The Divine Design of the Church
The term "church," derived from the Greek word "ekklesia," signifies "a called-out assembly." In the New Testament, this term carries a dual meaning, referring both to the universal body of Christ and to local, visible congregations of believers. Understanding this distinction, yet recognizing their profound interconnection, is crucial for a sound Biblically grounded ecclesiology. The universal church encompasses all true believers throughout history, while the local church is its tangible, organized manifestation in specific places. Both are vital to God's eternal plan and the advancement of His kingdom.
The Universal Church: Christ's Global Body
The universal church is often described as the "body of Christ," a spiritual entity of which Jesus Christ Himself is the Head. This church is not bound by physical location, denominational affiliation, or temporal existence, but comprises all those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
The Scriptures clearly establish Christ's supreme headship over this universal body.
And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
And again,
And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Membership in this universal church is not achieved through human effort or ritual, but by the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit at the moment of salvation.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
All who are truly born again are spiritually baptized into this one body:
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
This spiritual unity is a hallmark of the universal church, transcending all earthly divisions:
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The very purpose of the universal church is deeply rooted in God's eternal counsel, serving to display His manifold wisdom to all creation.
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
It is the collective bride of Christ, being prepared for His glorious return.
The Local Church: God's Visible Assembly
While the universal church is spiritual and invisible, the local church is its visible, tangible expression on earth. It is an organized assembly of baptized believers in a specific geographical location, who have covenanted together to carry out the will of God. The New Testament abounds with examples of such local assemblies, such as the church at Jerusalem (Acts 2:42), Antioch (Acts 13:1), Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:2), Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1), and Philippi (Philippians 1:1). These were not merely loosely associated groups but structured bodies with defined practices and leadership.
The primary purposes and practices of the local church include:
- Worship and Prayer: The gathering of believers to give glory to God, both individually and corporately, in spirit and in truth.
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
- Fellowship: The mutual edification, encouragement, and support among believers, sharing life together as the family of God.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
- Instruction in the Word: The systematic teaching and preaching of God's inspired Word, essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Pastors are commanded to "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Observance of Ordinances: The practice of believer's baptism and the Lord's Supper, commanded by Christ as outward symbols of inward spiritual realities.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
- Evangelism and Missions: Fulfilling the Great Commission by proclaiming the Gospel to the lost, both locally and globally.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
- Discipleship and Edification: Equipping believers for service and spiritual maturity through teaching and the exercise of spiritual gifts.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
- Church Discipline: Maintaining the purity and witness of the assembly through a process of loving correction for unrepentant sin.
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
The local church is led by Biblically qualified elders (also called bishops or pastors) and deacons, whose roles are clearly defined in Scripture.
This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
The Interconnection: Two Sides of the Same Coin
The universal church and the local church are not two separate entities, but rather two complementary aspects of the same divine institution. The local church is the visible, functional expression of the universal church in a specific place and time. One cannot truly be a part of the universal body of Christ without a corresponding desire to be actively engaged with a local manifestation of that body.
The universal church provides the spiritual reality, the unity, and the overarching purpose that transcends all local boundaries. It reminds us that we are part of something far grander than any single congregation. The local church, on the other hand, provides the practical context for spiritual growth, service, accountability, and the corporate outworking of God's purposes. It is within the local assembly that believers are discipled, gifts are exercised, the ordinances are observed, and the Gospel is proclaimed to the community.
The New Testament consistently portrays true believers as being part of local assemblies. There is no concept of a "lone ranger" Christian. Believers are exhorted to gather together, not forsaking the assembling of themselves.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
This commitment includes submission to Biblically qualified leadership, mutual love and care, and the use of one's spiritual gifts for the edification of the body. The local church is God's primary instrument for carrying out His will on earth, serving as a pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
Conclusion: Upholding God's Purpose
In conclusion, the universal church represents the glorious, invisible company of all the redeemed, united under Christ, their Head. The local church represents the visible, organized gatherings of these redeemed individuals, called to worship, fellowship, grow, and evangelize in their respective communities. Both are indispensable to God's redemptive plan. A healthy understanding of both concepts compels every true believer to not only acknowledge their spiritual identity in the universal body but also to commit actively to a local assembly, where they can contribute to and benefit from the corporate life of God's people. By faithfully living out their calling within the local church, believers uphold the truth, proclaim the Gospel, and ultimately bring glory to God in Christ Jesus.