In order to outline the nature of the Church, we must understand exactly what the "Church" is. Is it an institution? Is it a community? Is it a social organization? These are the questions that many ask in their minds as they perform the sacred dances prescribed by self-proclaimed, tax-exempt church organizations, still empty inside and full of questions.
The key to answering these questions is, of course, scripture. First, we will analyze the words and ideas of Christ. Then, we will move to the sentiments and elaborations penned by the apostles. In studying the scriptures, it is important to pay attention to the content of the scriptures and how each passage relates to all of the others. In this way, we can come to a truth that is truly illuminated by the very light of the Word.
Jesus Gives Birth to the Church
The first step in understanding the form and composition of the Church is to study what Jesus says about it. We will start with the only two scriptures in which Jesus mentions the Church - Matthew 16:18 and Matthew 18:17. Let's look at these two scriptures in detail. We'll read from the GNB to keep the language simple.
Jesus went to the territory near the town of Caesarea Philippi, where he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
"Some say John the Baptist," they answered. "Others say Elijah, while others say Jeremiah or some other prophet."
"What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
"Good for you, Simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven. And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven."
Here Jesus marks the moment that the Church was prophetically born. It is defined by Him as the 'ekklesia', or the 'special calling out', that would result from the foundation paved by Peter's very confession. He promises that not even the gates of 'hades', or death, would be able to stop this amazing movement. This called out community would survive well beyond the lives of the original apostles.
There is also a key phrase that He uses in this passage - "I will build". The Church had not yet been created. This was reserved for the end of Acts 2 - when all of the principles of the framework would be put into effect.
Let's take a few moments to examine the second scripture in which Jesus mentions this enigmatic 'ekklesia'.
"If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that 'every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says. And if he will not listen to them, then tell the whole thing to the church. Finally, if he will not listen to the church, treat him as though he were a pagan or a tax collector.
"And so I tell all of you: what you prohibit on earth will be prohibited in heaven, and what you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.
"And I tell you more: whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, I am there with them."
This passage is absolute revelation illustrating the purity of the Church idea. Jesus provides instruction to the disciples in dealing with disagreements among themselves. In this one passage, He declares that this Church is comprised of His disciples in unity. Unity becomes the very basis for belonging while dissention becomes the basis for exclusion. Jesus goes on to explain the process for restoration - forgiveness through genuine repentance and humble acceptance by those that are considered the Church. Surprisingly, the disharmony addressed by this passage is not based on theological interpretation, but deliberate, offensive behavior - a relationship sin.
In short, Jesus makes clear in two short scriptures that the Church is:
- A collection of people who believe that He is the Son of God that will exist well beyond the lifetimes of the apostles.
- A community of friends where agreement and unity defines it and disharmony has no place.