpose, and connection to God's eternal plan.
Don't Leave the House!
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe concept of a house in the biblical narrative carries profound symbolic weight, often representing more than a mere physical structure. A house symbolizes a receptacle or enclosure that contains and protects what is within, whether it be a family, a household, or a spiritual community. This idea is rooted in the origin of the word "house," which connects to concepts of hollow, cover, hide, or conceal, as seen in related terms like hole, helmet, and holster, all implying something contained or sheltered. In the context of the Passover, the house represents the entirety of the dwelling protected by the blood on the doorposts and lintel. The door, as a part of the house, stands for the whole through a literary device called metonymy, where one element symbolizes the entire entity. Thus, the blood around the door ensures the safety of the whole house from the death angel, signifying divine protection over all within. Throughout the scriptures, the term "house" is used interchangeably with "household," "family," "posterity," or "dynasty," as seen in references to the house of Israel or the house of David. It encompasses not just a building, but ancestors, descendants, and kindred, illustrating a living, dynamic group rather than a static structure. God's house, similarly, is identified with His children, a spiritual family under His judgment and care. The metaphor of the house extends to a spiritual structure composed of living stones, where each believer is integrated into a vibrant, living community. This spiritual house is built upon a foundation with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone, emphasizing a dynamic organism rather than a mere institution. Each living stone has responsibilities within this structure, contributing to its unity and purpose through spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the praises of Him who called them out of darkness. The house also symbolizes God's dwelling place, akin to the Temple, where He resides by His Spirit. Believers, as part of this Temple, are co-laborers with God, working on themselves and the structure to become fit for His indwelling. This ongoing process highlights the house as a work in progress, a place of perfecting and polishing each stone to reflect His glory. Furthermore, the house imagery connects to other metaphors like a sheepfold, a body, or a tree, all emphasizing unity and vital connection. Whether as a shelter for sheep with one protective door, a body functioning under one Head, or branches bearing fruit only when attached to the trunk, the house underscores the necessity of remaining within the structure for safety, purpose, and life. To leave the house, to step outside the bloodstained door before morning, risks exposure to destruction, symbolizing the critical need to abide within God's protective enclosure until the ultimate dawn of salvation.
Biblical Symbolism (Part Four)
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughUnderstanding biblical symbols gives a reader insight into what God is teaching His people through common metaphors. It also aids in opening up prophecy.
My House or God's?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeIn a revealing passage (John 7:53-8:1), the apostle John contrasts Jesus Christ to the Jews. God wants His people to prioritize Him above themselves.
The Feasts of Tabernacles and Unleavened Bread
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeUnleavened Bread and Tabernacles mirror each other. Through comparing and contrasting, a complete picture of salvation through Christ emerges.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Eight)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAbraham embodied living by faith. Through perpetually living in a tent, he demonstrated his complete trust and reliance upon God.