Episode 64: What is Church?

What is Church?

Ellen G. White, provides several insights into her definition of the church, emphasizing its spiritual, communal, and missional aspects. Her writings portray the church as more than a mere organization or institution; it is a divinely appointed, living body of believers united in faith and purpose. The following is a summary of her key definitions and perspectives on the church, drawn from her writings:

1. A Community of Faithful Believers: White describes the church as a body of faithful souls who, from the beginning, have been united with Christ. She writes, “From the beginning, faithful souls have constituted the church on earth” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 11). This definition emphasizes the universal and timeless nature of the church, encompassing all who are loyal to God across history, not confined to a specific denomination or organization.
2. God’s Appointed Agency for Salvation: In The Acts of the Apostles, White calls the church “God’s fortress, His city of refuge, which He holds in a revolted world” and “God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men” (p. 11). Its mission is to carry the gospel to the world, reflecting God’s fullness and sufficiency, and to display His love to both earthly and heavenly beings (Ephesians 3:10). The church is a vehicle through which God’s grace and glory are manifested.
3. A Christian Society for Mutual Benefit: White portrays the church as “a Christian society formed for the members composing it, that each member may enjoy the assistance of all the graces and talents of the other members” (Selected Messages, Book 3, p. 15). It is united in a covenant of love and harmony, where believers work together, drawing strength from one another’s gifts under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. This communal aspect enhances the spiritual growth and influence of its members.
4. The Bride of Christ: In her writings, White refers to the church as “the bride, the Lamb’s wife,” emphasizing its intimate spiritual union with Christ (Manuscript 121, 1899). However, she clarifies that mere membership or outward connection with any church does not save; salvation comes through personal faith in Christ (John 6).
5. Not Defined by Apostasy or Unbelief: White provides a definition by antithesis, stating that the church is not a group characterized by “envy, hatred, prejudice, and unbelief,” as seen in those who rejected Christ in favor of Barabbas. Instead, the true church consists of those who repent, keep God’s commandments, and exercise faith in Jesus (The Review and Herald, August 22, 1893).
6. A Structured yet Mission-Driven Body: White played a significant role in shaping the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s organization, advocating for order without formalism. She emphasized that the church’s structure exists to support its mission, which is to proclaim the gospel and the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. She encouraged unity, doctrinal clarity, and submission to God-appointed leaders, but not authoritarian control (The Making of a Church, González, 2008).
7. A Theater of God’s Grace: White describes the church as “the theater of His grace, in which He delights to reveal His power to transform hearts” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 12). Despite its imperfections, the church is the object of God’s supreme regard, sustained throu

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