Today in our Bible discussion we looked at the question ‘What is the church?’ It’s certainly not a building (useful though these are). The church is made up of God’s people meeting together; we are the church! We are the ‘called-out ones’ and on the confession of Peter about who Jesus is (the Messiah and Saviour of the world), Jesus will build HIs church. (Matt 16:13-20)
Some say God chooses who will be in the church; others say people choose themselves, but it appears that both views are true to some extent. As in a marriage, there is a mutual choice which works together for good. The church is made of holy people (Eph 1:1). ‘saints’. In John 10:14-15, Jesus makes clear that there will be both Israelites and non-Israelites in the church.
The church has two arms, so to speak, ‘the church militant’ and ‘the church triumphant.’ The church militant involves all who are on active service for the Lord (2 Tim 2:3); the church triumphant are those who have ‘gone before’ (Heb 12:1).
It’s possible to be a Christian and not be part of a church, but this is like a sole trader instead of part of a larger company. It’s not advisable or what God wants, for the church is meant to help, encourage, strengthen and build each other (Eccl 4:9-12, Prov 27:17, Rom 1:11-12, Eph 4:11-12, 1 Thess 5:11). The church is God’s idea, even though we may find it annoying, difficult, frustrating and trying! The church is for us, and we are for the church!