Topical Bible: Church: Congregation of Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Church" in Christian theology refers to the collective body of believers in Jesus Christ, often described as the "Congregation of Saints." This concept is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Church is portrayed as both a spiritual and communal entity, united by faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The Greek word for church, "ekklesia," appears frequently in the New Testament and is used to denote an assembly or gathering of people. In the context of Christian theology, it signifies the assembly of those who are called out by God to be His people. The Church is not merely a physical building or institution but a living body of believers. In Matthew 16:18, 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" . This statement underscores the divine foundation and enduring nature of the Church.

The Church as the Body of Christ

The Apostle Paul frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe the Church, emphasizing unity and diversity among believers. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul writes, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it" . This imagery highlights the interconnectedness of believers, each with unique gifts and roles, working together to fulfill the mission of the Church.

The Church as the Bride of Christ

Another significant metaphor is the Church as the Bride of Christ, illustrating the intimate and covenantal relationship between Christ and His followers. Ephesians 5:25-27 states, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless" . This passage reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and the sanctifying work He performs in the Church.

The Church as a Holy Priesthood

The Church is also described as a "holy priesthood," tasked with offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. 1 Peter 2:9 affirms, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" . This designation emphasizes the Church's role in worship, intercession, and proclamation of the Gospel.

The Church's Mission

The mission of the Church is multifaceted, encompassing worship, discipleship, fellowship, and evangelism. The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, instructs believers to "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, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you" . This mandate underscores the Church's responsibility to spread the Gospel and nurture believers in their faith.

The Church as a Community of Saints

The term "saints" refers to those who are sanctified or set apart for God's purposes. In the New Testament, all believers are considered saints, called to live holy lives in accordance with God's will. Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks of the Church's role in equipping the saints for ministry, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ" . This passage highlights the Church's function in spiritual growth and maturity.

Conclusion

The Church, as the Congregation of Saints, is a divinely instituted community, called to embody the teachings of Christ and to serve as His representatives on earth. Through its various roles and functions, the Church seeks to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 149:1
Praise you the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation
... meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community
of members on earth or saints in heaven or both) -- assembly, church. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k

Library

I Believe in the Holy Ghost; the Holy Christian Church, the ...
... following parts, namely, by the communion of saints or the ... He first leads us into
His holy congregation, and places us in the bosom of the Church, whereby He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/i believe in the holy.htm

Of the Church.
... The Church is the congregation of saints, in which the Gospel is rightly
taught and the Sacraments are rightly administered. And ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article vii of the church.htm

Article viii: what the Church Is.
... Although the Church properly is the congregation of saints and true believers,
nevertheless, since in this life many hypocrites and evil persons are mingled ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/article viii what the church.htm

Articles vii and viii: of the Church.
... The Seventh Article of our Confession, in which we said that the Church is the
congregation of saints, they have condemned and have added a long disquisition ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 11 articles vii and.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... For now that the one Church in Jud??a is cast off, the Churches of Christ are ... Sing
unto the Lord a new song, His praise in the Congregation of Saints [2312 ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

The Church of God.
... and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the ... at least one bishop in one
congregation, but often ... An elder in the early Christian church." Young in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Of the Church
... Apostle himself explains it, means, "the saints," the holy ... general, the catholic
or universal Church, which the ... only the Christians of one congregation, of one ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 74 of the church.htm

On the Church
... while those who remained steadfast are honored as saints in Heaven ... priests, and people
all taken together are the Church, and each congregation or parish ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 11 on the church.htm

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
... alive here on the earth; Ideal, departed saints who are ... and Titus presume a regularly
organized congregation of believers ... That there is a Church in the world is ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the church.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the ... elders,
as well as a plurality of deacons, in every church or congregation; [233:2 ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm