Biblical Doctrine Center
The Church
What the Bible teaches the church is: the body of Christ, gathered, gifted, and sent.
Overview
Historical and Literary Context
The church began at Pentecost (Acts 2) when the Spirit was poured out on the gathered disciples, and it spread rapidly through the book of Acts as local congregations formed across the Roman world, each described in the New Testament epistles.
Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
1 Corinthians 12:27 (KJV)
What Scripture Explicitly Says
Scripture explicitly describes the church as Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:27), his bride (Ephesians 5:25-27), a spiritual house of living stones (1 Peter 2:5), and a gathered community devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42).
Questions Christians Discuss
Christians discuss questions of church governance and structure (elder-led, congregational, and other models), all seeking faithfulness to the New Testament pattern while applying it in different historical and cultural settings.
Gospel Connection
Christ loved the church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). The church exists because of the gospel, and its unity and love are meant to display the gospel's power to the watching world (John 13:35).
Practical Application
Believers are called to active participation in a local church, not passive observation, using their gifts to build up the body (Ephesians 4:11-16) and gathering consistently rather than forsaking assembly (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Cross References
Acts 2:42-47 (KJV) - The pattern of the earliest church. Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV) - Gifts given for the building up of the body. Revelation 19:7-9 (KJV) - The marriage supper of the Lamb.
Reflection Questions
- 1
How actively are you using your gifts to build up your local church?
- 2
What would it look like for your life to more fully reflect the Acts 2:42-47 pattern of the early church?
- 3
Why do you think God chose the church, rather than isolated individuals, as his primary plan for displaying the gospel?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving the church and giving yourself for it.
Help me to love and serve my local church faithfully, using the gifts you have given me to build up the body. Amen.
Continue Your Study
Baptism -- examines one of the two ordinances entrusted to the church.
Communion -- studies the Lord's Supper, observed together within the gathered church.