Biblical Metaphors for the Church

Here is the Scriptural support for some of the metaphors for the church:

(1) The Church is the Bride of Christ: Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17; 1 Corinthians 11:1-3; Ephesians 5:22-33

(2) The Church is the Building of God: 1 Corinthians 3:9 (Field of God and Building of God), 1 Peter 2:4-10 (verse 5 Spiritual House/holy priesthood), (verse 9 chosen race, royal priesthood, holy nation, people for his own possession); 1 Corinthians 6:19 (body is a temple of the Holy Spirit); Exodus 3:7, 10; 5:1; 7:16; Deuteronomy 4:37; 7:6-8; Ruth 1:16-17; 2:11-12; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:12-14; Romans 9:4 (People of God).

(3) The church is the Body of Christ: Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:16; 4:4, 12, 16, 17; 5:23, 30; Colossians 1:18, 24; 2:19; 3:15.

(HT: Ligon Duncan III from Systematic Theology I at RTS.)