What is the Church?

The term “church” has evolved over centuries, acquiring layers of theological, cultural, and historical significance. In Christianity, the church represents more than just a physical space or a gathering of believers. It embodies the essence of God’s covenant community, visible and invisible, spanning time and space. As the world changes, there is a renewed urgency to clarify the true nature and purpose of the church. This article seeks to unpack the multifaceted understanding of the church, exploring its biblical origins, refuting common misconceptions, and highlighting the marks of a true church. 

Defining our Terms

“Qahal”, “Edah” and “Ekklesia”

To understand the biblical definition of the church, we must first turn to the Old Testament. The concept most analogous to the church is often tied to the congregation or assembly of Israel rather than a specific term akin to “church.” The term “qahal” is frequently used in the Old Testament to denote an assembly or gathering of the Israelites, especially for religious purposes. Another term, “edah,” also refers to the community or congregation of Israel. These terms seem to emphasize a collective of God’s chosen people, brought together under His covenant.

Understanding these Hebrew origins is vital as it offers a glimpse into the continuity of God’s covenant community from the Israelites’ assembly at Sinai to the New Testament church. This foundational concept serves as a reminder that the church, in its essence, is a divine institution chosen and set apart by God throughout history. It underscores the church’s role as a covenantal community called to worship, obey, and proclaim God’s Word.

The New Testament, written in Greek, introduces a term that has since become synonymous with “church”: “Ekklesia.” Originating from the Greek words “ek” (out) and “kaleo” (to call), “Ekklesia” fundamentally means “those called out” or “assembly.” The term was widely used in Greek literature to denote a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into a public place for a specific purpose.

The New Testament, however, gives this word a spiritual connotation. The biblical authors use “ekklesia” to represent those whom God calls out, separated from the world, and united under the banner of faith in Christ. This “called out” motif signifies the universal body of believers, spanning across time and geography predestined by God’s sovereign will. It bridges the gap between the Old Testament congregation of Israel and the New Testament church, emphasizing God’s unchanging purpose and the continuity of His covenant promises.           

Universal, Visible, and Invisible

The church exists in a multifaceted dimension: as a universal body, an invisible entity, and a visible congregation.

At its most expansive, the church is “universal.” Often termed the “catholic” church (from the Greek “katholikos” meaning “universal”), it encompasses every true believer in Christ across time, place, or denomination. Not tied to a specific denomination or local congregation, it is made up of every one of God’s elect. The church's universality emphasizes God's sovereign plan and shows that redemptive history is a continuous tapestry of diverse believers unified through Christ.

The church is also, in a sense, invisible, meaning it comprises all those whom God has predetermined to call to Himself from the foundation of the world. It is an assembly known only to God, encompassing believers from the past and the future. This invisible dimension of the church reminds us that God, in His infinite wisdom, has called specific individuals to be part of his eternal covenant.

Conversely, the “visible” church is the tangible manifestation of this spiritual entity. It consists of all those who outwardly profess faith in Christ and their children. While the invisible church is perfectly pure, the visible church, being human, will include those who profess faith insincerely. Nonetheless, the visible church serves as a beacon of God’s grace in the world, a community where the Word is preached, sacraments administered, and believers fellowship.

What the Church is Not 

The Church is NOT a Building

When one hears the word “church’ today, images of towering steeples, stained glass windows, and grand alters are often evoked. While these architectural marvels bear testament to Christianity’s rich history and culture, they are not, in essence, the church. Buildings are merely structures that are temporal and subject to decay. The church is not confined to bricks and mortar but exists in the community of believers united in Christ. It is a living organism, animated by the Holy Spirit and bound by God’s covenant promises. Physical spaces serve as gathering points for worship and fellowship, but the church's essence transcends these material confines. Believers must recognize and differentiate between the church as a physical building and the church as the Body of Christ, the communion of the saints across ages and geographies.

The Church is NOT a Denomination

Denominations, with their distinct theological stances, liturgical practices, and ecclesiastical traditions, serve as diverse avenues for believers to express and nurture their faith. However, the true church is not synonymous with any single denomination. Denominations serve as important frameworks for building and maintaining community but are human institutions prone to imperfections. The essence of the church is not found in these groups but in the unity of believers grounded in Christ and the fundamentals of the faith.

The church is a spiritual entity that goes beyond denominational divides, uniting all who are called according to God’s purpose. It’s essential to remember that the church’s true nature lies in its universal, invisible, and visible dimensions, transcending human-made boundaries and emphasizing believers' oneness in Christ.

Marks of a True Church

Throughout history and across diverse Christian traditions, discerning the marks of a true church has been paramount. From the Reformed perspective, three primary marks distinguish a true church from mere religious gatherings. These marks serve as a litmus test, guiding believers in recognizing where the true gospel is preached, practiced, and preserved. Examining these marks clarifies the church’s role in God’s redemptive plan and the standards by which its authenticity can be measured. While these marks deserve their own articles, a short exploration will suffice.

Faithful Preaching of the Word

Central to any true church is the faithful preaching of God’s Word. This means delivering sermons rooted in Scripture, accurately expounding the Scripture, and consistently emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The pulpit serves as the heartbeat of the church. It is where God’s Word is proclaimed, challenging, comforting, and guiding the congregation. Without sound biblical teaching, a church risks veering off course, losing its anchor in Christ. The faithful preaching of the Word is not just a recommendation; it’s a mandate, ensuring that believers are nurtured, equipped, and edified in their walk with Christ.

Proper Administration of the Sacraments

Sacraments are visible signs of God’s invisible grace. They hold a pivotal role in the church. They are not mere rituals or symbols but means of grace connecting believers with Christ’s redemptive work. Baptism symbolizes our incorporation into Christ and marks our entry into the covenant community. The Lord’s Supper is a commemorative act that reminds believers of Christ’s sacrifice and fosters communion with Him and fellow believers. In a true church, sacraments are administered with reverence, understanding, and faithfulness to biblical directives. The sacraments serve as anchors, grounding the church in Christ and continuously pointing believers to the cross and the empty tomb.

Proper Application of Church Discipline

Church discipline is an often misunderstood aspect of maintaining the church’s purity and integrity. Discipline involves guiding members in righteous living, correcting errant behavior, and, when necessary, excluding those who are perpetually sinning without repentance. Church discipline is not about wielding power and control but preserving the sanctity of the church and ensuring that Christ’s body remains untarnished by unrepentant sin. The foundation and guiding principle of effective discipline is love, which aims to restore the erring member to right standing with God and the community. It reminds of Christ’s call to holiness, emphasizing that being part of His body entails responsibility and standards. A true church sees discipline not as punitive but as redemptive, always pointing towards Christ’s grace and the call to transformation.

Conclusion

The quest to understand the true nature and essence of the church is a journey that transcends mere institutional structures or ceremonial practices. The church embodies God’s eternal plan and serves as a beacon of His grace and a testament to the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The church is a rich tapestry woven with divine purpose, encompassing believers from all times and geographies. Its universality, invisibility, and visibility point to a dynamic entity that is both spiritual and tangible, eternal yet anchored in history.

The defining marks of a true church—faithful preaching of the Word, proper administration of the sacraments, and the loving application of discipline—serve as foundational pillars, guiding and nurturing believers toward their heavenly calling. These marks emphasize the church’s sacred responsibility to uphold the truths of the gospel, ensuring that the body of Christ remains anchored in its divine commission.

Yet, as we reflect on the church, it’s crucial to remember that it is not an end but a means to an end. It exists to glorify God, spread the gospel's good news, and edify its members in love and holiness. As believers, our relationship with the church is not merely about attendance or affiliation. It’s a call to active engagement, a commitment to being part of God’s redemptive history, and a daily challenge to live out the gospel.

The church is a timeless testament to God’s unchanging love and faithfulness in a world marked by change and uncertainty. It invites us to look beyond the transient and anchor our hopes in the eternal, reminding us that in Christ, we are part of something far greater than ourselves—a covenant people who are greatly loved and destined for glory.