Church Theology

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things Chapter One: The Origin of the Church

The root meaning of the term church (Gk: ekklesia) is “those called out.”

*In the very name “church” their is a sense of ownership and action.

*The believer IS the church not just to proudly carry a title but to move into the world.

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things Chapter One: The Origin of the Church

In classical Greek

*In secular circles “ekklesia (church)” was no different than saying group, gang, or even mob.

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things Chapter One: The Origin of the Church

The Hebrew words

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things Chapter One: The Origin of the Church

In the New Testament, ekklesia came to refer to an assembly of believers, namely, followers of Jesus.

The term church as used in this volume refers to the New Testament church founded by Jesus Christ; that is, an assembly of believers: *joined to Christ’s spiritual body by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13)

The is an understanding of “THE UNIVERSITY/Unity in Diversity” of the church. *at the moment of regeneration (Titus 3:3–6)

The church is a people that has been transformed by the Holy Spirit. *when they individually place their faith in the Lord Jesus as their Savior (Acts 16:31).

The church is not just corporate but individual. Each person putting their faith in Christ.

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things Chapter One: The Origin of the Church

Body of believers:

UNIVERSAL CHURCH (Church at Rest):

Invisible believers

Already in heaven

Spiritual body

LOCAL CHURCH (Militant Church):

Visible believers

Those still on earth

Local manifestation of the body

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things The Biblical Basis for the Doctrine of the Church’s Origin

As used of an assembly of believers after the time of Christ, the word ekklesia came to mean “the Christian church,” either in its universal (invisible) or local (visible) sense.

The church was ordained from eternity (Eph. 1:4)

Systematic Theology, Volume Four: Church, Last Things The Ordination of the Church by God

He knew and ordained not only the church in general but also each person in particular who would be in it. His foreknowledge is infallible, and His providence is specific and minute.14