What is the church according to the Bible?
The church, at its core, is not a building, an organization, or a denomination, but rather the global community of all those whom God has called out of darkness into his marvelous light through faith in Jesus Christ. This assembly of believers, both living and departed, forms the body of which Christ himself is the head, united by the Holy Spirit. Understanding the biblical concept of the church is crucial for every Christian, as it shapes our identity, purpose, and mission in the world.
The church is the global body of believers in Jesus Christ, called by God, united by the Spirit, and headed by Christ.
The Called-Out Assembly
The most common Greek word translated as "church" in the New Testament is ekklesia, which literally means "a called-out assembly." This etymology is highly significant, pointing to the divine initiative in gathering God's people. It's not a human-initiated club, but a community formed by God's sovereign call. From the very beginning of the New Testament, we see Jesus speaking of "my church" (Matthew 16:18), establishing its foundation upon Peter's confession of Christ as the Messiah. This "calling out" echoes the Old Testament concept of Israel as God's chosen people, forming a continuity through salvation history, though now extended to include both Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:11-22).
The Body of Christ
Perhaps the most profound and prevalent metaphor for the church in the New Testament is the "body of Christ." Paul repeatedly uses this imagery, particularly in his letters to the Corinthians and Ephesians (1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 4:15-16, Colossians 1:18). This metaphor emphasizes several critical truths. First, it highlights organic unity: just as a human body has many parts but is one organism, so too the church comprises diverse individuals united in Christ. Second, it underscores interdependence: each member, with their unique gifts and functions, is essential for the healthy functioning of the whole. No part is insignificant. Third, it points to Christ's headship: he is the ultimate authority and source of life for the body. The church derives its identity, direction, and purpose from him.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit and the Household of God
The Bible also describes the church as the "temple of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:19-22) and the "household of God" (1 Timothy 3:15). As the temple of the Holy Spirit, the church is the dwelling place of God on earth, where his presence resides and his glory is manifested. This holy dwelling is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). This imagery emphasizes the holiness, sacredness, and divine presence within the believing community. As the household or family of God, believers are adopted as sons and daughters, sharing an intimate relationship with God as their Father and with one another as brothers and sisters (Galatians 3:26, Galatians 4:4-7). This portrays the church as a place of belonging, nurture, and mutual care.
The Universal and Local Church
When we speak of the church, Scripture envisions both a universal and a local expression. The universal church (often called the invisible church by theologians) consists of all believers throughout all time and space, known only to God (Hebrews 12:23). This is the "bride of Christ" (Revelation 21:2, Revelation 21:9). The local church, on the other hand, is a visible, concrete assembly of believers in a particular place, gathered for worship, fellowship, discipleship, and mission (Acts 2:42-47, Acts 14:23). While distinct, these two aspects are inextricably linked. The universal church is made visible and active through its local manifestations. Christians have historically held different views on the precise relationship between the universal and local church, particularly concerning church governance (e.g., congregational, presbyterian, episcopal forms), but all agree that participation in a local body is vital for Christian growth and obedience.
The Mission of the Church
The church is not called merely to exist, but to fulfill God's purposes in the world. Its mission is multifaceted: to glorify God (Ephesians 3:21), to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20), to bear witness to Christ (Acts 1:8), to serve humanity through acts of love and justice (James 2:14-17), and to proclaim the good news of the Gospel (Romans 10:14-15). Through its worship, teaching, fellowship, and service, the church is meant to be a foretaste of God's coming kingdom, a light in the darkness, and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16).
Bible verses about the church
"And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; it is not therefore not of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members each one of them in the body, even as it pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now they are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of thee: or again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary: and those parts of the body, which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness; whereas our comely parts have no need: but God tempered the body together, giving more abundant honor to that part which lacked; that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and severally members thereof."
"and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."
"So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit."
"but if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. And day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved."
"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
"unto him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen."
Frequently asked
Is the church a building?
No, the Bible clearly teaches that the church is not a physical structure but the community of God's people (1 Corinthians 3:16). While believers gather in buildings for worship and fellowship, the essence of the church resides in the assembled people themselves, not the walls that contain them.
Are all Christians part of the church?
Yes, every individual who has genuinely placed their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is considered a part of the universal church, the global body of believers (Romans 10:9-10). However, the New Testament also strongly emphasizes the importance of belonging to and participating in a local church community (Hebrews 10:24-25).
What is the difference between the universal and local church?
The universal church encompasses all believers in Christ throughout history and across the globe, known fully only to God. The local church is a visible congregation of believers meeting together in a particular geographic area. The universal church is made manifest and active through the local churches on earth.
Why is it important to be part of a local church?
Being part of a local church provides essential opportunities for worship, teaching, fellowship, accountability, and service. It's where believers can use their spiritual gifts to build up one another, receive spiritual nourishment, and collectively fulfill Christ's mission in the world (Ephesians 4:11-13).
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