The Importance Of Edification

In the Bible, edification means to "build up" spiritually. It is derived from a Greek word that literally means to build up a house. In the New Testament, it describes strengthening believers in faith, love, and holiness so the entire church grows closer to Christ. Similarly, believers are built up in their increasing knowledge of God through His Word and the desire to live out these principles. It is also vital to notice that the importance of corporate (church) edification is highlighted by Paul in his letters to several of the churches, including Ephesus.

In the fourth chapter, Paul said Christ gave gifts to men (v.8) and that each gift was for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (v.12). Look again in verse 16 where Paul is talking about perfecting the body of Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Pay close attention to that last part, "edifying of itself in love" speaks to the way in which we should, as believers, approach one another. We are to use words that encourage and help others rather than tear them down.

In his first letter to the church in Corinth, Paul builds upon the importance of edification by expanding on spiritual gifts (special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers) intended to build up the body of Christ. In the 12th chapter, Paul talks of the diversity of gifts and the value each holds in the edification of the body of Christ. Later on in the same chapter, Paul compares the church or body of Christ to the human body where each part has value.

So, as you journey through this world are you building up or tearing down?

Pastor Aaron