Thompson Chain Reference Number: 726-762

Strong’s Reference: G1577, G1537, G2564

This English term is believed to come from the Greek word κυριακός, meaning ‘related to the Lord,’ and is typically employed to describe both a group of professing Christians and the structure they use for worship. The focus here is on the biblical meaning of the term ἐκκλησία, or ‘assembly.’ The “church” is a called out assembly of God’s people.

The English word Church has two applications in relation to the Christian.

1. To the whole body of believing saints, “I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Also in Scriptures such as Eph. 3:10; 5:25.
2. In the singular context to a company consisting of professing believers (Acts 20:28, Gal. 1:13) and in the plural as, “churches.”

A local church is an assembly of professing believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who dwell in a particular place. They assemble together in His name for the breaking of bread, fellowship, worship, praise, prayer, teaching of the Word of God, the furtherance of the Gospel, discipline and the edification of one another. A church exists where two or three are gathered (Matt. 18:20). Every local assembly of believers have Christ in their midst and is a temple of God indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Elders and deacons are appointed by a local assembly of believers for oversight of the local body of believers.  

The word “church” is mentioned concerning Israel in the wilderness, in the New Testament once in Acts 7:38, and referring to a non-Jewish crowd in Acts 19:32, 41. Its initial mention in connection to Christianity appears in Matthew 16:18, where, following Peter’s acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of the living God, the Lord replies, “on this rock I will establish my assembly.”

Historically, this spiritual construction (since ‘building’ does not denote a physical structure) commenced after His death and resurrection, marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In this view of the church, there is no possibility of failure — “the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” It represents what Christ accomplishes through His Spirit within individuals and anticipates the complete and ultimate outcome. In 1 Peter 2:4-5, we see the ongoing process, “you also as living stones are being constructed into a spiritual house.”  The notion of ‘building’ here implies a work done so thoroughly that individuals recognize their role as part of God’s dwelling and become equipped to present spiritual offerings as a holy priesthood.

The church will persist on earth until the event known as the rapture, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18. Just as there were saints on earth prior to the establishment of the church, there will also be saints present after the rapture: while all will receive salvation, not everyone will be a member of God’s church as indicated in the scriptures. This holds a uniquely significant role, intended by God, so that the principalities and powers in the heavenly realms may currently grasp the diverse wisdom of God; and in future ages, the immense wealth of God’s grace will be revealed “in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7; Eph. 3:10).