Christ’s Church
At salvation the Holy Spirit places each of us into the church of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). This is a great promise and is a part of the results of our belief in salvation by faith alone in Christ. God administrates his people in this current age through the church.
The form of the church into which we are placed by the Spirit can be called, in theological terms, the church universal, and can be described as the following:
- It is the union of all believers worldwide who form the complete body of Christ.
- Its head is Christ who sits at the right hand of God the Father and currently leads His church (Colossians 1:17-18; Hebrews 8:1; Ephesians 1:20-23).
- Scripture does not indicate that our membership can be revoked from the church universal.
The local church
The practical outworking of the church universal is multiple organized bodies of believers often called the local church.
- However, in our current age, church might be virtual (online) as well. Further, para-church organizations (e.g. independent missions or college ministries) function within the church universal but also perform some functions similarly as the local church. Scripture gives broad definition to how churches are organized which allows great flexibility to serve Christ in various times and cultures.
- The concept of the universal church, noted above, is controversial. For example, some Baptist churches may not accept the concept of a ‘universal church’ and recognize only the local church (1).
Being members of one another and needing to complete all the tasks of a healthy functioning body of Christ, we each have different functions within the church (1 Corinthians 12:13-27; Romans 12:4-5).
- However, our different functions in the church should not limit our spiritual growth and function (please see Christian walk section of the Resource Center) as we are each instructed to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
Definition
The word ‘church’ is used specifically by the writers of the epistles to signify either the local assembly or universal body of believers of Christ. Also, the word is used twice in Matthew (chapters 16 and 18). Here it does not necessarily mean the church since the concept had not yet been introduced.
The word church comes from the Greek word ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) which means generally in secular Greek “an assembly, usually political” (2). We have no information that the church existed in the Old Testament.
Beginning of the church
When the church begins in the Bible is controversial as some believe it is present mysteriously in the Old Testament (3). The church most clearly is described as beginning in Acts Chapter 2. Regardless, the church began to be visible and function in Acts 2, when:
- Christ ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19).
- He sat down at the right hand of God the Father to become the head of the church (Hebrews 8:1; Ephesians 1:20).
- The Holy Spirit descended and filled believers (Acts 2:4; John 14:15).
Church Function
The fundamental work of the church is to serve under its head Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18). In performing this service, church activities can be divided generally into two general types, those that promote maturity of the believer and the sacraments.
Maturing the believer
Activities that promote the believer’s growth in Christ is a vital role of the church. These activities, like about everything in the church, can be controversial. I use a 5-step approach to mature our relationship with God which helps us access additional benefits to our wellbeing. I call this method the ‘5 tools to maturity’ and they are taken from Acts 2:42 and 47. They are as follows:
- Prayer
- Praise
- Fellowship
- Biblical learning
- Outreach to others with Bible truth
These five tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model to us today for what actions individuals and the church should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles (Ephesians 6:18; Romans 15:11; 1 John 1:3; Colossians 3:16; Romans 10:14-17).
Unity
Harmony in the church is vital to its being an effective service to God (Ephesians 4:1-6; Philippians 2:2-3; Romans 15:5-6). The Ephesians 4 passage expresses church unity based on the two following important premises:
- Attitude (v1-3) – These verses indicate the value to God of our Christian calling is based, at least partially, on the unity we develop with other believers. This is characterized by humility, bearing with one another, love and peace. The process is active and not left to chance.
- Doctrine (v4-6) – Further, we demonstrate unity around the central doctrines of the faith including: regeneration, faith in salvation provided by Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the recognition that there is one God.
Based on these two elements of unity we are to be of one mind, giving glory to God (Romans 15:5-6).
Therefore, as Christians, we strive to maintain unity between individuals, in the local church and in the universal church. The body of Christ cannot maintain an efficacious service to God if it is distracted by conflict. Arguments between Christians can easily destroy social relationships, but church wide disagreements may create conflicts that split institutions or denominations. Such disputes among individuals and within institutions invariably distract us from not only loving each other but keep us from minister God’s word to other Christians and to society that needs to hear the gospel.
As members of Christ’s church we should seek actively to love one another, keeping the peace, and guarding the central doctrines of the godhead and salvation, so we are free to be Christ servants with a clear conscience.
William C. Stewart, MD
Disclaimer – This podcast is provided as information only and is intended for listeners 18 and older. No podcast content should be taken as advice or recommendation for any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the speaker and are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Teleios. The podcast is subject to change at any time without notice. Although the podcaster endeavors to ensure current and accurate content, it may contain errors and is not presented as current, accurate, complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. The podcaster does not accept any liability for the podcast, or any other information (or the use of such information) provided. The speaker does not hold a seminary degree but is self-trained in the scriptures. Specific questions should be directed to experts in the field of theology.
