CHURCH
The actual word in the Greek text, which stands behind the modern rendition, "church," is
In a non-religious sense, the word was used of a public assembly (Acts 19:32, 39-40). In the Bible,
It is used of the people of God universally, equivalent to the "one body" (Mt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4; Col. 1:18).
The term can embody a congregation of saints in a particular city (1 Cor. 1:2; Rev. 1:4).
It may refer to a gathering of Christians in an assembled meeting (1 Cor. 14:34; 3 Jn. 10).
The church was in the mind of God from eternity (Eph. 3:10). It was foretold in the Old Testament (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Isa. 2:2-4; Dan. 2:44). It was promised by Christ (Mt. 16:18) and established on Pentecost (Acts 2).
The universal congregation will be received by Christ at the time of his second coming (Eph. 5:27; Rev. 21:2).
The Scriptures have no sanction for the modern scheme of varying denominational churches. This system militates against Christ's work (see Jn. 17:20-21).
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