Expert: Marvin Howard - 5/26/2004

Question
mabuhay!! im from the phillipines, a lot of christians here are still dont know or have no idea at all what is the true meaning of the so called "church","iglesia". can you share your knowledge about my question- what is the true meaning of the so called "church"?.  

Answer
Hi!

Thank you for the opportunity to answer this for you. My apologies for the time delay; I am disabled, and have been unable to sit at my desk for several days.

The English word "church," and the Spanish word "iglesia," come from the Greek "ekklesia" (ek-klay-see'-ah). It comes from two other Greek words. The first is "ek," which means "out." The other is a derivative of "kaleo" which means "to call." In Biblical usage, the word literally means "called out," and refers to an assembly or congregation. While each congregation is a church, all of the congregations, together, are also referred to as the church (as in Collossians 1:18).

Nothing in the word itself indicates "called out of what," or "an assembly of who." However, this information can be derived from context. Also, please note, the overall context is always the same. Scripture always uses the term to contrast those saved (and thus in the kingdom) with those in the world (out of the kingdom and lost): including all denominations, as they are outside of the Lord's body (the church is also Christ's body Collossians 1:18).

Individuals cannot be a church, for an individual cannot be an assembly. According to Jesus, the church is also the kingdom (c.f., Matthew 16:18-19), and it belongs to Him. This is further evidenced by Romans 16:16. Information on the government of this organization may be located in one of my archived sermons at:

http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962/archive10.html

So, a church of Christ (Iglesia del Cristo) is any group of saved people; Christians (those following Christ). If a group does something other than that which Christ said (or for which He gave authority through the apostles), they are not Christians, and not part of the church, regardless of what their claims may be. They habitually sin, and therefore cannot receive forgiveness. The denominations all meet this stipulation, and thus fall into this category.

Thank you so much for your question. If I may be of further assistance on this topic, or any other, please do not hesitate to contact me.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacherman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962