Church

[gop_jeff]

Any Greek scholars out there want to help with this one...?

Where did the word "Church" come from? As I search my MKJV, I find that Matthew attributes Jesus with speaking the word twice: "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church," and "And if he (a brother who sins against you) shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax collector." (Matt. 16:18; 18:15) After this, the word is used throughout the NT. But where did the word come from? Why did Jesus introduce this new word into the lexicon? What was the significance of it?

I understand what the Bible says about the church, and that it is more than a building, etc. etc. I'm wondering what the significance of the word is... in other words, how would the disciples have reacted to it, and how would it shape their thinking about God and Christ?

[Ovedya]

If you take a look at the thread titled "The Bride of Christ" in the Controversial forum, I responded to Russell concerning the meaning of the word "church."

The first time the word is used in the New Testament was by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 16, where He said, "...upon this rock I will build my church." The Rock, of course is the revelation that Peter received from the Father concerning the person of Christ. The word "church" in the Greek means a gathering together of the called out ones. Therefore, when the Lord said, "...I will build my church." He was talking about those that were (and were to be)called by God out of the world, and gathered together into one Body on the earth.

The church today is the reality of the tabernacle in the OT. When the tabernacle was built the glory of God filled it. The tabernacle was the one place on the earth where God's glory and authority were expressed. Today the tabernacle of God is in the church. On the cross the Lord created the one new man, which is the Body of Christ, the church. Then He filled this one new man with his life. Today the church is where God's glory and God's authority are expressed.

Therefore, when the Bible speaks concerning the authority of the church we know that it is speaking of God's authority, which He gave to church. Just as priests of the tabernacle had God's authority, so also we, as members of the church, serving God as priests, have God's authority.

[homebild]

Any Greek scholars out there want to help with this one...?

Where did the word "Church" come from? As I search my MKJV, I find that Matthew attributes Jesus with speaking the word twice: "You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church," and "And if he (a brother who sins against you) shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen and a tax collector." (Matt. 16:18; 18:15) After this, the word is used throughout the NT. But where did the word come from? Why did Jesus introduce this new word into the lexicon? What was the significance of it?

I understand what the Bible says about the church, and that it is more than a building, etc. etc. I'm wondering what the significance of the word is... in other words, how would the disciples have reacted to it, and how would it shape their thinking about God and Christ?

The word 'Church' is a variation of the Hebrew for 'congregation'.

But the Greek word is Ekklesia which is also the same root word that is used for 'called', 'chosen', or 'elect'. (ie "ekklektikos")

The Church are those who are 'called' or 'elect'.

And just WHOM are 'called' or 'chosen' or 'elect'?

According to the Bible EVERYONE is called and chosen and elect to be the Church.

And yet of all 'called few are chosen'...

A variation of the same words meaning that only those who respond to the call are elected, chosen, and eventually called to be Christ's Church.

Bottom line: ALL humans are called to be part of the Church with none excluded. No one is exempted based upon their 'depravity'....What a story. Best for Hollywood...

[Ovedya]

Bottom line: ALL humans are called to be part of the Church with none excluded. No one is exempted based upon their 'depravity'....What a story. Best for Hollywood...

Calvinism has some truths and extremes. Arminianism has some truths and extremes. The question is if you believe that the fall caused mankind to be totally depraved, or just partially depraved. I believe the evidence is overwhelmingly that mankind is totally depraved, without the ability or desire to chose good over evil.