Developing A Biblical World View

THE CHURCH

The challenge of the Great Commission was delivered by Jesus to the Church. The Church serves as Israel was called to serve in Old Testament times. It is the corporate group through which God now reveals Himself to the nations of the world.

It is important to define what we mean when we speak of the "Church." The Church mentioned in God's Word is not a building. It is not a denomination or a religion. The Church is defined on two levels:

WORLDWIDE:

The Church is composed of all people who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a fellowship of believers who have been born again and live in obedience to God.

The word "Church" means "to call out from" or the "called out ones." The Church is composed of people called out from the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God. This includes people of every race, tribe, culture, and language who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior.

The Church is also called "the Body of Christ," "Christians," or "believers." Such words are sometimes used very broadly, but in their real definition include only those who have been born again through Jesus Christ and who are living in obedience to God.

LOCAL:

For purposes of mission, organization, and fellowship, groups of believers have banded together in organized local fellowships. This pattern of establishing the Church at the local level started in New Testament times.

THE NATURE OF THE CHURCH

The Bible uses several symbols which explain more of the nature, function, relationship, and position of the Church.

In the following verses the Church is called:

A New Man: Ephesians 2:14-15

The Body of Christ: Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:30; I Corinthians 12:27

The Temple Of God: Ephesians 2:21-22; I Corinthians 3:9,16; I Timothy 3:15; I Peter 2:5

A Royal Priesthood: I Peter 2:5,9; Revelation 1:6; 5:10

The Bride Of Christ: II Corinthians 11:2