As we delve into the origins and meaning of the Church, it’s essential to grasp the essence of the term ‘Ekklesia’. This Greek-derived word merges ‘e,’ signifying ‘from’ or ‘out of,’ with ‘Kaleo,’ meaning ‘to call,’ ‘to invite,’ ‘to appoint,’ or ‘to name.’ It’s a common misconception that ‘Ekklesia’ simply refers to ‘the called-out ones.’ However, its actual definition is much broader, encompassing the ideas of an assembly, congregation, or gathering.
Intriguingly, the term ‘Ekklesia’ does not exclusively pertain to Christian gatherings. Technically, any gathering can be termed an ‘Ekklesia.’ But for our purposes at Under The Son Network, we seek to uncover the identity of God’s Church—far beyond just any collective.
The Identity of God’s Church: A Biblical Perspective
The Scripture provides numerous instances where ‘Ekklesia’ is mentioned, often in a general sense. Yet, our focus is pinpointed on the distinctive nature of God’s Church. This was exemplified by Jesus in Matthew 16, where He posed a foundational question about His identity and subsequently revealed the profound cornerstone upon which His Church would be erected.
When Simon Peter recognized Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the living God,” Jesus affirmed that such revelation was not of human origin but divinely bestowed. He proclaimed that this rock-solid confession is the bedrock for constructing His Church—an ‘Ekklesia’ that even the forces of Hell could not thwart.
It’s imperative to clarify that Jesus was not referring to Peter as the foundation of the Church. Rather, it is the acknowledgment of Jesus’ divine authority and Messiahship that forms the Church’s very foundation.
Salvation and Confession: The Cornerstone of Faith
Understanding the Church involves recognizing the crucial confession that Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed Savior. As reiterated in the Scriptures, from Deuteronomy to Romans, acknowledging Jesus as Lord is non-negotiable for salvation. This confession is a declaration that Jesus is not merely a messenger of God’s will, but God incarnate—God in human flesh.
The narrative in John 8:24 emphasizes the dire consequences of not believing in Jesus’ divine identity, equating such disbelief with dying in sin. Jesus’ use of “Ego Eimi” in this context is a deliberate echo of the divine name, asserting His deity and evoking a strong reaction from His contemporaries who understood its gravity.
The Church as the Body of Christ
The New Testament further elucidates this concept by describing the Church as the Body of Christ. Ephesians 1:22 speaks of Jesus as the head of the Church, which is His body, indicating a collective functioning in unity and harmony under His leadership.
Paul’s metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12:13 underscores the diverse but unified nature of the Church. Just as various body parts work together, every believer, regardless of background or tenure in faith, is integrated into the body through the Holy Spirit.
The Indelible Mark of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the defining mark of every member of God’s Church. It’s through the Spirit’s baptism that we become a part of Christ’s body. Acts 20:28 highlights the profound truth that the Church was purchased by the blood of Christ, who is God Himself—a mystery that underscores the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus.
Inclusivity and Exclusivity: The Paradox of God’s Church
Being part of this divine assembly is both exclusive and inclusive. It requires a personal act of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and Lord, acknowledging His redemptive work on the cross. This faith is the gateway into the ‘Ekklesia,’ a community built upon the confession that Jesus Christ is the foundation of the Church.
At Under The Son Network, we recognize that the Church is not merely a human institution but a divine entity composed of those who have been transformed by the Holy Spirit. By believing in Christ’s lordship and sacrifice, one is baptized into this sacred body and becomes an integral part of His Church.
In essence, the Church is not defined by its physicality but by its spirituality, bound together by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, making it a unique and holy congregation—a true ‘Ekklesia.’
