3. What does the Bible say about the origin, nature, and characteristics of the church?

The Bible portrays the church as an inclusive divine institution, calling it “the church of God” (Acts 20:28). The nation God brought out of Egypt was called “the church [or “congregation,” RSV] in the wilderness (Acts 7:38, KJV). Its members were “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6), God’s “holy people” (Deuteronomy 28:9)—His church.JTL23 5.1

The Jewish people were to be “servants” and lights to others, inviting people from all the nations of the world to learn of the true God and His love. Sadly, Israel became steeped in idolatry, isolationism, nationalism, pride, and self-centeredness, ultimately rejecting the very Messiah God sent for their salvation. After the cross, the church no longer focused on one ethnicity, the Jews, but God’s people were any who were baptized into Christ, regardless of race, class, or gender. All became “one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28).JTL23 5.2

The New Testament refers to the church both as believers in a specific location (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1) and to a wider geographic areas such as “the churches of Galatia” (Galatians 1:2). Each locality, however, is part of the whole church. It is in this universal sense that “church” is used in Ephesians 1:22, 3:10 or Colossians 1:18. We could describe the church as a fellowship of believers whom God has called out of the world to declare His incredible gospel to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).JTL23 5.3