a three part series over at the Ligonier Ministries blog explores “the church, the Body of Christ.
here is part one
There are fundamentally two views of the church…..The first conception of the church is stated as follows: It is that body of persons who profess faith in Christ, who are subordinate to properly appointed officers, and who associate with those of like profession and practice.
here is part two
Thus the foregoing definition of the church will not do. The church of Christ is not simply those who profess Christ, are subordinate to His officers, and associate with those of like profession. The devil’s children are members of this company. The enemies of Christ profess to love Him. This is the church of the antichrist as well as of Christ.
and here is part three.
What, then, is the church of Christ? Although the previous definition is unsatisfactory, the addition of two words will make it quite satisfactory. Thus, the church consists of all who sincerely profess faith in Christ, who are normally subordinate to His officers, and who associate with those of like profession. This definition requires that the person’s profession correspond to his state of heart.
enjoy