Theme: CHURCH
Lesson: THE CHURCH, AN UNNAMED ENTITY
Scripture Reference:
Eph. 4:4
In our preceding lessons, we have established that the Scripture has not presented the Christian Church as a physical structure and as a sect or denomination. If it did, the instrument of that denominationalism would be nomenclature (naming it). That would have been the frontier factor because anything that is named is denominated from others. A quarter (1/4) is a denomination illustrating that ‘one’ (the numerator) has been denominated or divided into ‘four’ places.
The denominator is ‘four’ showing the number of places into which ‘one’ (the numerator) has been divided or denominated. Since name is given to something or someone to differ or divide or separate from others to show ownership, if the Church is given such identity, it would equally suggest that the Church is more than one in Scripture.
Therefore, the Scripture presents the Church as ‘one indivisible entity’ under one head, Jesus Christ, thus, making Him one head who has one body (see our lead text and ‘Col.1:18,24). Nonetheless that there are many members of this one body makes no increase in the number of it. It remains ‘ONE’ head (Jesus Christ) over ‘ONE’ body of believers. There are group members as well as individual members of the one body of believers. Therefore, the idea of naming it to differ one from another is a nullity; the need does not arise except for different locations in which the Church gathers locally: ‘The Church in Ephesus’, ‘The Church in Corinth’, ‘The Church in Akwa Ibom State’, ‘The Church in Ukanafun’, etc.
Instead, in Scripture, what we see are terms used to describe the believers’ relationship with one true God in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as well as their functions. For instance, ‘The Church (people) of God’ to indicate their relationship with the Father – 1Cor.1:2; ‘The Churches of Christ’ – their relationship with the Son and ‘The Kingdom in the Spirit’ – their relationship with the Holy Spirit (John 18:36; Eph. 2:22; Rom.14:17).
Why then do we have believers’ groups around us all naming themselves to differ one from another? It seems the extant mistake of taking physical structures before now as Churches by many has begotten another mistake of naming those structures according to the volition of those sponsoring their erection.
Here is a retiree who is paid his/her entitlements who chooses to buy parcels of land and builds a gigantic hall (confused for Church). Because he is a Christian who could read Bible and, maybe, had been teaching some Bible classes in his local assembly, nothing stops him/her from being crowned as both the senior pastor and general superintendent/overseer automatically.
Those gathering around him/her cannot distinguish between the Church and the hall he has built. But that is tragic because, in the words of our Master, Jesus, if the light that was given to our body becomes dark, He marvels how darkened that body would turn. So, after my man/lady achieves completion of the physical structure confused for Church, ministry has started. But, tell me, if a person cannot separate ‘inside the house’ from ‘outside’, is such not blind? In the same vein, if one does not know the difference between the ‘Church’ and the physical building occupied by the Church, what should we say such a person is? One sure thing we are aware of from Christ is that both the (blind leaders and the blind followers they lead) will fall into the same ditch. (See Matt. 15:14). Oh Knowledge!
EVALUATION
1. What is the scriptural name for the Christian Church?
2. Between corporate and individual salvation, which does the Scripture endorse?
3. How many Churches are there in Bible?
4. Who is qualified to enroll a believer into the Church?
5. Can a believer enter the Church without a physical building? How?
6. Which is scripturally correct to say:-
1. I’m coming back from Church.
2. I’m coming back from Church service.
7. What is an acceptable (scriptural) reason for a local assembly to have a name?
VIA:
Michael Ekperikpe (MSN)
READ AND REAP BIBLE ENTERPRISES
P/S:
-Any issues to commit to God in prayer?
-Any seemingly difficult Scripture(s)?
Feel free to share with me. Remember, ‘Iron sharpens iron’. (Prov. 27:17)
