The church is the body of Christ, of which He is the head. Ephesians 1:22–23 says, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” The body of Christ is made up of all believers in Jesus Christ from the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) until Christ’s return. Biblically, we may regard the church in two ways, as the universal church or as the local church.
Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing sacraments, like the Lord’s supper, and 4) praying. The church, if it lives out the true meaning of its creed is a peculiar institution.
Additional scriptures referenced include 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 4:11-14; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 3:15; James 1:27; 2 Corinthians 3:3; and Acts 4:13.
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