Correspondence: Church; John 14:2

From: Correspondence

From: Young Christian: Volume 3, 1913

• 2 min. read • grade level: 5

Ques. 87. What is the Church, and can the term be used for a building? A. B.

Ans. The Church is the body of Christ, (Eph, 1:22-23.) This was formed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (Acts 2:1 Cor. 12:13¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13).) It includes only those who are saved.

The Church as a profession or light bearer on earth, is also called The House of God (1 Tim. 3:15¹⁵But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)), and includes all baptized persons.

If we take away the word "Church" and substitute the word "assembly" in every place where it is used in Scripture, we will get the right thought.

There is one exception, in Acts 19:37³⁷For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. (Acts 19:37), which in the original is "idol temples". It is never used otherwise of a building on earth.

Ques. 88. Does John 14:2²In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (John 14:2) infer that there is a different mansion for each saved person? E. M.

Ans. This passage would not occupy us with thoughts of a grand mansion. It is supposed to be an allusion to the many chambers of the priests in the temple. (Ezek. 40.) We are to see in it the love of Christ that has prepared a place with Himself for us. It has no thought of distance or living alone, but of nearness and sweet fellowship in His blest company. He is in the Father's house. We are the sons (Rom. 8:29²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)); children in the Father's house; children of the same Father. This is why He says: "In My Father's house". We are in the company of the Father and the Son.

" The Father's house, the Father's heart,

All that the Son is given

Made ours-the objects of His love-

And He, our joy in heaven.”

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