BOOK SUMMARY: WHAT IS BIBLICAL THEOLOGY? - A GUIDE TO THE BIBLE'S STORY, SYMBOLISM, AND PATTERNS - PART 3 - THE BIBLE'S LOVE STORY: THE CHURCH'S IDENTITY IN THE STORY

Metaphors are used both in OT and NT to speak of God's people. Metaphors are used of God as well. God is not a literal rock. But He is solid and dependable.

SHEEP OF THE SHEPHERD
Sheep are cared for and led by a shepherd. This shapes our identity in relation to Christ.

BRIDE OF CHRIST
The intimacy and union with have with Christ is typified in marriage. Headship and submission are also show in this living metaphor. This shapes our identity and love for our Lord.

BODY OF CHRIST
Christ is the head and we are many members. Christ is our leader and directs us. It also expressed the unity of the church. As we are in union with Christ so are we with one another. This also affects our identity and submission to Christ.

THE ADOPTED FAMILY OF GOD
We are born again into the family of God. We are members of His household. We are joint-heirs with Christ. This shapes our identity, our worship of God and relation to one another.

TEMPLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
We are a spiritual building with Christ as the cornerstone with the foundation of apostolic and prophetic teaching. We are living stones. We are inhabited by God. We are to be filled with the Spirit and glory of God.