Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Church: Assembly of the Upright" refers to the gathering of believers who are committed to living according to the principles and teachings of the Bible. This concept is deeply rooted in the scriptural understanding of the church as a community of faith, set apart for the worship of God and the edification of its members.
Biblical FoundationThe idea of the church as an assembly is grounded in the Greek word "ekklesia," which is often translated as "church" in the New Testament. This term originally referred to a gathering or assembly of people, particularly for a specific purpose. In the context of the Christian faith, it denotes the collective body of believers who are called out from the world to serve God.
Psalm 111:1 in the Berean Standard Bible states, "Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly." This verse highlights the importance of communal worship and thanksgiving among the upright, those who strive to live righteously according to God's commandments.
Characteristics of the Assembly1.
Holiness and Righteousness: The assembly of the upright is characterized by a commitment to holiness and righteousness. Believers are called to be holy as God is holy (
1 Peter 1:16). This involves a life of obedience to God's Word and a rejection of sin.
2.
Unity in Christ: The church is united in Christ, transcending cultural, social, and ethnic barriers.
Ephesians 4:4-6 emphasizes this unity: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
3.
Worship and Praise: Worship is central to the life of the assembly. Believers gather to offer praise and thanksgiving to God, as seen in
Hebrews 10:25 : "Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
4.
Edification and Teaching: The church serves as a place for teaching and edification.
Ephesians 4:11-13 describes the roles within the church designed to equip believers for service and to build up the body of Christ.
5.
Mission and Evangelism: The assembly of the upright is also tasked with the Great Commission, to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (
Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is a fundamental aspect of the church's purpose.
Role in the Believer's LifeThe church plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and development of believers. It provides a community where individuals can find support, accountability, and encouragement in their walk with Christ. The assembly of the upright is a place where believers can exercise their spiritual gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
ConclusionThe "Church: Assembly of the Upright" is a biblically grounded concept that emphasizes the gathering of believers committed to living according to God's standards. It is a community marked by holiness, unity, worship, teaching, and mission, playing a crucial role in the life of every Christian.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 111:1Praise you the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
On Assembling in the Church.
... When thou callest an assembly of the Church as one that is ... like to his like; so is
it to be in the Church. ... be a place for them; if not, let them stand upright. ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec vii on assembling in the.htm
Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... of his superior, and that the upright walk of the ... backward in accepting this general
charge of the Church. ... If, then, these magistrates in the assembly of God's ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm
Massillon -- the Small Number of the Elect
... the whole Church was still but an assembly of saints ... Church penitence was then a
remedy almost unknown; and ... that time the number of the upright diminishes in ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/massillon the small number.htm
Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... Some who are upright among them are even ashamed of ... it may be judged that we diligently
maintain church-discipline and ... And in this very assembly we have shown ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm
The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston.
... as a member of the Westminster assembly, for bringing ... noble piece of service both
to church and state ... Lord Warriston had, for his upright and faithful dealing ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of sir archibald.htm
The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church
... the man to bring him into the assembly of the ... Christ is often brought into the church
by the ... are so gentle, loving, tender, earnest, truthful, upright, gracious ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/the real presence the great.htm
Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... to a man who is holy and upright, from being ... forgiven by the ministry of the Church,
when presbyters ... grace of Christ not only in the public assembly, but from ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm
The Incomparable Bridegroom and his Bride
... last week, in the hall of the Free Church Assembly in Edinburgh ... That is just what
the Christian Church ought to ... thy love more than wine: the upright love thee. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the incomparable bridegroom and his.htm
Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... profess his salvation in the presence of the holy assembly. ... of the relation of State
and Church, and at ... of natures, not of vices, created man upright; but man ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm
Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... The Church was made to feel that the decision was its own and to be obeyed for ... the
Emperor was able to direct the thought and action of the assembly in matters ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm
Resources
What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.orgChurch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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