The church is the community of all true believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that the church is the spiritual body of Christ, of which He is the head (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15; Colossians 1:18). The church is made up of individual local churches as well as the universal church, which includes all believers in Christ worldwide.
The Origin and Founding of the Church
The church was established by Jesus Christ Himself during His earthly ministry. Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18), purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28), and is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:22). The founding of the church was accompanied by displays of the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
On the Day of Pentecost, the first sermon was preached following the resurrection and ascension of Christ, and about 3,000 people responded by receiving Christ as their Savior and being baptized (Acts 2:41). The early church met together, studied the apostles’ teaching, shared meals and prayer, and honored Christ through Communion (Acts 2:42-47). The Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). Through the work of the Spirit and fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), the church grew numerically and spread geographically (Acts 1-12).
Images and Descriptions of the Church
The New Testament uses several important images and descriptions for the church:
The Body of Christ
The church is called the body of Christ because believers are united to Christ as their head and source of life (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15-16; Colossians 1:18). Just as a physical body relies upon the proper functioning of each member, the church depends on every believer to contribute and fulfill their God-given purpose (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31).
The Temple of God
The church is God’s temple, built up from believers as living stones, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:4-8). The Holy Spirit dwells within the church and among believers. The church is being built up into a holy temple to be a dwelling place for God.
The Bride of Christ
The church has a sacred marriage relationship with Jesus Christ as His bride (Ephesians 5:22-33; Revelation 19:7-9). Just as a bride loves and submits to her husband, the church is called to lovingly submit to Christ as Lord. This brings honor to Christ and reveals the sacrificial love between Christ and the church.
A Chosen People, Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation
These terms emphasize the church’s association with Christ, His ownership of the church, and its set-apartness from the world (1 Peter 2:9-10). Believers have the privilege of direct access to God through Christ our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16). The church is charged with showing Christ to the world through holiness and witness.
Flock of God
Believers are compared to sheep who follow, listen to, and obey the voice of their Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ (John 10:11-16, 27-30). The implication is that the church submits to Christ as the Ruler and Provider for the flock. Church leaders shepherd the flock under Christ’s authority (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4).
Other Descriptions
The church is also described as God’s field (1 Corinthians 3:6-9), branches on Christ the vine (John 15:1-8), the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), and the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). These images highlight the church’s connection to Christ, responsibility to build up the church, and call to share and uphold the truth.
Activities and Responsibilities of the Church
The New Testament outlines several important activities and responsibilities that characterize the mission and ministry of the church:
Worship
The church gathers to lift their voices in praise, prayer, proclamation of the Word, observance of the ordinances/sacraments (baptism and Communion), and singing to exalt God’s name (Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 14; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Worship is a central purpose of the church.
Nurturing Believers
Through preaching, teaching, discipleship, and fellowship, the church is to nurture spiritual growth in believers toward maturity in Christ (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25). Ministering to needs within the church is also crucial.
Evangelism and Missions
In obedience to Christ’s command, the church seeks to lead unbelievers to salvation through proclaiming the gospel locally and globally (Matthew 28:19; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:8). Every believer has a part in spreading the message of salvation through Christ.
Service and Good Works
The church expresses Christ’s love in practical ways through caring for the poor, widows, orphans, prisoners, and anyone in need (Matthew 25:31-46; Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:14-17). The church is the hands and feet of Jesus, serving people and glorifying God.
Church Government and Offices
The New Testament establishes two primary offices in the local church:
Elders
Also called overseers or pastors, elders provide spiritual leadership and oversight in the church (Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4). Elders teach biblical truth, model Christlike maturity, offer guidance, and protect the church from false teaching.
Deacons
Deacons serve the church by caring for practical and logistical needs, such as food distribution, finances, building needs, and tending to the sick (Acts 6:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:8-13). Qualifications focus on moral integrity and ministry skill.
The offices of elder and deacon ensure doctrinal fidelity and practical effectiveness in ministry. The New Testament also identifies roles like overseers, shepherds, prophets, evangelists, and teachers to edify the church (Ephesians 4:11-13). Church leadership derives its authority from Christ to equip the church for ministry.
Ordinances of the Church
The New Testament prescribes two ordinances to be observed by the church:
Baptism
Baptism by immersion symbolizes the believer’s identification and union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Matthew 28:19; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). Baptism publicly marks entrance into the church upon profession of faith in Christ.
Communion (Lord’s Supper)
By partaking of the bread and cup, believers remember Christ’s death, proclaim His resurrection, commune with Him, and look forward to His return (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26). All believers are encouraged to examine themselves and participate in a worthy manner.
These two ongoing ordinances depict the gospel and contribute to the spiritual growth of the church. They visibly distinguish the church from the world.
Marks of a True Church
Scripture emphasizes certain characteristics that identify a church as a biblical church:
Faithful Preaching of the Word
The church upholds the authority of Scripture and sound doctrine by preaching the Word and guarding against false teaching (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Titus 1:9). Biblical preaching equips the church for effective ministry.
Right Administration of the Ordinances
As discussed above, the proper observance of baptism and Communion distinguishes the church from worldly organizations and brings spiritual blessings to the church.
Commitment to Discipleship and Growth
A biblical church nurtures spiritual maturity in its members through preaching, teaching, fellowship, and mentoring (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:11-16).
Loving Community and Care
The church demonstrates Christlike love within the body and in its witness to the world (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; 1 John 3:10-18). Unity and fellowship confirm its authenticity.
Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer, worship, stewardship, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines characterize the commitment and vibrancy of the sincere church (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Ephesians 5:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Where these biblical traits are present, the church can have confidence in Christ’s blessing and empowerment for ministry. The absence of these marks may indicate spiritual decay or deviation from Scripture.
Metaphors for the Universal Church
The Bible uses various metaphors to illustrate important aspects of the universal church encompassing all believers:
The Vine and the Branches (John 15:1-8)
Believers are vitally connected to Christ as branches on a vine. He is the source of their spiritual life and fruitfulness.
Christ’s Flock (John 10:11-18, 27-30)
The Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep (the church), leads them, and gives them eternal life. The sheep hear, know, and follow Him.
A Holy Nation (1 Peter 2:9-10)
The universal church is a chosen people, royal priesthood, and holy nation belonging to God through Christ’s redemption.
Christ’s Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
With Christ as the Head, the interdependent parts of His body (the church) are knit together in unity by the Spirit and gifted to build up the whole.
The Household of God (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Members of the church are fellow citizens and family members in God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets.
These rich metaphors highlight the shared identity, spiritual unity, relationship with Christ, access to God, mission, and blessing that belong to the universal church.
The Church Militant and the Church Triumphant
Theologians sometimes distinguish between the church militant and the church triumphant:
Church Militant
The church on earth stands opposed to the standards of the world and the devil. Militant emphasizes the church’s struggle against the flesh, spiritual powers, and doctrinal error until the return of Christ.
Church Triumphant
The portion of the church already glorified in heaven after death. The souls of believers who have died reside in heavenly glory and perfection with Christ until their resurrection.
This distinction reminds us that the mission of the spiritual church spans heaven and earth. Living believers strive to glorify Christ while anticipating victory and glorification to come.
Dangers Facing the Church
The New Testament repeatedly warns of dangers that could corrupt the church from within. Among them:
False Teaching and Doctrine
The church must identify and refute heretical doctrines that distort the biblical gospel (1 Timothy 1:3-7; 4:1-3; 2 John 7-11). Scripture must be upheld as the supreme authority.
Hypocrisy and Bad Example
When leaders fail to match righteous conduct with sound doctrine, it brings reproach and weakens the church (Romans 2:17-24; 1 Timothy 4:12; James 3:1). Integrity is imperative.
Division and Quarrels
Harboroing bitterness, resentment, or an unforgiving spirit destroys unity and weakens Christian witness (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-9; Titus 3:9-11). Reconciliation should be diligently pursued.
False Conversion
Not everyone affiliated with a church truly knows Christ. Jesus warned to watch for false believers and fruitless faith (Matthew 7:15-23; 13:24-30, 36-43, 47-50; 2 Timothy 2:16-19).
Complacency and Worldliness
Neglecting God’s Word, prayer, biblical purity, and Christian disciplines leads to lukewarm faith vulnerable to corruption (Revelation 3:14-22). Christ calls the church to radical commitment to Him.
Scripture exhorts believers to counter these dangers through sound doctrine, Spirit-led discernment, prayer, obedience, accountability, church discipline, and devotion to Christ.
The Church’s Certain Hope
Despite pressures and persecutions, the church can be confident in God’s sovereignty, Christ’s headship over the church, and the Holy Spirit’s empowerment and guidance. As Christ’s bride, the church awaits the consummation when Christ returns to perfect the church in resurrection glory and unity with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 19:1-9). Until then, the church on earth strives to exalt Christ and make disciples until He comes (Matthew 28:18-20). The church’s mission will culminate in victory and eternal communion with the triune God.
