The Church and Its Institutions

(Condensed from the Schaff-Herzogg Encyclopedia)

The Church

a. The word "ecclesia" in the New Testament means either the universal church of Christ, or a local congregation.

b. The early Christian church began on the day of Pentecost; and it was at first composed of the disciples whom Jesus had personally gathered. It was a community inside of Judaism, with peculiar worship and government. It was the "ecclesia"; and by this name Paul calls it in his earliest epistles, whether in Palestine or outside. 1 Thessalonians 2:14

Its complete name was the "Church of God," or the "Church of Christ" Romans 16:16

whether of a single congregation, or of the whole body of believers

It was made up of the "sanctified in Christ Jesus" 1 Corinthians 1:2

the "called saints" Romans 1:7

the "holy nation" 1 Peter 2:9

In the deep conception of Paul every believer was united with Christ, and entered this close union through baptism. 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27

The church was Christ's body, of which He was the Head. Colossians 1:14, 2:19

c. For church government, see in the encyclopedias the articles on the different denominations.

The Sacraments

These are baptism and the Lord's Supper.