In Matthew 16:18 Jesus promised, "I will build My church." What
was Jesus promising to build in this verse? Did He have reference to
a building? A denomination? An institution? While these concepts
are often designated as the "church" in common parlance, the fact is
that none of these definitions accurately picture what Christ meant.
The Church Is People
The Greek word that is usually translated "church" in our English
Bibles comes from a Greek word that originally had no inherent
religious meaning. Instead, the Greek term EKKLESIA originally
referred to a group of people. A good illustration of this meaning is
found in Acts 19. While Paul was preaching in Ephesus, a mob formed in opposition to his message. In Acts 19:32 Luke says that the "assembly was in confusion." "Assembly" here is EKKLESIA. Later, in verse 39, the town leader insists that proper charges be brought
before the "lawful assembly." Again, "assembly" is EKKLESIA. So the
root meaning of the word "church" has to do with a group of people.
Consequently, when Christ promised to "build [His] church," He was
pledging to bring together a group of people. Christ loved the church
and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). He did not die for bricks
and two-by-fours, or for a cluster of congregations, or for an
ecclesiastical machine. He died for people, and those who submit to
Him in obedience are brought together into His group of people, the
church.
The One Body
Another metaphor that is often used to describe Christ's people is
"the body." This term is synonymous with the term "church," as is
evident from comparing Ephesians 4:4 and 1:22-23. In 4:4 Paul states, "there is one body." In 1:22-23 he refers to "the church, which is His body." Putting these concepts together, we can conclude that there is one church.
The emphasis of NT teaching on the "one body" is that there is no
distinction among Christ's group of people regarding race, gender,
nationality, or social standing. Even the centuries old distinction
between Jew and Gentile is removed in the one body. "For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups [Jew and Gentile] into one...and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross" (Ephesians 2:14, 16).
In this sense, the one body is equivalent to all those who have
trusted in Christ, unlimited by time or geography. We are saved, added to this body, when our faith culminates in baptism. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13).
The one body, then, refers to all those who have truly been born
again (John 3:3-5). It describes Christ's people from a universal
perspective, all the saved of all time. One more point should be
stressed. As portrayed in the Bible, the "one church" is never seen as
a collection of churches. It is neither a collection of local churches
nor a collection of denominations. It is simply the collection of all
individual Christians. "Now you are Christ's body, and individually
members of it" (1 Corinthians 12:27). When we think of the "one
church," we must make sure our concept is the biblical one. Are you a part of the one body Jesus promised to build?
Contact the Writer:
ShaneScott@aol.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE LOCAL CHURCH
Special Topic
By Jon Quinn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When a person becomes a Christian, it is a very
personal response to the gospel. God looks upon the heart
of the individual as he or she obeys the gospel, adding
only the honest, trusting soul to His church. This action
is accomplished without the approval of any human being,
or board, or council, or congregation. It is in the mind
of God that we are determined to be saved from our sins.
It is completely up to Him.
But being a Christian involves various changes in our
relationships with others; our family, friends, neighbors,
other Christians and even our enemies.
With reference to our relationship with other
brethren, there is a locally organized community of
believers in which God had ordained that His people
function together. Practically all of the English versions
of the New Testament translate the Greek word for this
community (ekklesia) into our English word "church." The
local church is not something man dreamed up. It is an
arrangement planned by God and must adhere to His
instructions to faithfully fulfill His purpose for it.
WHAT IS A LOCAL CHURCH?
"...to the general assembly and church of the
first-born who are enrolled in heaven..." (HEBREWS 12:22).
That would be quite an assembly! It is made up of all the
saved, past present and future, from every nation! But
this group is not appointed to come physically together in
this world. Though we are spiritually assembled with one
another in our common relationship, it would be impossible
to gather together in one big group. I am sure such a
sight would be impressive, but we live all around the
world, and perhaps some of us are yet to be born, others
of us have already left this world and await the
resurrection.
As far as this life is concerned, there is a
gathering that has been ordained by God for His people to
partake in. While most of what we do as His people from
day to day is purely individual in nature (prayer, helping
neighbors, being godly husbands and wives and parents and
children, teaching, etc.) there are definite
responsibilities that can be met only as a part of this
body which God has ordained. This body, or group, or
collectivity of Christians is the local church.
While the universal assembly, or church, is without
human organization, the local church is the organization
authorized by the Lord for collective efforts which He has
authorized for His people to undertake. Individuals join
themselves to a local body voluntarily. The New Testament
shows that each of these local groups had its own common
work, treasury and leadership (I CORINTHIANS 1:2; ROMANS
16:16).
THERE IS A PATTERN
"...and thus I direct in all the churches" (I
CORINTHIANS 7:17). The various local churches which sprang
up across the Roman Empire in the first century were bound
by the Law of Christ, as given through the teachings of
the inspired apostles. This was true from the very
beginning of the church (ACTS 2:42). As long as they
remained true the the apostolic doctrine, they taught the
same thing and held in common the same creed; the word of
Christ.
Man has always sought to improve upon what God has
given him. The Israelites had been given a specific
pattern for worship under the Old Law. They were told to
be very careful not to go beyond the pattern. The book of
Hebrews makes the point that we have a better covenant in
Jesus than they had; that we have better promises and a
superior high priest; Jesus. So, it follows that if
anything, we should be more careful to keep within the
pattern which God has given to His church; "...See,' He
says, 'That you make all things according to the pattern
which was shown to you on the mountain.' But now He has
obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is
also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been
enacted upon better promises." (HEBREWS 8:1-6).
Local churches across the world may be quite
different from one another in some respects; their
customs, manner of dress; language; traditions and so
forth. But concerning matters included within the pattern;
matters which the Lord specifically spoke about, there
should be no variation. There is a pattern (ROMANS 6:17;
II TIMOTHY 2:2). It does matter to the Lord whether a
local church remains faithful to His pattern; it ought to
also make a difference to us.
THE WORSHIP OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
"...and let us consider how to stimulate one another
to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another; and all the more, as we see the day drawing
near.." (HEBREWS 10:24,25). The purpose of worship is at
least two-fold. Jehovah is glorified by the acts of the
faithful worshiper. The other purpose of worship is for
the benefit of the worshiper. Both of these purposes are
mentioned in the instructions the New Testament gives
concerning worshipping God in song; "Let the word of
Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching
and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts
unto God." (COLOSSIANS 3:16).
When the local churches of the New Testament
worshiped, they would sing praises to encourage one
another and to jointly express their gratitude unto God.
They would also pray together voicing unto God their joint
concerns. They would involve themselves together in a
study of the word, with a teacher or preacher expounding
on the doctrine of Christ. Also, on the first day of the
week, or Sunday, they would take up a collection by which
the members of the local church could pool their resources
into a common treasury for the purpose of carrying out
works which God appointed the local church to do. Also, on
this day, Christians would remember the Lord's death for
them by observing the Lord's supper as He had directed
(ACTS 2:42; ACTS 20:7; I CORINTHIANS 16:1,2).
THE WORK OF THE LOCAL CHURCH
"...I write so that you may know how one ought to
conduct himself in the household of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and the support of
the truth." (I TIMOTHY 3:15). The purpose of the church is
to bring God glory by declaring His wisdom to the universe
(EPHESIANS 3:10,11). This is in accordance with God's
eternal purpose! God's plan for the church has been around
for a long time; in fact, His plan predates the creation
of the earth; it is eternal.
God has made the church responsible for holding forth
the truth of the gospel to the world. The church at
Thessalonica was commended for the diligent way in which
they undertook this mission; "...so that you became an
example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. For
the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only
in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your
faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need
to say anything." (I THESSALONIANS 1:7,8).
Some in the local church at Corinth were having a
difficult time cooperating with one another. They were
still too carnal; envious and jealous of one another. Paul
told them that their relationship to Jesus and to one
another, and the heavy responsibility of the work God had
given them to do, made it important for them to put away
such worldly attitudes. He described the local church as a
body which needs the efforts of every one of its members:
"...Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of
it." (I CORINTHIANS 12:14-27).
The local church today needs each of its members to
join in the godly efforts of the congregation. "The body
is not one member, but many." If each member does not do
His part, then the most important work we could possibly
be involved with suffers. The church is the body of
Christ; and He is the head of the body. We must listen to
the head. Because of the human part, no local church is
perfect. But because of Christ, let each member push on
toward perfection, always growing, and never quitting.
