The Church: Its Origin, Nature and Destiny Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006

The Church: Its The Church: Its Origin, Nature Origin, Nature

and Destinyand Destiny

The Church: Its The Church: Its Origin, Nature Origin, Nature

and Destinyand Destiny

Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006

Outline:Outline:

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the ChurchII. Origin of the Church• III. Nature of the ChurchIII. Nature of the Church• IV. Characteristics of the IV. Characteristics of the

ChurchChurch• V. Mission of the Church V. Mission of the Church • VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church



I. Definition of the Church I. Definition of the Church A. Meaning of the Term A. Meaning of the Term

“church”“church”

I. Definition of the Church I. Definition of the Church A. Meaning of the Term A. Meaning of the Term

“church”“church” Greek word for church is Greek word for church is ecclesiaecclesia (It (It means means “an assembly of persons”“an assembly of persons”))

115 Occurrences of “church” in NT115 Occurrences of “church” in NT A Mob (Acts 19:32,41)A Mob (Acts 19:32,41) A Legal Assembly (Acts 19:39)A Legal Assembly (Acts 19:39) A Jewish gathering (Acts 7:38; Heb. A Jewish gathering (Acts 7:38; Heb.

2:12)2:12) An assembly of ChristiansAn assembly of Christians: universal or : universal or

local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; 10:32; 12:13; etc)10:32; 12:13; etc)

Greek word for church is Greek word for church is ecclesiaecclesia (It (It means means “an assembly of persons”“an assembly of persons”))

115 Occurrences of “church” in NT115 Occurrences of “church” in NT A Mob (Acts 19:32,41)A Mob (Acts 19:32,41) A Legal Assembly (Acts 19:39)A Legal Assembly (Acts 19:39) A Jewish gathering (Acts 7:38; Heb. A Jewish gathering (Acts 7:38; Heb.

2:12)2:12) An assembly of ChristiansAn assembly of Christians: universal or : universal or

local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; local church (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2; 10:32; 12:13; etc)10:32; 12:13; etc)

A. Meaning of the Term A. Meaning of the Term “Church”“Church”B. Two Dimensions of the B. Two Dimensions of the Church:Church:

A. Meaning of the Term A. Meaning of the Term “Church”“Church”B. Two Dimensions of the B. Two Dimensions of the Church:Church: Universal and LocalUniversal and Local Universal and LocalUniversal and Local

UniversalUniversal ChurchChurch

LocalLocal ChurchChurchLocalLocal ChurchChurchInvisibleInvisibleInvisibleInvisible VisibleVisibleVisibleVisible


LocalLocal ChurchChurchLocalLocal ChurchChurchInvisibleInvisible

One ChurchOne Church

InvisibleInvisible


VisibleVisible

Many churchesMany churches

VisibleVisible





An organismAn organism

InvisibleInvisible



VisibleVisible


An organizationAn organization

VisibleVisible







Only saved membersOnly saved members

InvisibleInvisible




VisibleVisible



Saved and lost membersSaved and lost members

VisibleVisible









Dead and living Dead and living membersmembers

InvisibleInvisible





VisibleVisible




Only living membersOnly living members

VisibleVisible








An OrganismAn Organism



Whole Body of ChristWhole Body of Christ

InvisibleInvisible






VisibleVisible





Only part of Body of Only part of Body of ChristChrist

VisibleVisible













Christ is invisible HeadChrist is invisible Head

InvisibleInvisible







VisibleVisible







VisibleVisible















No Elders or DeaconsNo Elders or Deacons

InvisibleInvisible








VisibleVisible







Elders and DeaconsElders and Deacons

VisibleVisible

















No ordinancesNo ordinances

InvisibleInvisible









VisibleVisible








Two ordinancesTwo ordinances

VisibleVisible



















No denominationsNo denominations

InvisibleInvisible










VisibleVisible









Many denominationsMany denominations

VisibleVisible





















IndestructibleIndestructible

InvisibleInvisible











VisibleVisible










DestructibleDestructible

VisibleVisible











Outline:Outline:

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the ChurchII. Origin of the Church

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the ChurchII. Origin of the Church

Outline:Outline:

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the Church II. Origin of the Church A. It is not in the Old Testament A. It is not in the Old Testament

(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6)


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6)

Outline:Outline:


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16

Outline:Outline:


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1

Outline:Outline:


(Eph. (Eph. 3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 D. It Began in Acts 2 D. It Began in Acts 2



Outline:Outline:



E. It was Persecuted by Paul in E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9Acts 7-9



E. It was Persecuted by Paul in E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9Acts 7-9

Outline:Outline:• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the Church II. Origin of the Church A. It is not in the Old Testament (Eph. A. It is not in the Old Testament (Eph.

3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 D. It Began in Acts 2 D. It Began in Acts 2

E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9

F. Peter Said it Began in Acts 2 (in Acts F. Peter Said it Began in Acts 2 (in Acts 11:15) 11:15)

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the Church II. Origin of the Church A. It is not in the Old Testament (Eph. A. It is not in the Old Testament (Eph.

3:3-6) 3:3-6) B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 B. It is Still Future in Matt. 16 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 C. It is Still Future in Acts 1 D. It Began in Acts 2 D. It Began in Acts 2

E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9E. It was Persecuted by Paul in Acts 7-9

F. Peter Said it Began in Acts 2 (in Acts F. Peter Said it Began in Acts 2 (in Acts 11:15) 11:15)

A. The Church is Not in the Old A. The Church is Not in the Old TestamentTestamentA. The Church is Not in the Old A. The Church is Not in the Old TestamentTestament

• The church is “...the mystery made known to me by revelation...the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 3:3-6)(Eph. 3:3-6)

• The church is “...the mystery made known to me by revelation...the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 3:3-6)(Eph. 3:3-6)

A. The Church is Not in the Old A. The Church is Not in the Old TestamentTestamentA. The Church is Not in the Old A. The Church is Not in the Old TestamentTestament

• “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints” (Col. 1:24-26).

• “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints” (Col. 1:24-26).

B. The Church is Still Future in Matt. B. The Church is Still Future in Matt. 1616B. The Church is Still Future in Matt. B. The Church is Still Future in Matt. 1616

• “Simon Peter answered, `You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, `Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’” (vv. 16-18)

• “Simon Peter answered, `You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, `Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’” (vv. 16-18)

C. The Church is Still Future in Acts C. The Church is Still Future in Acts 11C. The Church is Still Future in Acts C. The Church is Still Future in Acts 11

• “’For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”.... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:5-8)

• “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

• .

• “’For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”.... But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:5-8)

• “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

• .

D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2

• ”When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

• .

• ”When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

• .

D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2D. The Church Began in Acts 2

• “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

• ”Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)

• “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

• ”Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47)

E. Paul Persecuted The Church in E. Paul Persecuted The Church in Acts 7-9Acts 7-9E. Paul Persecuted The Church in E. Paul Persecuted The Church in Acts 7-9Acts 7-9

”For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.” (Gal. 1:13)

”For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.” (Gal. 1:13)

F. Peter Said the Church Began in F. Peter Said the Church Began in Acts 2Acts 2F. Peter Said the Church Began in F. Peter Said the Church Began in Acts 2Acts 2

” As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.” (Acts 11:15)

” As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning.” (Acts 11:15)

Outline:Outline:

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the ChurchII. Origin of the Church• III. Nature of the ChurchIII. Nature of the Church

• I. Definition of the ChurchI. Definition of the Church• II. Origin of the ChurchII. Origin of the Church• III. Nature of the ChurchIII. Nature of the Church

A. The Relation of the A. The Relation of the Universal and Local ChurchUniversal and Local Church

A. The Relation of the A. The Relation of the Universal and Local ChurchUniversal and Local Church

• ““To To the church of Godthe church of God [universal [universal aspect] aspect] in Corinthin Corinth [the local [the local manifestation], to those manifestation], to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christthe name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”—their Lord and ours.” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 1:2)1:2)

• ““To To the church of Godthe church of God [universal [universal aspect] aspect] in Corinthin Corinth [the local [the local manifestation], to those manifestation], to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christthe name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”—their Lord and ours.” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 1:2)1:2)

Universal Universal ChurchChurch

Local ChurchLocal ChurchInvisibleInvisible






Christ is Visible HeadChrist is Visible Head



No DenominationsNo Denominations


VisibleVisible

Many ChurchesMany Churches

An OrganizationAn Organization




Christ is Invisible HeadChrist is Invisible Head





B. Biblical References to the B. Biblical References to the Universal ChurchUniversal Church


• ““Jesus said, ‘on this rock I will Jesus said, ‘on this rock I will build build my churchmy church, and the gates , and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’”of Hades will not overcome it.’” (Mt. 16:18)(Mt. 16:18)

• Cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:1-2; Acts 1:5Cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:1-2; Acts 1:5• 1 Cor. 12:13).1 Cor. 12:13).

• ““Jesus said, ‘on this rock I will Jesus said, ‘on this rock I will build build my churchmy church, and the gates , and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.’”of Hades will not overcome it.’” (Mt. 16:18)(Mt. 16:18)

• Cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:1-2; Acts 1:5Cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:1-2; Acts 1:5• 1 Cor. 12:13).1 Cor. 12:13).



• ““The Lord added to The Lord added to the churchthe church daily those who were being daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47) “Great fear saved.” (Acts 2:47) “Great fear seized seized the whole churchthe whole church and all and all who heard about these events.”who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11 cf. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 1 (Acts 5:11 cf. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13)Cor. 12:13)

• ““The Lord added to The Lord added to the churchthe church daily those who were being daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47) “Great fear saved.” (Acts 2:47) “Great fear seized seized the whole churchthe whole church and all and all who heard about these events.”who heard about these events.” (Acts 5:11 cf. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 1 (Acts 5:11 cf. Acts 2:41; 4:4; 1 Cor. 12:13)Cor. 12:13)

B. Biblical References to B. Biblical References to the Universal Churchthe Universal Church

B. Biblical References to B. Biblical References to the Universal Churchthe Universal Church

• ““But Saul began to destroy But Saul began to destroy the the churchchurch. Going from house to . Going from house to house, he dragged off men and house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.”women and put them in prison.” (Acts 8:3)(Acts 8:3)

• ““He fell to the ground and heard He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, who do you who do you persecute me?’”persecute me?’” (Acts 9:4 cf. (Acts 9:4 cf.

1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:22)1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:22)

• ““But Saul began to destroy But Saul began to destroy the the churchchurch. Going from house to . Going from house to house, he dragged off men and house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.”women and put them in prison.” (Acts 8:3)(Acts 8:3)

• ““He fell to the ground and heard He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, who do you who do you persecute me?’”persecute me?’” (Acts 9:4 cf. (Acts 9:4 cf.

1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:22)1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:22)



• ““Keep watch over yourselves Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of overseers. Be shepherds of the the church of Godchurch of God, which he bought , which he bought with his own blood.”with his own blood.”

(Acts 20:28, cf. Eph. 5:25)(Acts 20:28, cf. Eph. 5:25)

• ““Keep watch over yourselves Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of overseers. Be shepherds of the the church of Godchurch of God, which he bought , which he bought with his own blood.”with his own blood.”

(Acts 20:28, cf. Eph. 5:25)(Acts 20:28, cf. Eph. 5:25)



• ““To To the church of Godthe church of God in Corinth, in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those together with all those everywhere who call on the everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”their Lord and ours.” (1 Cor. 1:2) (1 Cor. 1:2)

• ““To To the church of Godthe church of God in Corinth, in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those together with all those everywhere who call on the everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”their Lord and ours.” (1 Cor. 1:2) (1 Cor. 1:2)



• ““Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, our brother, to the church of Godto the church of God in Corinth, together with all the in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia.”saints throughout Achaia.” (2 (2 Cor. 1:1) Cor. 1:1)

• ““Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, our brother, to the church of Godto the church of God in Corinth, together with all the in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia.”saints throughout Achaia.” (2 (2 Cor. 1:1) Cor. 1:1)



• ““Do not cause anyone to Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or or the church of Godthe church of God ....” ....” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 10:32) 10:32)

• ““Do not cause anyone to Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or or the church of Godthe church of God ....” ....” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 10:32) 10:32)



• ““For also in the power of one For also in the power of one Spirit we have all been baptized Spirit we have all been baptized into into one body,one body, whether Jews or whether Jews or Greeks, whether bondmen or Greeks, whether bondmen or free, and have all been given to free, and have all been given to drink of one Spirit.”drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 12:13) 12:13)

• ““Now Now you are the Body of Christyou are the Body of Christ, , and each one of you is a part of and each one of you is a part of it.”it.” (1 Cor. 12:27) (1 Cor. 12:27)

• ““For also in the power of one For also in the power of one Spirit we have all been baptized Spirit we have all been baptized into into one body,one body, whether Jews or whether Jews or Greeks, whether bondmen or Greeks, whether bondmen or free, and have all been given to free, and have all been given to drink of one Spirit.”drink of one Spirit.” (1 Cor. (1 Cor. 12:13) 12:13)

• ““Now Now you are the Body of Christyou are the Body of Christ, , and each one of you is a part of and each one of you is a part of it.”it.” (1 Cor. 12:27) (1 Cor. 12:27)



• ““In the church In the church God has God has appointed first of all apostles, appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”of tongues.” (1 Cor. 12:28) (1 Cor. 12:28)

• ““In the church In the church God has God has appointed first of all apostles, appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds those speaking in different kinds of tongues.”of tongues.” (1 Cor. 12:28) (1 Cor. 12:28)



• ““And God placed all things under And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the head over everything for the church, which is his bodychurch, which is his body, the , the fullness of him who fills fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”everything in every way.” (Eph. (Eph. 1:22-23) 1:22-23)

• ““And God placed all things under And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the head over everything for the church, which is his bodychurch, which is his body, the , the fullness of him who fills fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”everything in every way.” (Eph. (Eph. 1:22-23) 1:22-23)



• ““His intent was that now, His intent was that now, through through the churchthe church, the manifold , the manifold wisdom of God should be made wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly authorities in the heavenly realms....”realms....” (Eph. 3:10) (Eph. 3:10)

• ““His intent was that now, His intent was that now, through through the churchthe church, the manifold , the manifold wisdom of God should be made wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly authorities in the heavenly realms....”realms....” (Eph. 3:10) (Eph. 3:10)



• ““To him be glory in To him be glory in the churchthe church and in Christ Jesus throughout and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:21) (Eph. 3:21)

• ““To him be glory in To him be glory in the churchthe church and in Christ Jesus throughout and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”ever! Amen.” (Eph. 3:21) (Eph. 3:21)



• ““For the husband is the head of the wife For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of as Christ is the head of the churchthe church, his , his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the churchthe church submits to Christ, so also submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved just as Christ loved the churchthe church and gave and gave himself up for her to make her holy, himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water cleansing her by the washing with water through the word….”(Eph. 5:23-25)through the word….”(Eph. 5:23-25)

• ““For the husband is the head of the wife For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of as Christ is the head of the churchthe church, his , his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the churchthe church submits to Christ, so also submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved just as Christ loved the churchthe church and gave and gave himself up for her to make her holy, himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water cleansing her by the washing with water through the word….”(Eph. 5:23-25)through the word….”(Eph. 5:23-25)



• “…“…and to present her to himself as a and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and or any other blemish, but holy and blameless . . . He who loves his wife blameless . . . He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does cares for it, just as Christ does thethe churchchurch—for we are members of —for we are members of his his bodybody…. This is a profound mystery— but …. This is a profound mystery— but I am talking about Christ and I am talking about Christ and the the churchchurch.”.” (Eph. 5:23-32) (Eph. 5:23-32)

• “…“…and to present her to himself as a and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and or any other blemish, but holy and blameless . . . He who loves his wife blameless . . . He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does cares for it, just as Christ does thethe churchchurch—for we are members of —for we are members of his his bodybody…. This is a profound mystery— but …. This is a profound mystery— but I am talking about Christ and I am talking about Christ and the the churchchurch.”.” (Eph. 5:23-32) (Eph. 5:23-32)



• ““And he is the head of And he is the head of the bodythe body, , the churchthe church; he is the beginning ; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18) (Col. 1:18)

• ““And he is the head of And he is the head of the bodythe body, , the churchthe church; he is the beginning ; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”he might have the supremacy.” (Col. 1:18) (Col. 1:18)



• ““Now I rejoice in what was Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of the sake of his bodyhis body, which is , which is the the churchchurch.”.” (Col. 1:24) (Col. 1:24)

• ““Now I rejoice in what was Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of the sake of his bodyhis body, which is , which is the the churchchurch.”.” (Col. 1:24) (Col. 1:24)



• ““You have come to thousands upon You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to assembly, to the churchthe church of the of the firstborn, whose names are written in firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant, and the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”better word than the blood of Abel.” (Heb. 12:23)(Heb. 12:23)

• ““You have come to thousands upon You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to assembly, to the churchthe church of the of the firstborn, whose names are written in firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant, and the Mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.”better word than the blood of Abel.” (Heb. 12:23)(Heb. 12:23)

C. Biblical Terms for the C. Biblical Terms for the ChurchChurch

C. Biblical Terms for the C. Biblical Terms for the ChurchChurch

• The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ• The Bride of ChristThe Bride of Christ• The Wife of ChristThe Wife of Christ• The Firstborn of ChristThe Firstborn of Christ• The Building of ChristThe Building of Christ• A Spiritual HouseA Spiritual House• A Holy PriesthoodA Holy Priesthood• A Royal PriesthoodA Royal Priesthood• A Chosen PeopleA Chosen People• A Special PeopleA Special People• A FlockA Flock

• The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ• The Bride of ChristThe Bride of Christ• The Wife of ChristThe Wife of Christ• The Firstborn of ChristThe Firstborn of Christ• The Building of ChristThe Building of Christ• A Spiritual HouseA Spiritual House• A Holy PriesthoodA Holy Priesthood• A Royal PriesthoodA Royal Priesthood• A Chosen PeopleA Chosen People• A Special PeopleA Special People• A FlockA Flock

C. Central Terms for the C. Central Terms for the ChurchChurch

C. Central Terms for the C. Central Terms for the ChurchChurch

• The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ– Greek: Greek: somasoma (cf. Rom. 12:4,5; 1 (cf. Rom. 12:4,5; 1

Cor. 10:16,17; 12:12-27; Eph. 1:23; Cor. 10:16,17; 12:12-27; Eph. 1:23; etc.)etc.)

– Paul said God has Paul said God has “. . .put all things “. . .put all things under his feet, and gave him to be under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the head over all things to the the church, which is his bodychurch, which is his body, the , the fullness of him that fills all in all.”fullness of him that fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:22-23 cf. Col. 1:24) (Eph. 1:22-23 cf. Col. 1:24)

• The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ– Greek: Greek: somasoma (cf. Rom. 12:4,5; 1 (cf. Rom. 12:4,5; 1

Cor. 10:16,17; 12:12-27; Eph. 1:23; Cor. 10:16,17; 12:12-27; Eph. 1:23; etc.)etc.)

– Paul said God has Paul said God has “. . .put all things “. . .put all things under his feet, and gave him to be under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the head over all things to the the church, which is his bodychurch, which is his body, the , the fullness of him that fills all in all.”fullness of him that fills all in all.” (Eph. 1:22-23 cf. Col. 1:24) (Eph. 1:22-23 cf. Col. 1:24)

• The Body of ChristThe Body of Christ– Body (Body (somasoma): used of church, both ): used of church, both

visible and invisible.visible and invisible.


visible and invisible.visible and invisible.


visible and invisible.visible and invisible.– 1 Cor. 12:12-271 Cor. 12:12-27





• unity of (12-13)unity of (12-13)



• unity of (12-13)unity of (12-13)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)• Mutuality of (21-27)Mutuality of (21-27)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)• Mutuality of (21-27)Mutuality of (21-27)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)• Mutuality of (21-27)Mutuality of (21-27)• Spirituality (28-31)Spirituality (28-31)



• unity of (12) unity of (12) • Universality of (13)Universality of (13)• Diversity of (14-20)Diversity of (14-20)• Mutuality of (21-27)Mutuality of (21-27)• Spirituality (28-31)Spirituality (28-31)

• The Bride of ChristThe Bride of Christ– John wrote of John wrote of “One of the seven “One of the seven

angels who had the seven bowls full angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and of the seven last plagues came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the bridethe bride, the wife of the Lamb.’”, the wife of the Lamb.’” (Rev.21:9)(Rev.21:9)

– ““I saw the Holy City, the new I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as heaven from God, prepared as a a bridebride beautifully dressed for her beautifully dressed for her husband.”husband.” (Rev. 21:2) (Rev. 21:2)

– Rev. 19:7; 22:1; 2 Cor. 11:2Rev. 19:7; 22:1; 2 Cor. 11:2

• The Bride of ChristThe Bride of Christ– John wrote of John wrote of “One of the seven “One of the seven

angels who had the seven bowls full angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and of the seven last plagues came and said to me, ‘Come, I will show you said to me, ‘Come, I will show you the bridethe bride, the wife of the Lamb.’”, the wife of the Lamb.’” (Rev.21:9)(Rev.21:9)

– ““I saw the Holy City, the new I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as heaven from God, prepared as a a bridebride beautifully dressed for her beautifully dressed for her husband.”husband.” (Rev. 21:2) (Rev. 21:2)

– Rev. 19:7; 22:1; 2 Cor. 11:2Rev. 19:7; 22:1; 2 Cor. 11:2

• The Wife of ChristThe Wife of Christ– ““Now as the church submits to Now as the church submits to

Christ, so also Christ, so also wives wives should submit should submit to their husbands in everything. to their husbands in everything. Husbands, Husbands, love your wives, love your wives, just as just as Christ lovedChrist loved the church the church and gave and gave himself up for her.”himself up for her.”

(Eph. 5:24-25; cf. Rev. 21:9)(Eph. 5:24-25; cf. Rev. 21:9)

• The Wife of ChristThe Wife of Christ– ““Now as the church submits to Now as the church submits to

Christ, so also Christ, so also wives wives should submit should submit to their husbands in everything. to their husbands in everything. Husbands, Husbands, love your wives, love your wives, just as just as Christ lovedChrist loved the church the church and gave and gave himself up for her.”himself up for her.”

(Eph. 5:24-25; cf. Rev. 21:9)(Eph. 5:24-25; cf. Rev. 21:9)

• The Firstborn of ChristThe Firstborn of Christ– ““. . .. . .the church of the firstbornthe church of the firstborn, ,

whose names are written heaven. whose names are written heaven. You have come to God, the judge of You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect.”men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:23 cf (Heb. 12:23 cf Col. 1:18)Col. 1:18)

• The Firstborn of ChristThe Firstborn of Christ– ““. . .. . .the church of the firstbornthe church of the firstborn, ,

whose names are written heaven. whose names are written heaven. You have come to God, the judge of You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect.”men made perfect.” (Heb. 12:23 cf (Heb. 12:23 cf Col. 1:18)Col. 1:18)

• The Building of ChristThe Building of Christ– Christ “the Chief Cornerstone” Christ “the Chief Cornerstone”

(Eph. 2:20; (Eph. 2:20; cf. 1 Peter 2:7)cf. 1 Peter 2:7)– ““You also, like You also, like living stonesliving stones, are , are

being built into a spiritual house….”being built into a spiritual house….” (1 Peter 2:5) (1 Peter 2:5)

• The Building of ChristThe Building of Christ– Christ “the Chief Cornerstone” Christ “the Chief Cornerstone”

(Eph. 2:20; (Eph. 2:20; cf. 1 Peter 2:7)cf. 1 Peter 2:7)– ““You also, like You also, like living stonesliving stones, are , are

being built into a spiritual house….”being built into a spiritual house….” (1 Peter 2:5) (1 Peter 2:5)

• A Spiritual HouseA Spiritual House– ““You also, like living stones, are You also, like living stones, are

being built into a being built into a spiritual housespiritual house to to be a holy priesthood, offering be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter (1 Peter 2:5)2:5)

• A Spiritual HouseA Spiritual House– ““You also, like living stones, are You also, like living stones, are

being built into a being built into a spiritual housespiritual house to to be a holy priesthood, offering be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter (1 Peter 2:5)2:5)

• A Holy PriesthoodA Holy Priesthood– ““You also, like living stones, are You also, like living stones, are

being built into a spiritual house to being built into a spiritual house to be a be a holy priesthoodholy priesthood, offering , offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter (1 Peter 2:5)2:5)

– We have We have ““a great High Priesta great High Priest”” who who ever lives to make intercession for ever lives to make intercession for us. us.

(Heb. 7:25)(Heb. 7:25)

• A Holy PriesthoodA Holy Priesthood– ““You also, like living stones, are You also, like living stones, are

being built into a spiritual house to being built into a spiritual house to be a be a holy priesthoodholy priesthood, offering , offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter (1 Peter 2:5)2:5)

– We have We have ““a great High Priesta great High Priest”” who who ever lives to make intercession for ever lives to make intercession for us. us.

(Heb. 7:25)(Heb. 7:25)

• A Royal PriesthoodA Royal Priesthood– A A ““royalroyal priesthoodpriesthood” (1Peter 2:5)” (1Peter 2:5)– ““You have made them to be a You have made them to be a

kingdom and priestskingdom and priests to serve our to serve our God, and they will reign on the God, and they will reign on the earth.”earth.” (Rev. 5:10) (Rev. 5:10)

• A Royal PriesthoodA Royal Priesthood– A A ““royalroyal priesthoodpriesthood” (1Peter 2:5)” (1Peter 2:5)– ““You have made them to be a You have made them to be a

kingdom and priestskingdom and priests to serve our to serve our God, and they will reign on the God, and they will reign on the earth.”earth.” (Rev. 5:10) (Rev. 5:10)

• A Chosen PeopleA Chosen People– ““But you are But you are a chosen peoplea chosen people, a , a

royal priesthood, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”wonderful light.”

(1 Peter 2:9)(1 Peter 2:9)−““For he For he chose us in himchose us in him before the before the

creation of the world to be holy and creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”blameless in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4) (Eph. 1:4)

• A Chosen PeopleA Chosen People– ““But you are But you are a chosen peoplea chosen people, a , a

royal priesthood, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”wonderful light.”

(1 Peter 2:9)(1 Peter 2:9)−““For he For he chose us in himchose us in him before the before the

creation of the world to be holy and creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”blameless in his sight.” (Eph. 1:4) (Eph. 1:4)

• A Special PeopleA Special People– “ “ But you are… But you are… His own special His own special

peoplepeople that you may proclaim the that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous of darkness into His marvelous light.” light.” (1 Peter 2:9)(1 Peter 2:9)

• A Special PeopleA Special People– “ “ But you are… But you are… His own special His own special

peoplepeople that you may proclaim the that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous of darkness into His marvelous light.” light.” (1 Peter 2:9)(1 Peter 2:9)

• AA Flock Flock (cf. Psa. 23) (cf. Psa. 23)– Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good

Shepherd and believers as His SheepShepherd and believers as His Sheep

(Jn. 10)(Jn. 10)– ““Feed Feed My SheepMy Sheep.”.” (Jn. 21:15:17) (Jn. 21:15:17)– ““Take heed…to Take heed…to all the flockall the flock”” Acts Acts

20:2820:28– ““And when the And when the Chief ShepherdChief Shepherd

appears, you will receive the crown appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)(1 Peter 5:1-4)

• AA Flock Flock (cf. Psa. 23) (cf. Psa. 23)– Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good Jesus spoke of Himself as the Good

Shepherd and believers as His SheepShepherd and believers as His Sheep

(Jn. 10)(Jn. 10)– ““Feed Feed My SheepMy Sheep.”.” (Jn. 21:15:17) (Jn. 21:15:17)– ““Take heed…to Take heed…to all the flockall the flock”” Acts Acts

20:2820:28– ““And when the And when the Chief ShepherdChief Shepherd

appears, you will receive the crown appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)(1 Peter 5:1-4)

Other Terms Relating Other Terms Relating Christ and His ChurchChrist and His ChurchOther Terms Relating Other Terms Relating Christ and His ChurchChrist and His Church

• Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-21)21)




• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)


• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)



• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)


• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)



• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)


• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)



• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)• Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)


• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)• Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)



• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)• Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)• Creator/New Creation (2 Cor. Creator/New Creation (2 Cor.

5:21)5:21)



5:21)5:21)




5:21)5:21)• Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)



5:21)5:21)• Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)


• Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-21)Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-21)• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)• Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)• Creator/New Creation (2 Cor. 5:21)Creator/New Creation (2 Cor. 5:21)• Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)• Vine/Branches (Jn. 15:1) Vine/Branches (Jn. 15:1)

• Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-21)Cornerstone/Temple (Eph. 2:20-21)• Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)Beloved/Virgin (2 Cor. 11:2)• Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)Ruler/City (Rev. 21:9-10)• Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)Owner/Possession (Titus 2:14)• Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)Firstborn/Household (Eph. 2:19)• Creator/New Creation (2 Cor. 5:21)Creator/New Creation (2 Cor. 5:21)• Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)Heir/Inheritance (Eph. 1:18)• Vine/Branches (Jn. 15:1) Vine/Branches (Jn. 15:1)

Outline:Outline:


ChurchChurch


ChurchChurch

IV. Characteristics of the IV. Characteristics of the Universal ChurchUniversal Church

IV. Characteristics of the IV. Characteristics of the Universal ChurchUniversal Church

• 1. It is Eternal1. It is Eternal• 2. It is Invisible2. It is Invisible• 3. It is Increasable3. It is Increasable• 4. It is Indivisible4. It is Indivisible• 5. It is Invincible5. It is Invincible• 6. It is Doxological6. It is Doxological

• 1. It is Eternal1. It is Eternal• 2. It is Invisible2. It is Invisible• 3. It is Increasable3. It is Increasable• 4. It is Indivisible4. It is Indivisible• 5. It is Invincible5. It is Invincible• 6. It is Doxological6. It is Doxological

IV. Characteristics of the IV. Characteristics of the Universal Church Universal Church

IV. Characteristics of the IV. Characteristics of the Universal Church Universal Church

• 8. It is Apostolic8. It is Apostolic• 9. It is Ethnically Neutral9. It is Ethnically Neutral• 10. It is Regenerate10. It is Regenerate• 11. It is Spiritually Equal11. It is Spiritually Equal• 12. It is is Universal12. It is is Universal• 13. It is Original13. It is Original

• 8. It is Apostolic8. It is Apostolic• 9. It is Ethnically Neutral9. It is Ethnically Neutral• 10. It is Regenerate10. It is Regenerate• 11. It is Spiritually Equal11. It is Spiritually Equal• 12. It is is Universal12. It is is Universal• 13. It is Original13. It is Original

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is EternalEternal

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is EternalEternal

• Christ is eternal, and the universal Christ is eternal, and the universal Church was “Church was “chosen in Him [Christ] chosen in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world.”before the foundation of the world.” (Eph. 1:4)(Eph. 1:4)

• ““. . .we speak of God’s secret wisdom . . .we speak of God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden and that God that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory destined for our glory before time before time beganbegan.”.” (1 Cor. 2:7 cf. 2Tim. 1:9; (1 Cor. 2:7 cf. 2Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; Eph. 1:4)Titus 1:2; Eph. 1:4)

• Christ is eternal, and the universal Christ is eternal, and the universal Church was “Church was “chosen in Him [Christ] chosen in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world.”before the foundation of the world.” (Eph. 1:4)(Eph. 1:4)

• ““. . .we speak of God’s secret wisdom . . .we speak of God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden and that God that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory destined for our glory before time before time beganbegan.”.” (1 Cor. 2:7 cf. 2Tim. 1:9; (1 Cor. 2:7 cf. 2Tim. 1:9; Titus 1:2; Eph. 1:4)Titus 1:2; Eph. 1:4)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is InvisibleInvisible


• ““But you have come to Mount Zion But you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, and the city of the living God, the the heavenly Jerusalemheavenly Jerusalem…to the general …to the general assembly, the church of the firstborn, assembly, the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect….”men made perfect….” (Heb. 12:23) (Heb. 12:23)

• ““But you have come to Mount Zion But you have come to Mount Zion and the city of the living God, and the city of the living God, the the heavenly Jerusalemheavenly Jerusalem…to the general …to the general assembly, the church of the firstborn, assembly, the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect….”men made perfect….” (Heb. 12:23) (Heb. 12:23)



• The universal Church is:The universal Church is:– Not a visible Not a visible organization;organization;– Rather, it is an invisible Rather, it is an invisible organismorganism

• “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1Cor. 12:13)

• The universal Church is:The universal Church is:– Not a visible Not a visible organization;organization;– Rather, it is an invisible Rather, it is an invisible organismorganism

• “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” (1Cor. 12:13)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is IncreasableIncreasable


• ““The Lord The Lord addedadded to the church. . .” to the church. . .” (Acts 2:47)(Acts 2:47)





• Christ Christ “. . .the Head, from whom the “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, by its ligaments and sinews, grows grows as as God causes it to God causes it to growgrow.”.” (Col. 2:19) (Col. 2:19)


• Christ Christ “. . .the Head, from whom the “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, by its ligaments and sinews, grows grows as as God causes it to God causes it to growgrow.”.” (Col. 2:19) (Col. 2:19)




• Christ Christ “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows grows as God as God causes it to causes it to growgrow.”.” (Col. 2:19) (Col. 2:19)

• ““. . .him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole . . .him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”work.” (Eph. 4:15-16) (Eph. 4:15-16)


• Christ Christ “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported “. . .the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows grows as God as God causes it to causes it to growgrow.”.” (Col. 2:19) (Col. 2:19)

• ““. . .him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole . . .him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”work.” (Eph. 4:15-16) (Eph. 4:15-16)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is IndivisibleIndivisible


•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the unity of the Spirit”the unity of the Spirit” in the in the church, but it is God who church, but it is God who mademade this unity.this unity.

•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the unity of the Spirit”the unity of the Spirit” in the in the church, but it is God who church, but it is God who mademade this unity.this unity.



•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the the unity of the Spirit”unity of the Spirit” in the church, but in the church, but it is God who it is God who mademade this unity. this unity.

•““Make every effort to keep Make every effort to keep the unity the unity of the Spiritof the Spirit through the bond of through the bond of peace.”peace.” (Eph. 4:2) (Eph. 4:2)

•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the the unity of the Spirit”unity of the Spirit” in the church, but in the church, but it is God who it is God who mademade this unity. this unity.

•““Make every effort to keep Make every effort to keep the unity the unity of the Spiritof the Spirit through the bond of through the bond of peace.”peace.” (Eph. 4:2) (Eph. 4:2)



•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the unity of the the unity of the Spirit”Spirit” in the church, but it is God who in the church, but it is God who mademade this unity.this unity.

•““Make every effort to keep Make every effort to keep the unity of the the unity of the SpiritSpirit through the bond of peace.” through the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:2) (Eph. 4:2)

•By “By “one Spiritone Spirit” we were baptized into ” we were baptized into “one “one bodybody.” (Eph. 4:4, cf. 1 Cor. 12:13).” (Eph. 4:4, cf. 1 Cor. 12:13)

•Paul urged believers to Paul urged believers to ““keepkeep the unity of the the unity of the Spirit”Spirit” in the church, but it is God who in the church, but it is God who mademade this unity.this unity.

•““Make every effort to keep Make every effort to keep the unity of the the unity of the SpiritSpirit through the bond of peace.” through the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:2) (Eph. 4:2)

•By “By “one Spiritone Spirit” we were baptized into ” we were baptized into “one “one bodybody.” (Eph. 4:4, cf. 1 Cor. 12:13).” (Eph. 4:4, cf. 1 Cor. 12:13)



•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute means absolute concord of opinion within a concord of opinion within a given group of people.”given group of people.”

•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute means absolute concord of opinion within a concord of opinion within a given group of people.”given group of people.”



•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute means absolute concord of opinion within a given concord of opinion within a given group of people.”group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”of organization or of ritual.”

•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute means absolute concord of opinion within a given concord of opinion within a given group of people.”group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”of organization or of ritual.”



•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute concord of means absolute concord of opinion within a given group of people.”opinion within a given group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity of is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”organization or of ritual.”

•““UnionUnion implies political affiliation without implies political affiliation without necessarily including individual agreement.”necessarily including individual agreement.”

•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute concord of means absolute concord of opinion within a given group of people.”opinion within a given group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity of is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”organization or of ritual.”

•““UnionUnion implies political affiliation without implies political affiliation without necessarily including individual agreement.”necessarily including individual agreement.”



•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute concord of opinion within a given means absolute concord of opinion within a given group of people.”group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity of organization or of is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”ritual.”

•““UnionUnion implies political affiliation without necessarily implies political affiliation without necessarily including individual agreement.”including individual agreement.”

•““UnityUnity requires oneness of inner heart and essential purpose, requires oneness of inner heart and essential purpose, through the possession of a common interest or a common through the possession of a common interest or a common lifelife.”(Tenney, .”(Tenney, Gospel of JohnGospel of John) )

•““UnanimityUnanimity means absolute concord of opinion within a given means absolute concord of opinion within a given group of people.”group of people.”

•““UniformityUniformity is complete similarity of organization or of is complete similarity of organization or of ritual.”ritual.”

•““UnionUnion implies political affiliation without necessarily implies political affiliation without necessarily including individual agreement.”including individual agreement.”

•““UnityUnity requires oneness of inner heart and essential purpose, requires oneness of inner heart and essential purpose, through the possession of a common interest or a common through the possession of a common interest or a common lifelife.”(Tenney, .”(Tenney, Gospel of JohnGospel of John) )

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is InvincibleInvincible


•After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome the gates of Hades will not overcome itit.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)

•After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome the gates of Hades will not overcome itit.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)



• After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and build my church, and the gates of Hades will the gates of Hades will not overcome itnot overcome it.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)

• Today – Today – Church MilitantChurch Militant

• After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and build my church, and the gates of Hades will the gates of Hades will not overcome itnot overcome it.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)

• Today – Today – Church MilitantChurch Militant



•After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and my church, and the gates of Hades will not the gates of Hades will not overcome itovercome it.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)

•Today – Today – Church MilitantChurch Militant•Ultimately – Ultimately – Church TriumphantChurch Triumphant

•After Peter confessed, After Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you Son of the Living God,” Jesus said, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and my church, and the gates of Hades will not the gates of Hades will not overcome itovercome it.” (Mt. 16:18 .” (Mt. 16:18 cf. Eph. 3:9-11)cf. Eph. 3:9-11)

•Today – Today – Church MilitantChurch Militant•Ultimately – Ultimately – Church TriumphantChurch Triumphant

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is DoxologicalDoxological


•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do or drink or whatever you do, do it all for it all for the glory of Godthe glory of God.”.” (1 (1 Cor. 10:31)Cor. 10:31)

•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do or drink or whatever you do, do it all for it all for the glory of Godthe glory of God.”.” (1 (1 Cor. 10:31)Cor. 10:31)



•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat or “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of Godthe glory of God.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

•The angels sang at Christ’s birth, The angels sang at Christ’s birth, ““Glory to GodGlory to God in the highest.” in the highest.” (Lk. (Lk. 2:14)2:14)

•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat or “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of Godthe glory of God.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

•The angels sang at Christ’s birth, The angels sang at Christ’s birth, ““Glory to GodGlory to God in the highest.” in the highest.” (Lk. (Lk. 2:14)2:14)



•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat or drink or “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the glory of GodGod.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

•The angels sang at Christ’s birth, The angels sang at Christ’s birth, ““Glory to Glory to GodGod in the highest.” in the highest.” (Lk. 2:14) (Lk. 2:14)

•Paul declared, Paul declared, ““To him be the gloryTo him be the glory forever! forever! Amen.”Amen.” (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 5:12) (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 5:12)

•Paul said, Paul said, “So whether you eat or drink or “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for whatever you do, do it all for the glory of the glory of GodGod.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

•The angels sang at Christ’s birth, The angels sang at Christ’s birth, ““Glory to Glory to GodGod in the highest.” in the highest.” (Lk. 2:14) (Lk. 2:14)

•Paul declared, Paul declared, ““To him be the gloryTo him be the glory forever! forever! Amen.”Amen.” (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 5:12) (Rom. 11:36; Rev. 4:9; Rev. 5:12)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is ApostolicApostolic


•Along with Christ the Chief Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church “Cornerstone, the Church “was was built on the foundation of the built on the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)

•Along with Christ the Chief Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church “Cornerstone, the Church “was was built on the foundation of the built on the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)



•Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church “the Church “was was built on the built on the foundation of the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)

• Apostles received special Apostles received special ““signs of an signs of an apostleapostle.”.” (2 Cor. 12:12) (2 Cor. 12:12)

•Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church “the Church “was was built on the built on the foundation of the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)

• Apostles received special Apostles received special ““signs of an signs of an apostleapostle.”.” (2 Cor. 12:12) (2 Cor. 12:12)



• Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church ““was was

built on the foundation of the built on the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)

• Apostles received special Apostles received special ““signs of an apostlesigns of an apostle.”.” (2 Cor. (2 Cor. 12:12)12:12)

• Then, the church continued in Then, the church continued in “the teaching of the “the teaching of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 2:42) (Acts 2:42)

• Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church Along with Christ the Chief Cornerstone, the Church ““was was

built on the foundation of the built on the foundation of the apostlesapostles ....” ....” (Eph. 2:20) (Eph. 2:20)

• Apostles received special Apostles received special ““signs of an apostlesigns of an apostle.”.” (2 Cor. (2 Cor. 12:12)12:12)

• Then, the church continued in Then, the church continued in “the teaching of the “the teaching of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 2:42) (Acts 2:42)



•After the Day of Pentecost, baptism After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit administered by of the Holy Spirit administered by God only through God only through “the hands of the “the hands of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).

•After the Day of Pentecost, baptism After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit administered by of the Holy Spirit administered by God only through God only through “the hands of the “the hands of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).



•After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit administered by God only through administered by God only through “the hands of the “the hands of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).2:20).

•Apostles had an authoritative role in the early church.Apostles had an authoritative role in the early church.• In disciplining members (Acts 5:1f) In disciplining members (Acts 5:1f) • In excommunicating members (1 Cor. 5:1f)In excommunicating members (1 Cor. 5:1f)• In ordaining elders (Titus 1:5)In ordaining elders (Titus 1:5)• In determining doctrine (Acts 15:1,3,6,22)In determining doctrine (Acts 15:1,3,6,22)

•After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit After the Day of Pentecost, baptism of the Holy Spirit administered by God only through administered by God only through “the hands of the “the hands of the apostles”apostles” (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. (Acts 8:18 cf. 10:44; 19:6; 2 Cor. 12:12; Eph. 2:20).2:20).

•Apostles had an authoritative role in the early church.Apostles had an authoritative role in the early church.• In disciplining members (Acts 5:1f) In disciplining members (Acts 5:1f) • In excommunicating members (1 Cor. 5:1f)In excommunicating members (1 Cor. 5:1f)• In ordaining elders (Titus 1:5)In ordaining elders (Titus 1:5)• In determining doctrine (Acts 15:1,3,6,22)In determining doctrine (Acts 15:1,3,6,22)



•Apostles gradually established self-Apostles gradually established self-governing local churches, governing local churches, leaving leaving written authority to replace their written authority to replace their living authority.living authority. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)

•Apostles gradually established self-Apostles gradually established self-governing local churches, governing local churches, leaving leaving written authority to replace their written authority to replace their living authority.living authority. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)



• Apostles gradually established self-governing local Apostles gradually established self-governing local churches, churches, leaving written authority to replace their leaving written authority to replace their living authority.living authority. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4) (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)

• Peter spoke of, Peter spoke of, “….our dear brother Paul also wrote “….our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way the same way in all his lettersin all his letters, speaking in them of , speaking in them of these matters ....”these matters ....” (2 Peter 3:15-16) (2 Peter 3:15-16)

• Apostles gradually established self-governing local Apostles gradually established self-governing local churches, churches, leaving written authority to replace their leaving written authority to replace their living authority.living authority. (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4) (Col. 4:16; 1 Thes. 5:27; Rev. 1:3-4)

• Peter spoke of, Peter spoke of, “….our dear brother Paul also wrote “….our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way the same way in all his lettersin all his letters, speaking in them of , speaking in them of these matters ....”these matters ....” (2 Peter 3:15-16) (2 Peter 3:15-16)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is Ethnically NeutralEthnically Neutral

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is Ethnically NeutralEthnically Neutral

•For in Christ For in Christ “There is “There is neither neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. (Gal. 3:28) 3:28)

•For in Christ For in Christ “There is “There is neither neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. (Gal. 3:28) 3:28)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is RegenerateRegenerate

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is RegenerateRegenerate

•Universal Church –Universal Church –onlyonly saved persons are in it. saved persons are in it.•Local Church – has both saved and unsaved in itLocal Church – has both saved and unsaved in it• ““Tares”Tares” (Mt. 13:26). (Mt. 13:26).

•““Wolves.”Wolves.” (Acts 20:28-29) (Acts 20:28-29)•““False Brethren”False Brethren” (Gal. 3:28) (Gal. 3:28)•““Unbelieving” personsUnbelieving” persons (1 Cor. 14:23) (1 Cor. 14:23)•““Certain men [who] crept in.”Certain men [who] crept in.” (Jude 4) (Jude 4)

•Universal Church –Universal Church –onlyonly saved persons are in it. saved persons are in it.•Local Church – has both saved and unsaved in itLocal Church – has both saved and unsaved in it• ““Tares”Tares” (Mt. 13:26). (Mt. 13:26).

•““Wolves.”Wolves.” (Acts 20:28-29) (Acts 20:28-29)•““False Brethren”False Brethren” (Gal. 3:28) (Gal. 3:28)•““Unbelieving” personsUnbelieving” persons (1 Cor. 14:23) (1 Cor. 14:23)•““Certain men [who] crept in.”Certain men [who] crept in.” (Jude 4) (Jude 4)

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is Spiritually EqualSpiritually Equal

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is Spiritually EqualSpiritually Equal

• ““For there is For there is neither Jew nor Greekneither Jew nor Greek, , there is there is neither slave nor freeneither slave nor free, , there is there is neither male nor femaleneither male nor female; ; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)(Gal. 3:28)

• ““For there is For there is neither Jew nor Greekneither Jew nor Greek, , there is there is neither slave nor freeneither slave nor free, , there is there is neither male nor femaleneither male nor female; ; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)(Gal. 3:28)

The Invisible Church is The Invisible Church is UniversalUniversal


• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) (universal) church church on earthon earth was in Jerusalem after was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.Pentecost.

• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) (universal) church church on earthon earth was in Jerusalem after was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.Pentecost.



• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on on earthearth was in Jerusalem after Pentecost. was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.

• The only true catholic church The only true catholic church today today is is the the spiritual Body of Christspiritual Body of Christ which is made of all which is made of all true believers in every church.true believers in every church.

• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on on earthearth was in Jerusalem after Pentecost. was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.

• The only true catholic church The only true catholic church today today is is the the spiritual Body of Christspiritual Body of Christ which is made of all which is made of all true believers in every church.true believers in every church.



• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on earthon earth was in was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.Jerusalem after Pentecost.

• The only true catholic church The only true catholic church today today is is the spiritual Body of Christthe spiritual Body of Christ which is made of all true believers in every church.which is made of all true believers in every church.

• There are “churches,”There are “churches,” each of which is an individual, local, self- each of which is an individual, local, self-governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4).23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4).

• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on earthon earth was in was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.Jerusalem after Pentecost.


• There are “churches,”There are “churches,” each of which is an individual, local, self- each of which is an individual, local, self-governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4).23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4).



• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on earthon earth was in Jerusalem was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.after Pentecost.


• There are “churches,”There are “churches,” each of which is an individual, local, self- each of which is an individual, local, self-governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4)24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4)

• But But there is no one visiblethere is no one visible churchchurch with one visible head. with one visible head.

• The The only truly catholiconly truly catholic (universal) church (universal) church on earthon earth was in Jerusalem was in Jerusalem after Pentecost.after Pentecost.


• There are “churches,”There are “churches,” each of which is an individual, local, self- each of which is an individual, local, self-governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. governing, independent assembly based on NT teaching (Rom. 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 16:4,16; 1 Cor. 7:17; 11:16; 14:33,34; 16:1, 19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 18, 19, 23, 24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4)24; 11:8, 28; 12:13; Gal. 1:2, 22; 1 Thes. 2:14; 2 Thes. 1:4)

• But But there is no one visiblethere is no one visible churchchurch with one visible head. with one visible head.



Peter was not Peter was not the the visible head of the visible head of the church since:church since:

• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).2:20).

Peter was not Peter was not the the visible head of the visible head of the church since:church since:




Peter was not the visible head of the Peter was not the visible head of the church since:church since:


• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).18:18 cf. 16:19).

Peter was not the visible head of the Peter was not the visible head of the church since:church since:


• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).18:18 cf. 16:19).



Peter was not the visible head of the church Peter was not the visible head of the church since:since:

• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf.

16:19).16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the

apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.

Peter was not the visible head of the church Peter was not the visible head of the church since:since:

• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf.

16:19).16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the

apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.



Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv.

2, 22), not by Peter.2, 22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not

himself.himself.

Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv.

2, 22), not by Peter.2, 22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not

himself.himself.



Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles”

(vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.(vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not

himself.himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).

Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles”

(vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.(vv. 2, 22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not

himself.himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).



Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2,

22), not by Peter.22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).• Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).

Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2,

22), not by Peter.22), not by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).• Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).



Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not

by Peter.by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).• Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).• Peter was rebuked by Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).Peter was rebuked by Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).

Peter was not the visible head of the church since:Peter was not the visible head of the church since:• It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).It was built on the “apostles” (plural) (Eph. 2:20).• Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).Same authority was given to all the apostles (Mt. 18:18 cf. 16:19).• The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not The doctrinal dispute in Acts 15 was decided by all “the apostles” (vv. 2, 22), not

by Peter.by Peter.• Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.Peter claimed Christ was the “Chief Shepherd” (1Peter 5:4), not himself.• Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).Paul said Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23).• Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).Christ the invisible Head ruled over the churches (Rev. 1-3).• Peter was rebuked by Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).Peter was rebuked by Paul for his error (Gal. 2:11-14).

The Universal Church The Universal Church is is OriginalOriginal


The Universal Church isOriginal

The Universal Church isThe Universal Church isOriginalOriginal

• “In reading this, then, you will be ableto understand my insight into themystery of Christ, which was not madeknown to men in other generations as ithas now been revealed by the Spirit toGod’s holy apostles and prophets.” (Eph.3:5)

• “The mystery that has been kept hiddenfor ages and generations, but is nowdisclosed to the saints.” (Col. 1:26)

•• “In reading this, then, you will be able“In reading this, then, you will be ableto understand my insight into theto understand my insight into themystery of Christ, mystery of Christ, which was not madewhich was not madeknown to men in other generations as itknown to men in other generations as ithas now been revealed by the Spirit tohas now been revealed by the Spirit toGod’s holy apostles and prophets.”God’s holy apostles and prophets.” (Eph.(Eph.3:5)3:5)

•• “The mystery that has been kept hidden“The mystery that has been kept hiddenfor ages and generations, for ages and generations, but is nowbut is nowdisclosed to the saints.”disclosed to the saints.” (Col. 1:26)(Col. 1:26)

The Universal Church isOriginal

The Universal Church isThe Universal Church isOriginalOriginal

• “In reading this, then, you will be ableto understand my insight into themystery of Christ, which was not madeknown to men in other generations as ithas now been revealed by the Spirit toGod’s holy apostles and prophets.” (Eph.3:5)

• “The mystery that has been kept hiddenfor ages and generations, but is nowdisclosed to the saints.” (Col. 1:26)

•• “In reading this, then, you will be able“In reading this, then, you will be ableto understand my insight into theto understand my insight into themystery of Christ, mystery of Christ, which was not madewhich was not madeknown to men in other generations as itknown to men in other generations as ithas now been revealed by the Spirit tohas now been revealed by the Spirit toGod’s holy apostles and prophets.”God’s holy apostles and prophets.” (Eph.(Eph.3:5)3:5)

•• “The mystery that has been kept hidden“The mystery that has been kept hiddenfor ages and generations, for ages and generations, but is nowbut is nowdisclosed to the saints.”disclosed to the saints.” (Col. 1:26)(Col. 1:26)



• ““Now to him who is able to establish you by my Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of according to the revelation of the mystery the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and make known through the [NT] prophetic writings make known through the [NT] prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him ….”nations might believe and obey him ….” (Rom. (Rom. 16:25-26)16:25-26)

• ““Now to him who is able to establish you by my Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of according to the revelation of the mystery the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and make known through the [NT] prophetic writings make known through the [NT] prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him ….”nations might believe and obey him ….” (Rom. (Rom. 16:25-26)16:25-26)



•First, it was First, it was “hidden for long “hidden for long ages”ages” and only and only “now”“now” (in NT (in NT times) made known.times) made known.

•First, it was First, it was “hidden for long “hidden for long ages”ages” and only and only “now”“now” (in NT (in NT times) made known.times) made known.



•First, it was First, it was “hidden for long ages”“hidden for long ages” and and only only “now”“now” (in NT times) made known. (in NT times) made known.

•Second, since it is Second, since it is “now revealed and “now revealed and made known through the prophetic made known through the prophetic writings,”writings,” these writings must be by these writings must be by NT prophets. (Eph. 2:20; 3:5)NT prophets. (Eph. 2:20; 3:5)

•First, it was First, it was “hidden for long ages”“hidden for long ages” and and only only “now”“now” (in NT times) made known. (in NT times) made known.

•Second, since it is Second, since it is “now revealed and “now revealed and made known through the prophetic made known through the prophetic writings,”writings,” these writings must be by these writings must be by NT prophets. (Eph. 2:20; 3:5)NT prophets. (Eph. 2:20; 3:5)



• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not blessed and saved, but not how how Jew Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)2:6, 49:6, etc.)

• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not blessed and saved, but not how how Jew Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)2:6, 49:6, etc.)



• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be blessed and saved, Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not but not how how Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)

• ““To them God has chosen to make known among the To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you Christ in you [Gentiles], the hope of glory.”[Gentiles], the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) (Col. 1:27)

• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be blessed and saved, Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not but not how how Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)

• ““To them God has chosen to make known among the To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you Christ in you [Gentiles], the hope of glory.”[Gentiles], the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) (Col. 1:27)



• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not not how how Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)

• ““To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you Christ in you [Gentiles], the hope of glory.”[Gentiles], the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) (Col. 1:27)

• ““This mystery is that through the gospel the This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs Gentiles are heirs together with Israeltogether with Israel….”….” (Eph. 3:6)(Eph. 3:6)

• OT predicted OT predicted that that Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but Gentiles would be blessed and saved, but not not how how Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in Jew and Gentile would be on same spiritual level in one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)one new body. (Gen. 12:3; Isa. 2:6, 49:6, etc.)

• ““To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you Christ in you [Gentiles], the hope of glory.”[Gentiles], the hope of glory.” (Col. 1:27) (Col. 1:27)

• ““This mystery is that through the gospel the This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs Gentiles are heirs together with Israeltogether with Israel….”….” (Eph. 3:6)(Eph. 3:6)



• As an original work of God, As an original work of God, the the Church is not a continuation of Church is not a continuation of IsraelIsrael in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9- in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)11)

• As an original work of God, As an original work of God, the the Church is not a continuation of Church is not a continuation of IsraelIsrael in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9- in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)11)



• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a the Church is not a continuation of Israelcontinuation of Israel in spiritual sense. in spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)(Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future there will be a future kingdom for Israelkingdom for Israel, but said the times were , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)12:13-15; 15:18-21)

• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a the Church is not a continuation of Israelcontinuation of Israel in spiritual sense. in spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)(Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future there will be a future kingdom for Israelkingdom for Israel, but said the times were , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)12:13-15; 15:18-21)



• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a the Church is not a continuation of Israelcontinuation of Israel in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11) in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future kingdom for there will be a future kingdom for IsraelIsrael, but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)

• Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to going to restore the kingdom to Israelrestore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6, cf. ?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)Acts 15:13-16)

• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a the Church is not a continuation of Israelcontinuation of Israel in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11) in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future kingdom for there will be a future kingdom for IsraelIsrael, but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)

• Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to going to restore the kingdom to Israelrestore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6, cf. ?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)Acts 15:13-16)



• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a continuation of Israelthe Church is not a continuation of Israel in in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future kingdom for Israelthere will be a future kingdom for Israel, but , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)12:13-15; 15:18-21)

• Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore restore the kingdom to Israelthe kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)

• Jesus replied: “Jesus replied: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set [for restoring the kingdom to Israel] by his own Father has set [for restoring the kingdom to Israel] by his own authorityauthority.” (Acts 1:7-8) .” (Acts 1:7-8)

• An original work of God, An original work of God, the Church is not a continuation of Israelthe Church is not a continuation of Israel in in a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)a spiritual sense. (Rom. 9-11)

• Jesus never denied Jesus never denied there will be a future kingdom for Israelthere will be a future kingdom for Israel, but , but said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. said the times were in God’s hands. (Acts 1:6-7; Mt. 19:28; Gen. 12:13-15; 15:18-21)12:13-15; 15:18-21)

• Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to Disciples asked Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore restore the kingdom to Israelthe kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)?” (Acts 1:6, cf. Acts 15:13-16)

• Jesus replied: “Jesus replied: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set [for restoring the kingdom to Israel] by his own Father has set [for restoring the kingdom to Israel] by his own authorityauthority.” (Acts 1:7-8) .” (Acts 1:7-8)



Abraham was promised the Land of Palestine forever:Abraham was promised the Land of Palestine forever:• ““On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, `To On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, `To

your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt as far as the the great river, the river Euphrates’”as far as the the great river, the river Euphrates’” (Gen. 15:18). (Gen. 15:18).

• He was promised it He was promised it “forever”“forever” (Gen. 13:15). (Gen. 13:15).• This promise was This promise was “irrevocable”“irrevocable” (Heb. 6:13-17 cf. Rom. 11:29). (Heb. 6:13-17 cf. Rom. 11:29).This promise has not yet been fulfilled.This promise has not yet been fulfilled.

Abraham was promised the Land of Palestine forever:Abraham was promised the Land of Palestine forever:• ““On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, `To On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, `To

your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt as far as the the great river, the river Euphrates’”as far as the the great river, the river Euphrates’” (Gen. 15:18). (Gen. 15:18).

• He was promised it He was promised it “forever”“forever” (Gen. 13:15). (Gen. 13:15).• This promise was This promise was “irrevocable”“irrevocable” (Heb. 6:13-17 cf. Rom. 11:29). (Heb. 6:13-17 cf. Rom. 11:29).This promise has not yet been fulfilled.This promise has not yet been fulfilled.



David was Promised a Throne Forever (2Sam. 7:12f):David was Promised a Throne Forever (2Sam. 7:12f):• “I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will

establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin...but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David— that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever….”(Psa. 89:28-37)

• This promise has not yet been fulfilled.This promise has not yet been fulfilled.

David was Promised a Throne Forever (2Sam. 7:12f):David was Promised a Throne Forever (2Sam. 7:12f):• “I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will

establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure. “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin...but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness—and I will not lie to David— that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever….”(Psa. 89:28-37)

• This promise has not yet been fulfilled.This promise has not yet been fulfilled.



• After the Church began, After the Church began, this future literal kingdom was this future literal kingdom was offered by Peter to Israel.offered by Peter to Israel.

• Peter said to the “Men of Israel” who had killed Jesus and for Peter said to the “Men of Israel” who had killed Jesus and for their “rules,” their “rules,” “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshingtimes of refreshing may come may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophetspromised long ago through his holy prophets.”.” (Acts 3:19-21) (Acts 3:19-21)

• After the Church began, After the Church began, this future literal kingdom was this future literal kingdom was offered by Peter to Israel.offered by Peter to Israel.

• Peter said to the “Men of Israel” who had killed Jesus and for Peter said to the “Men of Israel” who had killed Jesus and for their “rules,” their “rules,” “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshingtimes of refreshing may come may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven appointed for you—even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophetspromised long ago through his holy prophets.”.” (Acts 3:19-21) (Acts 3:19-21)



• The nation of Israel will yet be The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing restored to its place of blessing under Godunder God. (Rom. 11). (Rom. 11)

• The nation of Israel will yet be The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing restored to its place of blessing under Godunder God. (Rom. 11). (Rom. 11)



• The nation of Israel will yet be restored to The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing under God. (Rom. 11)its place of blessing under God. (Rom. 11)

• Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:• Israel’s Israel’s pastpast blessings (Rom. 9) blessings (Rom. 9)• Israel’s Israel’s presentpresent rejection (Rom. 10) rejection (Rom. 10)• Israel’s Israel’s futurefuture national restoration (Rom. 11) national restoration (Rom. 11)

• The nation of Israel will yet be restored to The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing under God. (Rom. 11)its place of blessing under God. (Rom. 11)

• Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:• Israel’s Israel’s pastpast blessings (Rom. 9) blessings (Rom. 9)• Israel’s Israel’s presentpresent rejection (Rom. 10) rejection (Rom. 10)• Israel’s Israel’s futurefuture national restoration (Rom. 11) national restoration (Rom. 11)



• The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing under Godblessing under God. (Rom. 11). (Rom. 11)

• Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:• Israel’s past blessings (Rom. 9)Israel’s past blessings (Rom. 9)• Israel’s present rejection (Rom. 10)Israel’s present rejection (Rom. 10)• Israel’s future national restoration (Rom. 11)Israel’s future national restoration (Rom. 11)

• He calls “Israel” “He calls “Israel” “my kinsman according to the fleshmy kinsman according to the flesh” ” (Rom. 9:3) which is literal Israel (cf. Rom. 9:4; 10:1).(Rom. 9:3) which is literal Israel (cf. Rom. 9:4; 10:1).

• The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of The nation of Israel will yet be restored to its place of blessing under Godblessing under God. (Rom. 11). (Rom. 11)

• Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:Paul speaks clearly of a future literal Israel:• Israel’s past blessings (Rom. 9)Israel’s past blessings (Rom. 9)• Israel’s present rejection (Rom. 10)Israel’s present rejection (Rom. 10)• Israel’s future national restoration (Rom. 11)Israel’s future national restoration (Rom. 11)

• He calls “Israel” “He calls “Israel” “my kinsman according to the fleshmy kinsman according to the flesh” ” (Rom. 9:3) which is literal Israel (cf. Rom. 9:4; 10:1).(Rom. 9:3) which is literal Israel (cf. Rom. 9:4; 10:1).



• Book of Revelation speaks of Book of Revelation speaks of a role a role for the nation of Israel in the last for the nation of Israel in the last daysdays before Christ’s return. John before Christ’s return. John wrote: wrote: “Then I heard the number of “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the from all the tribestribes of Israelof Israel.”.”

• Book of Revelation speaks of Book of Revelation speaks of a role a role for the nation of Israel in the last for the nation of Israel in the last daysdays before Christ’s return. John before Christ’s return. John wrote: wrote: “Then I heard the number of “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the from all the tribestribes of Israelof Israel.”.”



• Book of Revelation speaks of Book of Revelation speaks of a role for the nation a role for the nation of Israel in the last daysof Israel in the last days before Christ’s return. before Christ’s return. John wrote: John wrote: “Then I heard the number of those “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribestribes of of IsraelIsrael.” .”

• ““After these things I looked, and behold, After these things I looked, and behold, a great a great multitude which no man could numbermultitude which no man could number… standing … standing before the throne….” (before the throne….” (Rev. 7:9)Rev. 7:9)

• Book of Revelation speaks of Book of Revelation speaks of a role for the nation a role for the nation of Israel in the last daysof Israel in the last days before Christ’s return. before Christ’s return. John wrote: John wrote: “Then I heard the number of those “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribestribes of of IsraelIsrael.” .”

• ““After these things I looked, and behold, After these things I looked, and behold, a great a great multitude which no man could numbermultitude which no man could number… standing … standing before the throne….” (before the throne….” (Rev. 7:9)Rev. 7:9)

Outline:Outline:


ChurchChurch• V. Mission of the Church V. Mission of the Church


ChurchChurch• V. Mission of the Church V. Mission of the Church

V. Mission of the V. Mission of the ChurchChurch

V. Mission of the V. Mission of the ChurchChurch

• A. A. InternallyInternally--Edification --Edification • (Eph. 4:11-12)(Eph. 4:11-12)• B. B. ExternallyExternally--Evangelization --Evangelization

(Mt. 28:18-20)(Mt. 28:18-20)• C. C. EternallyEternally--Glorification --Glorification

• ““So whether you eat or So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, drink or whatever you do, do it all for do it all for the glory of the glory of GodGod.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

• A. A. InternallyInternally--Edification --Edification • (Eph. 4:11-12)(Eph. 4:11-12)• B. B. ExternallyExternally--Evangelization --Evangelization

(Mt. 28:18-20)(Mt. 28:18-20)• C. C. EternallyEternally--Glorification --Glorification

• ““So whether you eat or So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, drink or whatever you do, do it all for do it all for the glory of the glory of GodGod.”.” (1 Cor. 10:31) (1 Cor. 10:31)

Outline:Outline:





Outline:Outline:Outline:Outline:

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ


• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– B. It will be B. It will be rewardedrewarded by Christ by Christ



• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– B. It will be B. It will be rewardedrewarded by Christ by Christ– C. It will C. It will reignreign with Christ with Christ

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– B. It will be B. It will be rewardedrewarded by Christ by Christ– C. It will C. It will reignreign with Christ with Christ

Outline:Outline:Outline:Outline:• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church

– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– ““For the Lord himself will come down from

heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1Thes. 4:16-17)

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– ““For the Lord himself will come down from

heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (1Thes. 4:16-17)



• “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (Rev. 22:12)

• “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” (1Cor. 3:13-14)


• “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” (Rev. 22:12)

• “His work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” (1Cor. 3:13-14)

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– B. It will be B. It will be rewardedrewarded by Christ by Christ– C. It will C. It will reignreign with Christ with Christ– ““Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal

of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mt. 19:28)

– “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

• VI. The Future of the ChurchVI. The Future of the Church– A. It will be A. It will be rapturedraptured by Christ by Christ– B. It will be B. It will be rewardedrewarded by Christ by Christ– C. It will C. It will reignreign with Christ with Christ– ““Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, at the renewal

of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Mt. 19:28)

– “Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years” (Rev. 20:6).

Documents

The Church: Its Origin, Nature and Destiny Copyright by Norman L. Geisler 2006