The Church

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify (hagiase, ἁγιάσῃ) her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” — Ephesians 5:25-27

The People of God

The Church is not a building or an institution — it is the living community of all who belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ. The English word “church” renders the Greek ekklesia (ἐκκλησία) — “assembly, called-out gathering” — which itself translates the Hebrew qahal (קָהָל) — “assembly, congregation.” From the calling of Abraham to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost, God has always purposed to have a people for himself. The Church is the fulfillment of that purpose in the present age: the gathered assembly of those whom Christ has redeemed by his blood.

Nature and Purpose

Scripture describes the Church through rich, overlapping images:

• The Body of Christ — soma (σῶμα), a living organism in which every member is joined to Christ the Head (kephale, κεφαλή) and to one another (1 Corinthians 12:12-27)
• The Bride of Christ — nymphe (νύμφη), chosen, loved, and being prepared for the wedding feast of the Lamb (Ephesians 5:25-32; Revelation 19:7-8)
• The Temple of the Holy Spirit — naos (ναός), the inner sanctuary where God dwells, a dwelling place for God built from lithoi zontes (λίθοι ζῶντες) — “living stones” (1 Peter 2:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22)
• The Flock of God — poimnion (ποίμνιον), shepherded by Christ the Good Shepherd, ho poimen ho kalos (ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός) (John 10:14-16; 1 Peter 5:2-4)
• A Royal Priesthood — basileion hierateuma (βασίλειον ἱεράτευμα), a holy nation (ethnos hagion, ἔθνος ἅγιον) set apart to declare God’s praises (1 Peter 2:9)

The Church exists to worship God, build up believers in faith and love, and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ before all nations.

What This Section Covers

• Body of Christ — The nature of the Church as the assembled people of God, the biblical images of the Body, and church leadership and polity
• Sacraments & Ordinances — Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as acts of obedience and means of grace, with the range of historic Christian views
• Mission & Evangelism — The Great Commission, the Church’s calling to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, and serve the world
• Mary & the Saints — The role of Mary and the communion of saints across Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions
• Marks of the Church — One, holy, catholic, and apostolic: the four marks confessed in the Nicene Creed
• Christian Unity — The biblical call to unity, the history of division, and the ecumenical movement

The Church in God’s Story

The Church stands at the intersection of promise and fulfillment. She is rooted in the covenant promises made to Israel, born at Pentecost through the Spirit, and awaiting the return of her Lord. Until that day, she is called to be faithful — worshipping, growing, serving, and proclaiming the aretas (ἀρετάς) — “excellencies, mighty deeds” — of the One who called her out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).