Nature and foundations of church
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What is a church? What is not a church? What is church for? What is church not for? Why have church? How do you justify having church? What is its reason for existence? What is its settled determination, the ultimate justification for being? These are the kinds of questions which, when answered, lead to understanding about the purpose of church.[1]Charles Tidwell, Church Administration: Effective Leadership for Ministry (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 1985), 59.
Meaning of the word “church”
Meaning of the word “church”
The English word church translates the Greek word ekklesia, which means “the called-out ones,” or “assembly.” It was used prior to the New Testament to designate the assembly of citizens of a self-governing Greek city. Charles Tidwell says, “In this sense an ekklesia was a local assembly operating through democratic processes under the laws of the Empire.”
The English word church translates the Greek word ekklesia, which means “the called-out ones,” or “assembly.” It was used prior to the New Testament to designate the assembly of citizens of a self-governing Greek city. Charles Tidwell says, “In this sense an ekklesia was a local assembly operating through democratic processes under the laws of the Empire.”
It was also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, to translate the Hebrew word qahal, “referring to the nation of Israel assembled before God and under his direct theocratic rule
It was also used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, to translate the Hebrew word qahal, “referring to the nation of Israel assembled before God and under his direct theocratic rule
12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law,
congregation;
8 And they said, “What one is there from the tribes of Israel who did not come up to Mizpah to the Lord?” And, in fact, no one had come to the camp from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly.
assembly.”
The term also was used to refer to other assemblies.
Evil counsel
Evil counsel
5 I have hated the assembly of evildoers, And will not sit with the wicked.
Civil Affairs
Civil Affairs
7 And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to these people today, and serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.”
War
War
2 And the leaders of all the people, all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand foot soldiers who drew the sword.
Millard Erickson says, “ the word church has two senses. On the one hand, it denotes all believers in Christ at all times and places. This is the universal sense.”
Millard Erickson says, “ the word church has two senses. On the one hand, it denotes all believers in Christ at all times and places. This is the universal sense.”
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Millard Erickson says, “More frequently, church refers to a group of believers in a given geographical locality.”
Millard Erickson says, “More frequently, church refers to a group of believers in a given geographical locality.”
2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
Unity of the Church
Unity of the Church
4 approaches to unity
Spiritual unity
Mutual unity
Conciliar unity
Organic unity
The church is one in essence, because it is founded on one gospel, united to one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. Its unity is under constant threat because of the tendency to division that is inherent in fallen humanity, and needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship.
The church is one in essence, because it is founded on one gospel, united to one Lord and indwelt by one Spirit. Its unity is under constant threat because of the tendency to division that is inherent in fallen humanity, and needs to be continually maintained and actively expressed in fellowship.
The church is one
The church is one
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
See also 1Co 12:12,20; Eph 4:25
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
The church transcends all barriers
The church transcends all barriers
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy.
21 And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’
Regardless of gender
Regardless of age
Regardless of social status
Regardless of ethnicity
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
See also Jn 10:16; Ac 10:28-29,47; 15:8-9; Gal 3:28; Eph 2:14-16; 3:6
The great divide threatening the first Christians was between Jew and Gentile, but the church was able to unite the two into one body in Christ.
5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:
6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,
The church’s unity reflects the unity within the Trinity Eph 4:4-6 “4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
The unity of the church is built around the persons of the Trinity: one Spirit, one Lord, one Father.
See also Jn 17:11; Ro 3:29-30; 10:12-13; Gal 3:27-28
The church’s unity is the work of the Trinity Eph 2:16-18 See also Jn 11:52; Ac 10:45-47; 1Co 12:13; Eph 2:22; 4:3
The purpose of the church’s unity
The purpose of the church’s unity
To lead others to faith
To lead others to faith
Jn 17:23 See also Jn 17:21
21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
To lead believers to maturity
To lead believers to maturity
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
The nature of the church’s unity
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,
2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Emphasis is placed on an inner unity of mind and spirit rather than external uniformity. See also 2Co 13:11; Php 1:27; Col 2:2
Appeals for unity in the church
Eph 4:3 See also Ro 12:10; 15:5,7; 1Co 12:25; Col 3:14; 1Pe 3:8
The church’s unity is expressed in fellowship
The church’s unity is expressed in fellowship
Fellowship with God
Fellowship with God
1 Co 1:9 See also 2Co 13:14; Php 2:1; 2Pe 1:4; 1Jn 1:3,6-7
6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
Fellowship expressed by meeting together
Fellowship expressed by meeting together
Ac 2:46 See also Ac 2:1,42; 5:12; 6:2; 1Co 14:26; Heb 10:25
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Fellowship expressed through sharing resources Ac 2:44-45 See also Ac 4:32,34-37; 11:27-30; Ro 15:26; 1Co 16:1-2; 2Co 8:2-5,13-14; 9:13; Php 4:14-18
Fellowship through suffering Rev 1:9 See also Ro 8:17; 2Co 1:7; Php 3:10; 4:14; Heb 10:33-34; 13:3
Fellowship through shared spiritual blessings 1Co 9:23 See also Ro 11:17; Php 1:7; 2Th 2:14; 1Pe 5:1; Jude 3
Specific actions which express fellowship and unity in the church
Sharing in the Lord’s Supper
1Co 10:16-17 See also Ac 2:46; 20:7; 1Co 11:33
Baptism as an expression of unity
Eph 4:4-6 See also 1Co 12:13
Extending hospitality Ac 28:7; Ro 12:13; 16:23; 1Ti 5:10; Tit 1:8; 1Pe 4:9; 3Jn 8
Greeting one another Ac 18:27; Ro 16:3-16; 1Co 16:19-20; Col 4:10; Phm 17
Welcoming former opponents Ac 9:26-27; Gal 2:9; 2Co 2:5-8 Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).
NT images of the church
NT images of the church
The body of Christ
The body of Christ
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
See also 1 Co 12:12; 1 Co 12:27; Eph 3:6; Eph 5:23; Col 1:18; Col 1:24; Col 2:19; Col 3:15
God’s building or temple
God’s building or temple
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.
See also 1 Co 3:10; 2 Co 6:16; Eph 2:21–22; Heb 3:6; Heb 10:21; 1 Pe 2:5
A plant or vine
A plant or vine
1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
See also Ro 11:17–24; 1 Co 3:6–8
Jesus Christ’s flock
Jesus Christ’s flock
14 I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.
15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.
See also Mt 25:33; Lk 12:32; Ac 20:28–29; 1 Pe 5:2–4
The bride of Christ
The bride of Christ
2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
See also Eph 5:25–27; Eph 5:31–32; Re 19:7; Re 22:17
God’s household or family
God’s household or family
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
See also Jn 8:35–36; Ga 6:10; Eph 3:15; 1 Ti 3:15; Heb 2:11; 1 Pe 2:17; 1 Pe 4:17
NT descriptions of the church
NT descriptions of the church
Emphasizing continuity with the OT church
Emphasizing continuity with the OT church
Abraham’s offspring:
Abraham’s offspring:
Ro 4:16; Ga 3:7; Ga 3:29
The people of God:
The people of God:
Ro 9:25; 2 Co 6:16; Heb 13:12; 1 Pe 2:9–10
The new Jerusalem:
The new Jerusalem:
Ga 4:26; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12; Re 21:2; Re 21:9–10
Ga 6:16 the Israel of God
Emphasizing God’s call and authority in the church
Emphasizing God’s call and authority in the church
Sons of God
Sons of God
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
Mt 5:9; Jn 1:12; Ro 8:15–16; 2 Co 6:18; Ga 3:26; Ga 4:5–6; 1 Jn 3:10
The elect:
The elect:
Mt 24:22; Ro 11:7; 2 Ti 2:10; 1 Pe 1:1
Heirs of God and God’s inheritance
Heirs of God and God’s inheritance
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.
Ga 3:29; Ga 4:7; Tt 3:7; Heb 1:14; Heb 6:17; 1 Pe 1:4
A priesthood:
A priesthood:
1 Pe 2:5 1 Pe 2:9;
5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
Re 1:6; Re 5:10; Re 20:6
Descriptions applied to the church by outsiders
Descriptions applied to the church by outsiders
Followers of the Way:
Followers of the Way:
Ac 9:2; Ac 19:9; Ac 19:23; Ac 22:4; Ac 24:14
Ac 11:26 Christians; Ac 24:5 “the Nazarene sect” means people belonging to Jesus the “Nazarene” (Mt 2:23)
Descriptions used by Christians
Descriptions used by Christians
The believers. All these titles are seldom in the singular, emphasizing the corporateness of Christian life:
The believers. All these titles are seldom in the singular, emphasizing the corporateness of Christian life:
Ac 1:15; Ac 2:44; Ac 5:12; Ga 6:10; 1 Ti 4:12; 1 Pe 2:17
The disciples:
The disciples:
Ac 6:1–2; Ac 9:19; Ac 11:26; Ac 14:22; Ac 20:1
The “saints” is the most frequently used NT term for Christians. It means “set apart for God”, “made holy”:
The “saints” is the most frequently used NT term for Christians. It means “set apart for God”, “made holy”:
Ro 1:7; Ro 15:25; 1 Co 6:1; 1 Co 14:33; Eph 1:1; Php 4:21; Col 1:12; Jud 3
Other NT descriptions of the church
Other NT descriptions of the church
15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
the pillar and foundation of the truth;
23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
The church of the firstborn. “the firstborn” is plural, referring to Christians as those born again through their union with Christ, who is the firstborn.
The foundation of the church
The foundation of the church
Jesus Christ as the church’s foundation-stone
Jesus Christ as the church’s foundation-stone
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
See also Mt 7:24–25; Mt 21:42; Ac 4:11; Eph 2:20; 1 Pe 2:6; Is 28:16; 1 Pe 2:7; Ps 118:22
Apostles and prophets as founders of the church
Apostles and prophets as founders of the church
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,
20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
See also Mt 16:18–19; Re 21:14
The church as God’s people
The church as God’s people
A people chosen by God
A people chosen by God
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
See also Jn 15:16; Ro 8:33; Eph 1:4; Col 3:12; 2 Th 2:13; Jas 2:5; 1 Pe 1:2
A people called by God
A people called by God
6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;
See also Ac 2:39; 1 Co 1:2; 1 Co 1:9; Ga 1:6; 2 Th 2:14; 2 Ti 1:9; Jud 1
A people loved by God
A people loved by God
10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
See also Eph 2:1–5; Tt 3:4–7
God’s covenant people
God’s covenant people
8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—
9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord.
10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
See also Ro 11:27; Is 59:20–21; Heb 10:16; Je 31:31–33