The concept of the Church as a divinely established institution is deeply rooted in Christian theology and Scripture. The Church is understood as the body of Christ, a spiritual entity founded by Jesus Christ Himself and sustained by the Holy Spirit. This entry explores the biblical foundation, purpose, and characteristics of the Church as revealed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The establishment of the Church is directly linked to the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). This statement underscores the divine origin and enduring nature of the Church, with Christ as its cornerstone.

The Church's foundation is further elaborated in the writings of the apostles. The Apostle Paul describes the Church as "God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19-20). This imagery emphasizes the Church's divine architecture, with Jesus as the central figure holding the structure together.

Purpose and Mission

The Church's primary purpose is to glorify God and fulfill the Great Commission. Jesus instructed His disciples, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). This mission involves evangelism, teaching, and nurturing believers in their faith.

The Church also serves as a community of believers who gather for worship, fellowship, and mutual edification. The early Church in Acts exemplifies this communal aspect: "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (Acts 2:42). This passage highlights the Church's role in fostering spiritual growth and unity among its members.

Characteristics of the Church

The Church is characterized by several key attributes as outlined in Scripture. It is described as the "body of Christ," with each member playing a vital role in its function and health (1 Corinthians 12:27). This metaphor illustrates the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers within the Church.

Holiness is another defining characteristic of the Church. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession" (1 Peter 2:9). The Church is called to reflect God's holiness and to be set apart for His purposes.

Unity is also a central theme in the New Testament's depiction of the Church. Paul urges the Ephesians to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). This unity is grounded in shared faith and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

The Church and the Kingdom of God

The Church is often seen as the visible manifestation of the Kingdom of God on earth. Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). The Church, as the community of believers, is tasked with advancing this Kingdom through its witness and service in the world.

The relationship between the Church and the Kingdom is further illustrated in the parables of Jesus. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed, Jesus compares the Kingdom to a small seed that grows into a large tree, symbolizing the expansive and transformative nature of God's reign (Mark 4:30-32).

Conclusion

The Church, as a divinely established institution, plays a crucial role in God's redemptive plan for humanity. Through its foundation in Christ, its mission to make disciples, and its characteristics of holiness, unity, and community, the Church continues to be a vital expression of God's presence and purpose in the world.Matthew 16:15-18
He said to them, But whom say you that I am?
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Ephesians 2:20-22
And are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
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1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
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1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
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The Presbyterian Church in the United States of America.
... Gospel, and since in the divinely established and ordinary method of grace faith
cometh by hearing the Word of God, Christ hath commissioned His Church to go ...
/.../the presbyterian church in the.htm

Presbyterian Worship Outside of the Established Church of Scotland ...
... the service of praise, in the Christian as well ... As Scripture Doxologies and the
Divinely-approved petition ... a consideration of that subject this Church had been ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter viii presbyterian worship outside.htm

Brief Statement of the Reformed Faith, 1902.
... Baptism and the Lord's Supper, alone divinely established and committed to the Church,
together with ... Of Christian Service and the Final Triumph."We ...
/.../brief statement of the reformed.htm

Baptism, a Divinely Appointed Means of Grace.
... BAPTISM, A DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS OF GRACE ... overthrow every doctrine of our holy
Christian faith ... While the Lutheran Church, therefore, has confidence enough in ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iv baptism a divinely.htm

The Religion Proclaimed by Him to all Nations was Neither New nor ...
... The Church History of Eusebius. ... been established by the natural understanding of
divinely favored men ... which the name indicates, that the Christian man, through ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iv the religion proclaimed by.htm

In the New Testament the Catholic Church Forged for Herself a New ...
... not accept Scripture is eo ipso no Christian"there was ... New Testament as her own peculiar
possession divinely granted; she named herself the Church of the ...
/.../harnack/the origin of the new testament/ 10 in the new.htm

How the Abbot Ceolfrid Sent Master-Builders to the King of the ...
... be changed by any authority of man; two whereof are divinely established in the ... to
you, be in accordance with the use of the Church and the Christian Faith ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxi how the abbot.htm

Whether Christ's Resurrection Ought to have Been Manifested to All ...
... iv), the divinely established law of such things is that they be revealed immediately
by God ... A woman is not to be allowed to teach publicly in church; but she ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs resurrection ought to.htm

Coornhert and the Collegiants --A Movement for Spiritual Religion ...
... discharge of all the duties incumbent on a Christian. ... upon the heads of His Church
the authority ... anywhere in the world a divinely established and spiritually ...
/.../chapter vii coornhert and the.htm

Tendencies Toward a Manifestation of the Unity of the American ...
... annually contributed as free gifts for Christian schools and ... such exclusive pretensions
for their church, and hold ... each one of which is divinely invested with ...
/.../bacon/a history of american christianity/chapter xxii tendencies toward a.htm

Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.org

Is there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org

Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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