Correspondence: Church; John 14:2

Narrator: Chris Genthree
John 14:2  •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 5
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• BibleTruthPublishers.com
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.
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.
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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