The Church | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 1, 1885

The Church.

THE word “church,” in the New Testament, is always from ekklesia, which is defined, “an assembly.” Heb. 2:12—“in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee,”—is quoted from Ps. 22:22, where congregation is used. The original in the Hebrew is kah-hal, which also is defined “an assembly.” But Gesenius says it is used “mostly for religious purposes.” That is, kah-hal generally refers to an assembly or a congregation of the saints.

And the same is true of ekklesia in the New Testament. It is used 115 times, and of these it refers to the assembly of God’s people, or the church, 112 times, and is so rendered. The three exceptional cases are found in Acts 19:32, 39, 41, where it is rendered assembly, and does not refer to the church.

Of the word ekklesia Pickering’s Lexicon says: “A meeting or regular assembly of the people, distinguished into ranks and orders, in contradistinction from agora, a mixed and promiscuous assemblage.”

This is truth, which any one can verify by reading the New Testament. The church is a “regular assembly;” not an irregular, occasional, or promiscuous assembly. That it has ranks and orders, shows that it is an organized body, meeting from time to time by regular appointment. Thus, there was a church in Corinth, in Ephesus, in Galatia, etc. And that they were regular assemblies or organized bodies is shown in that they were bodies of continuance, with permanent officers set apart to certain duties. When Paul and Barnabas went to the work to which the Lord called them, they “ordained elders in every church.” Acts 14:23.

The churches also had a regular membership; each member being known as such to the officers and to the fellow-members. This is evident—it is necessarily so; for there cannot exist a regular assembly, an organized body, with permanent officers, without a regular membership. It is also shown by the directions given. They were to withdraw themselves from every one that walked disorderly. 2 Thess. 3:6. Of certain ones it was ordered: “Put away from among yourselves that wicked person,” 1 Cor. 5:13. “A man that is an heretic [schismatic], after the first and second admonition, reject.” Titus 3:10.

And this shows that, as an organized body, the church has a certain authority over its own membership; that is, it has the power of discipline. Thus, the Saviour himself said, in case of offenses:—

“If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, and a publican.” Matt. 18:15–17.

This is the original of Paul’s injunction to withdraw yourselves from, or put away from among you, the disorderly and the wicked. To neglect or refuse to hear the church is a grievous offense, because the church is composed of God’s own children, who bear responsibilities, and are granted exalted privileges, from the throne of Heaven; it “is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground [stay or support] of the truth.” 1 Tim. 3:15.

And all this shows that the church is not only clothed with the power of discipline, but upon it is laid the duty of discipline. This is a most sacred duty, to be discharged with great care and humility. Discipline is necessary. The word of God is given for reproof and for correction, as well as for doctrine; without correction there will be no real instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim. 3:16. Human nature is refractory and self-willed. And not all are converted who profess the faith. The church is a household (Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19); the members need training, instruction, and help, as children. And inasmuch as it has officers, the order is given, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor.” 1 Tim. 5:17; and to the ruler it is said: “He that ruleth [let him do it], with diligence.” Rom. 12:8.

Although there are officers and rulers in the church, the final decision of cases of discipline is left with the body. “If he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” The officers themselves are selected by the body. Acts 6:3–5. The authority is in the body; but it must be remembered that the officers are of the body, and if they are qualified for their position their judgment should be respected; indeed, the very idea of their being officers, and even rulers, shows that they should be respected because of their position. Paul admonishes the church “to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” 1 Thess. 5:12, 13.

There are several officers which belong to a local church: First, Elders, who may also be known by other titles, according to the work which their talents or circumstances will enable them to do. He should “rule well,” and he may be a “teacher” or “help,” and he may do the work of a “pastor.” All these are “set in the church,” and to some extent the elder must discharge the duty implied in all these titles, for it must be evident to every reader of the New Testament that the elder is not always spoken of by the same title.

Secondly, Deacons, to whom is assigned a specific work as a “help,” but mostly in secular or temporal matters. These are ordained officers.

Thirdly, Clerks; of these there is no mention made in the Scriptures. But as the deacons were appointed when they became necessary, so these are appointed of necessity. Every church must keep account of its own members, and should keep a record of its doings, and specially of its exercise of discipline. This can best be done by an appointed clerk; indeed, it cannot be done without a clerk. Therefore we must consider that they are a necessity.

There are other officers which do not belong to local churches, such as apostles, prophets, and evangelists. Of these we do not speak at present.