The CHURCH

In the first two centuries, persecution followed the Christians everywhere, but in the midst of all the persecutions they were "one."  But after the persecution ended by a decree of Constantine, the Christians began to quarrel amongst themselves over doctrines, and the quarrel became so bitter that Constantine called a council of all the leaders in 325 A.D. in an effort to establish peace and fellowship among the followers of Christ.  For two centuries of fierce persecution the Christians were "one" in everything but it only took a relatively few years of "popularity" to hopelessly divide them.

Jesus gave the apostle John His message to the seven Churches of Revelation 2 and 3.  These Churches are symbolic of spiritual conditions in the Church today.  Five Churches were commanded by Christ to repent because they were lukewarm. dead, fallen from their first Love, were filled with immorality or were teaching doctrines which were heresy.  Only the persecuted Church at Smyrna and the Church at Philadelphia "which has kept the Word of My patience" were not commanded to repent.

The Church today is neither being persecuted nor keeping the "Word of Christ's patience." So, God's message for today's Church is a thunderous "Repent or Perish, Church!

Since the term "church" is used almost exclusively in reference to a place or an activity, few people have any concept of what the Church really is.

J. Barnum McGee, in his book entitled "Rebelling Through Revelation", p.28, says: "This is a picture of Protestantism. The great Truths which were recovered in the Reformation have been surrendered by a compromising Church. Although the great denominations still repeat by rote the creeds of the Church; in mind, heart and life they have repudiated them. Imposing programs, elaborate rituals, and multiplication of organizations have been substituted for the Word of God and real spiritual life. There is activity, but no actions, motion without progress, and program without power. Although the outward form remains, the Living creature has left the shell."

What is the Church and who are we in relation to the Church?  We, being many, are one Body in Christ, and everyone members of one another. Christ as a Son over His own house; which is the house of God and the Church of the Living God, the pillar of Truth, whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some to honor and some to dishonor.  Therefore we should purge ourselves that we shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Masters work.

Lyle C. Hildebrand