Define The Word "Church"

What does the word "church" mean to you? The word "church" means different things to people today. To some, it is a simple country chapel. To others, the church is a massive building with great architectural designs.

To others, the church is a group of men who decide religious policies and set rules about what people are to believe and do.

Well, the church is not a building, nor is it a group of "clergymen" who decide beliefs and practices for people. The Bible teaches us that the church is people – saved people.

In Acts 2:38, believers were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 2:41 says, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

In Acts 2:47, we are told "the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." The saved were those who heard, believed and obeyed the commands of the Lord.

To the first-century Christian and Christians today, the church is that group of people who have committed their lives to Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23, I Peter 2:21); who have obtained the salvation that is in Christ Jesus (II Timothy 2:10, Romans 6:3-4); through obedience to His commands (Hebrew 5:8-9).

This is the correct view of the church. The word "church" means a body of people saved from sin by the blood of Christ (Romans 5:6-9,1 Peter 1:18-19).

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

Page updated May 04, 2013 13:58 -0400
© 2006-2011 Mauldin Church of Christ		Report website problems and suggestions
Header photo © freestockphotos.com		Web design by tjfconsultingservices