What Is The 'Church'?
Many think of the 'Church' as the building on the corner where people go to worship every Sunday morning. But this is a very limited and modern mistake. In reality, the 'Church' is the body of believers throughout the world, and in all times. Ekklesia is a New Testament Greek word, literally interpreted as 'the assembly'. Jesus tells us His intentions for His people clearly by using the following imperative:
"...I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." Matthew 16:18b
Paul explains the Church of Christ in great detail:
"...God placed all things under His [Christ's] feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way." Ephesians 1:22-23
"...you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord." Ephesians 2:19-20
The construction of the elaborate buildings throughout the ages have served several purposes: to testify to the glory and grandeur of God, and to remind the people of the significance of the Church (both for good - to remind mankind that the Church is available and central to life, and for ill - as a reminder of the imposition of church rule in the early ages.) But no matter which type of building is used today, or whether a building is used at all, the Church of Jesus Christ thrives and is prolific throughout the ages.
So the Church is both local, and it is universal. It is both visible and tangible, as well as invisible and mystic. A person is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ if he is a true believer, whether he lives and worships in a large cathedral, or gathers under a tree in the jungle in submission to his Lord. It is the gathering of saints in a home, a city, or a region. It is a timeless community.
"The churches in the provinces of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house." 1 Corinthians 16:19
"...we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses...[the witnesses of the faith in the Old Testament]. Hebrews 12:1a
"...we, who are many, are one body..." 1 Corinthians 10:17b
Summary - When one truly understands the extent of the Church of Jesus, one realizes the depth of communion and importance. A different perspective is achieved, when one studies the traditions and responsibilities, as well as the rich history of sharing and caring that the Church has had throughout the ages. One begins to realize that the Church has incredible meaning and importance; and is far more than just the building on the corner.
WhyIBelieve.Org Ministries Copyright Pending 2002 M. Sutherland |
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