What is the difference between the universal church and local church?

The Bible speaks of the church in two interrelated ways: the universal church and the local church. The universal church refers to the worldwide community of all believers in Jesus Christ across time and space. The local church refers to individual congregations in specific locations. While distinct, the universal and local church work together to fulfill God’s redemptive purposes.

The Universal Church

The universal church encompasses all true believers in Christ from Pentecost to the present day (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 5:25). This worldwide community of believers is also called the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). All those who have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ are members of this universal church (Acts 2:38-41).

The primary purpose of the universal church is to glorify God and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 3:21). As members of Christ’s body, believers are to use their diverse gifts to build one another up in unity and maturity (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-16). Jesus Christ is the head of this church, which is founded on the gospel revealed by the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20).

Until Christ returns, the universal church exists as a spiritual entity, not an institutional organization. It transcends national, ethnic, economic, and social barriers. All racial, cultural, and socioeconomic distinctions are removed in this new community where Jesus Christ is all and in all (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).

The Local Church

While all believers are part of the universal church, God calls Christians to gather together in local assemblies. Scripture refers to the local church as a particular congregation of believers who regularly meet together in one location (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1).

The New Testament highlights key aspects of local church life. Believers were baptized and added to a local church (Acts 2:41). They committed to a set of leaders and were instructed to submit to them (Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:17). Church members in one city sent funds to needy saints in another local body (Romans 15:26). Discipline of sinful members also occurred locally (1 Corinthians 5:4-5).

The local church serves as the primary context where believers worship God (Ephesians 5:19), study the Word (1 Timothy 4:13), observe the ordinances (1 Corinthians 11:18-26), build up the body through the use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7), and participate in church discipline (Matthew 18:15-20). It is the environment where believers are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

The Relationship Between the Universal and Local Church

The universal church is not simply the sum total of all local churches. It refers specifically to the spiritual unity of all believers across time and geography based on their common salvation in Christ. The local church, by contrast, is defined by regular gatherings in a particular locale.

At the same time, there is an important relationship between the universal and local expressions of the church. Local churches help believers fulfill their role in the broader purpose of the universal church. And by participating in a local body, believers experience the realities of the universal church.

The universal church emphasizes the shared identity of believers in Christ. The local church provides a setting where believers care for one another, exercise their spiritual gifts, and spur each other to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). Healthy local churches strengthen the whole body of Christ.

In summary, the universal church refers to all believers in Christ worldwide. The local church consists of believers who meet regularly in a specific location. The universal church finds tangible expression in local churches. And local churches participate in the global purposes of the universal church. Keeping both biblical portraits of the church in mind is essential.

Distinctives of the Universal Church

There are several key distinctions between the universal church and local churches:

• The universal church consists of all true believers from all time, while local churches are groups of believers in specific times and places.
• The universal church is a spiritual entity, not an institution. Local churches are organized assemblies with varied forms and structures.
• Entry into the universal church is through spiritual regeneration in Christ. Entry into a local church is through baptism and public profession of faith.
• Christ alone is the head of the universal church. Local churches have human leaders who serve under Christ.
• The universal church cannot be divided. Local churches may divide over disputed issues.
• The universal church has an unbreakable unity in Christ. Local churches must work to maintain unity amidst diversity.

In summary, while the universal church and local churches are intimately related, they are distinct in several notable ways. Understanding these differences helps Christians properly relate to the global and local manifestations of Christ’s body.

Images of the Universal Church

Scripture uses various metaphors and images to describe the universal church:

• Body of Christ – Christ is the head, believers are the many parts that form His body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
• Bride of Christ – The church has an intimate, covenant relationship with Jesus as a bride to her husband (Revelation 21:2,9).
• Flock of God – Believers follow Christ as their shepherd who leads, feeds, and protects them (John 10:11-16).
• Household of faith – The church is a spiritual family and community (Galatians 6:10).
• People of God – Recalling Israel, the church is God’s chosen people and possession (1 Peter 2:9-10).
• Pillar and buttress of the truth – The church upholds and proclaims the truth of the gospel (1 Timothy 3:15).
• Temple of God – The Holy Spirit indwells the church as the people of God (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

These rich metaphors highlight the church’s identity, relationship with Christ, spiritual unity, and redemptive mission.

Activities of the Local Church

Here are some key activities that should occur in a biblical local church:

• Preaching and teaching – The Word of God is accurately and consistently taught (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2).
• Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – The biblical ordinances instituted by Christ are observed (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:26).
• Prayer – Believers intercede for one another and the advance of the gospel (Acts 2:42; James 5:16).
• Fellowship – Believers care for one another and meet each other’s needs (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Worship – The church gathers regularly to worship God in song, giving, prayer, hearing the Word, and celebration of the ordinances (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 14:26).
• Discipleship – More mature believers train new converts and young in the faith (Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 1:28-29).
• Church discipline – Unrepentant members are confronted in sin and if necessary removed from membership (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
• Giving – Believers contribute financially to support gospel ministry locally and globally (2 Corinthians 8-9; Philippians 4:10-19).

The New Testament provides this framework for the life and practices of a local church body.

Marks of a Healthy Local Church

Below are several hallmarks of a healthy local church:

• Faithful preaching and teaching of Scripture (2 Timothy 4:2)
• God-honoring worship (John 4:23-24)
• Practicing church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
• Observing baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
• Caring relationships among members (John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42)
• Having qualified elders who shepherd the flock (1 Timothy 3:1-7)
• Pursuing holiness and purity (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)
• Commitment to prayer (Acts 2:42; Colossians 4:2)
• Concern for doctrine and unity (Acts 2:42; Ephesians 4:3-6)
• Evangelism and missions at home and abroad (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8)

Churches that excel in these areas will have a healthy local body life that builds up believers and reaches the lost.

Duties of Local Church Members

Scripture outlines various responsibilities for Christians who belong to a local church:

• Attend services faithfully (Hebrews 10:25)
• Serve and care for one another (Galatians 5:13; 6:2)
• Pray for the church and its leaders (Ephesians 6:18-19)
• Give financially and support the work (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
• Use spiritual gifts to edify others (1 Corinthians 12:4-7; 14:12)
• Submit to and obey church leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
• Seek unity and avoid divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
• Welcome and interact with visitors (Romans 15:7)
• Share the gospel with unbelievers (Matthew 28:19-20)

Fulfilling these duties brings blessings to individual believers and vitality to the local body.

Why the Local Church Matters

Even with today’s technology, the physical gathering of believers in local churches remains essential. Here are some reasons why:

• We need accountability and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• We are commanded not to neglect gathering together (Hebrews 10:25).
• It provides opportunities to use our spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
• We observe the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Acts 2:38-42; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
• We can worship together in song, prayer, teaching, etc. (1 Corinthians 14:26; Hebrews 10:25).
• Preaching and teaching of God’s Word edifies believers (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:2).
• We can fulfill the “one anothers” like encouragement, admonition, care, etc. (Romans 12:10; Galatians 6:2; Colossians 3:16; James 5:16).

The New Testament consistently presents the local church as the primary context for believers to fulfill God’s purposes together.

Cautions Regarding the Local Church

While local churches play a vital role, Christians should avoid these potential pitfalls:

• Thinking their specific church is the only true church
• Becoming indifferent or hostile toward other biblical local churches
• Elevating traditions and preferences above biblical principles
• Failing to demonstrate love and unity within the body
• Allowing personality differences and trivial disputes to divide the church
• Exalting one leader as the primary or only pastor/elder
• Minimizing the importance of the universal church worldwide
• Neglecting regular participation in gathered worship (Hebrews 10:25)

Wise Christians will both embrace the local church and avoid potential dangers that can weaken its biblical fidelity and health.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a rich ecclesiology with the concepts of the universal church encompassing all believers worldwide and local churches in specific places and cities. Though distinct, the universal and local church are intimately connected as Christians gather locally to worship, grow, serve, and reach their communities. This twofold understanding of the church guards against errors and provides a framework for fulfilling God’s purposes in Christ’s body, the church.