Paul is again speaking of the spiritual condition of Gentiles after they become believers as he would speak about foreigners becoming citizens of a different nation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Paul speaks of God's people as if they were a building. Christ is the cornerstone, the apostles are the foundation, and the believers are the structure. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
Paul continues to speak of Christ's family as if it were a building. In the same way a builder fits stones together while building, so Christ is fitting us together. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
"In Christ ... in the Lord Jesus ... in Christ" These metaphors express the strongest kind of relationship possible between Christ and those who believe in him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
This describes how believers are being put together to become a place where God will permanently live through the power of the Holy Spirit. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])