What Is the Church?
The word church comes from the Greek ekklesia, meaning “called out ones.” Throughout history, God has always had a people He has called out—whether from Egypt, Babylon, or man-made religion. Yet in the New Testament, Jesus introduced something radically different: “My church” (Matthew 16:18)—a community set apart by full surrender to Him, not tradition, title, or lineage.
Entrance by Christ Alone
Jesus declared, “I am the door” (John 10:9). Entry into His church comes only through Him—through faith, repentance, and personal relationship. No denomination, religious group, or leader can provide another way in. Any attempt to promote a substitute system is a deception.
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
It is not a church name that saves—it is Jesus. No human organization holds the keys to salvation.
A Spirit of Exclusivity?
In Mark 9:38, the disciples saw a man casting out demons in Jesus’ name but tried to stop him because he wasn’t part of their group:
“We forbade him, because he followeth not us.”
Jesus rebuked them:
“Forbid him not… he that is not against us is on our part.” (Mark 9:39–40)
This mindset—“you’re not with us, so you’re outside of God’s blessing”—still exists in some religious circles. But it contradicts Jesus’ heart. He recognizes all who are aligned with His Spirit and purpose, regardless of affiliation.
One Fold, One Shepherd
Jesus said:
“Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring… and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.” (John 10:16)
At the time, Jesus’ “fold” consisted of His disciples. But He acknowledged many sincere souls outside that circle. His mission was—and still is—to draw them all under one Shepherd: Himself.
True church membership is not defined by earthly institutions. It is defined by knowing and following the Shepherd.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)
The Danger of Man-Made Barriers
When denominations claim to be the exclusive fold of God, they often create extra requirements for membership beyond faith in Christ. This undermines the gospel.
Consider:
Acts 16:31 — “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Acts 8:36–38 — A simple profession of faith led to immediate baptism.
Acts 19:3–5 — When disciples heard the truth about Christ, they were baptized in His name.
Adding human qualifications, traditions, or organizational allegiance to salvation is a subtle form of spiritual control.
One Church, Many Gifts
The Church is one body with many members:
“There are diversities of gifts… differences of administrations… diversities of operations, but the same God worketh all in all.” (1 Corinthians 12:4–6)
Christ works through many people, in many places, using various gifts and methods. No single group, ministry, or leader embodies the whole.
The True Church: A Spiritual Organism
The true Church is not a building or denomination. It is a living body made up of all who:
- Hear and follow Christ’s voice
- Trust in Him alone for salvation
- Walk in obedience to His Word
- Are filled with His Spirit and reflect His character
These are the true called-out ones. This is the church that Jesus recognizes as His own.
“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (2 Timothy 2:19)
Let us follow Christ—not a label, not a man, not a movement. For wherever He leads, there is His church.