- It is God’s “ekklesia” (the called out), those sanctified (set apart). II Thessalonians 2:14; I Corinthians 1:2; I Peter 2:10.
- Is the aggregate of those cleansed/redeemed/saved from their sins by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18-19; Revelation 1:5.
- Was in the eternal purpose of God. Ephesians 3:10-11; II Timothy 1:8-11; Titus 1:2-3.
- The subject of prophecy: mountain of the Lord’s house; kingdom never to be destroyed. Isaiah 2:2-3; Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14.
- Prepared for by John the Baptist and Jesus. Matthew 3:1-2; 4:17; Mark 1:14-15.
- Pictured/described by many parables. Matthew 13:1-52; John 15:1-8; et al.
- Not of this world (not a political entity). John 18:36.
- Established by Christ. Matthew 16:18.
- Deity of Christ the foundation. Matthew 16:18; cf. I Corinthians 3:11; I Peter 2:6.
- Cannot be shaken. Hebrews 12:28.
- Established in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost following Christ’s resurrection. Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4.
- All the saved added to it. Acts 2:41, 47.
- Purchased with the blood of Christ. Acts 20:28.
- Christ’s spiritual body. Colossians 1:18, 24.
- Christ the head. Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18.
- Only one body; therefore, only one true church. Ephesians 4:4.
- Is pre-denominational, undenominational, anti-denominational; division among followers of Christ is sinful. John 17:20-21; I Corinthians 1:10-13; Romans 16:17.
- Not all churches are the true church; departures from the “one faith” have occurred. Matthew 7:15; 15:8-9; Acts 20:29-30; I Timothy 4:1-3; II John 9.
- Christ the savior of the church. Ephesians 5:23.
- The bride of Christ. Romans 7:2-4; Ephesians 5:25-33.
- Where reconciliation to God takes place. Ephesians 2:13-16.
- The temple of God. Ephesians 2:19-22.
- The manifestation and fruition of the manifold (multi-faceted) wisdom of God. Ephesians 3:10.
- Place where God is glorified. Ephesians 3:20-21.
- House/household/family of God. I Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 3:5-6.
- Pillar and ground of the truth. I Timothy 3:15; cf. John 17:17.
- A spiritual house made up of living stones. I Peter 2:5.
- A chosen generation, royal priesthood, God’s own special people. I Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14.
- Comes into existence where gospel is preached, believed, and obeyed. Luke 8:11; I Peter 1:22-25; Romans 1:16; 6:16-18.
- Are to preach it. Acts 8:12.
- Must be born again to enter it. John. 3:3-5.
- Must enter it as a little child. Matthew 18:3; 19:14.
- Manifested in autonomous congregations/local churches. Acts 8:1; 13:1; I Corinthians 1:2; Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1; I Peter 5:1-4.
- Appropriate to talk about “going to church” (i.e., the assembly). I Corinthians 11:18, 20, 33; 14:19, 23, 34-35.
- Has no exclusive, patented name; various descriptors. Romans 16:16; II Thessalonians 1:4; Hebrews 12:22-24.
- Guided solely by the word of God. Acts 2:42; Colossians 3:17; II Timothy 3:16-17.
- Worships according to God’s divine standard. John 4:24; 17:17.
- Has a three-fold mission: evangelism, edification, benevolence. Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; Galatians. 6:10; James 1:27.
- Must have top priority in our lives. Matthew 6:33.
- Will ultimately be delivered to God the Father. I Corinthians 15:24.
- Hugh Fulford, From: Hugh’s News & Views as submitted by Jerry Sturgill
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