The Church: Here and now and There and Then.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:1, there are 2 prepositions: “to” and “in.” "To" connects to the recipients, a local earthly identity; and "in" defines their spiritual identity, placing them in union with God rather than just physical location. The assertion that a local congregation is a spiritual institution—more than a human social club but still a real, earthly community—carries profound implications for how evangelicals view its authority, purpose, and daily life. It suggests that while the Church exists in the "here and now," it also connected to "there and then" spiritual identity. It is “visible” yet “invisible.”

The visible Church and the invisible Church are distinct and should not be confused; yet they should not be separated. In the present, one does not exist without the other; and one should not be considered without the other. When we gather as a local entity (1 Corinthians 11:18a) we also gather as “the assembly of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:22-23).

Because the Church is a spiritual institution, its authority does not come from a democratic majority or human autonomy, but from the Word of God.

Because the Church exists in union in Christ there is a unique social order, not dictated by human constructs but by Biblical order and definition.

Because the Church is not less than a human institution; it suffers from human frailty, sin, and organizational needs that find their solution in the "spiritual house" that orders and transcends these.

Because the Church is human and heavenly at the same time, it is impossible to be logically loyal to one without the other.

 

Have You Met "The Chosen Lady"?

One of John's devices during times of persecution was to use cryptic language (e.g. The Book of Revelation).  So an non-Christian gets a hold of this letter and reads these opening words, “The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—” (2 John 1, NIV).

To the casual reader there is little doubt that John is writing to an individual woman.  However it is more probable that John is writing to a local congregation.  This word lady used here is kyria; and is the same word as “Lord” in the New Testament -- except that it is feminine here (and in verse 5: “And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.” (2 John 5, NIV)).  So the normal word for lady and the normal word for Church is not used.  What is used is the feminine form of lord.  Interesting?

The letter is also addressed to her children.  If the "lady" is the local congregation, then her children are significantly her members.  This metaphor is extended to the end where greetings are sent from another local church, referred to as her "chosen sister." “The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.” (2 John 13, NIV)

 

"The English word “church” has its roots in the Greek word kuriakon: 'that which belongs to the Lord.'" [1].  So John the Elder is communicating with a local congregation and its members and in essence he writes to:

To the people who belong to God (κυρίᾳ), whom God has chosen (ἐκλεκτῇ) and her members (τέκνοις).

This opening phrase should inspire, assure and inform our life in the Body of Christ, the Church today.   This opening phrase exalts the preeminence of Christ in God.  It highlights His desire and His purposes for the Church today.   The Church and its members are the Lord's.  They are His by election and by possession.  Paul wrote elsewhere:

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20, NIV).

Whether we are talking about the local congregation or its members (as regenerated participants in the Body), we are talking about men and women who are not their own; and are called to honor God, preeminently and ultimately.  John uses this metaphor intentionally.  By employing the notion of family (children/sisters) he is emphasizing the organic bond between believers and churches.  On the contrary, if one is not "born from above" they neither belong to God, nor are they members of the local church.

One can also presume the the line between the individual member and the local body is very thin, when it comes to apostolic thinking.  There seems to be a convergence of categories in the Bible so that the individual never forgets that he or she is part of the larger whole. And alternately, the local church never forgets that it is made up of important and significant individuals.   The Bible does not discount one for the other.

What an amazing life that I get to live, Father!  I was chosen in Christ before the foundations of the world and now I'm part of a community of people chosen in Christ before the foundations of the world.  Together we are a chosen congregation of believers -- elect from every nation; all belonging to God, for the purpose of bringing Him glory and honor.  And this community of elect people that meet together and serve together have a bazillion sister congregations all over the world.  Born-again, blood bought, called-out ones, all chosen in Christ, by God, for His supreme glory.  This is the "purpose driven life" -- to magnify and glorify the risen Lord in all His glory.  My purpose today is to make much of Jesus.  Every breath is to expel the matchless glories of our merciful Savior.  Every decision of the will and every act of the body is to be a road-sign of His glory.   Every thought and every feeling is to be raptured into joy unspeakable and full of glory.  You, Father, are worthy of this and much more.  May Your Spirit cause this to occur in me.   For Jesus sake,




 



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1. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.