This Epistle refers us from the church as an external thing to the word of God. So in the epistles to the churches we are called upon to hear not what the churches say, but what the Spirit says to the churches. In this chapter the professing church gets back to the state of the heathen—and getting into that state it is the worst thing of all.
Ques. How is the church then the bride of Christ? The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Ans. That is His own work. There are two aspects: First, God's purpose; second, the responsibility of man.
Ques. But the church is said to be the church of the living God, which is the pillar and ground of the truth. Can I say that that is the worst thing there is now?
Ans. It is its character to be the pillar and ground of the truth, but under man's responsibility it has became a ruin.
Ques. What is the assembly?
Ans. First, the body; second, the house. First, there are no bad members in the body; second, the house is put _under man's ministry in 1 Cor. 3, Matt. 16, and Eph. 2., and in 1 Cor. 3. we find Paul saying, " As a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon." Wood, hay and stubble are evil doctrine.