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The true meaning of “church” in the Bible, from the original Greek, is ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), which means “called-out assembly.” It does not refer to a building but to the body of believers—those called out of the world by God to be His holy people, founded upon faith in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the New Testament, the Church is described in several key ways:
The Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 1:22-23): All true believers are united spiritually with Christ as His living body on earth, each with unique roles but under His headship.
The Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7): The Church is depicted as the pure, spotless bride whom Christ loves, sanctifies, and will one day fully unite with.
The Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, Ephesians 2:19-22): Together, believers form a spiritual temple where God dwells by His Spirit—built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone.
The Pillar and Foundation of the Truth (1 Timothy 3:15): The Church is entrusted with upholding and proclaiming God’s revealed truth in Scripture.
From a Biblical Christian perspective, the true Church is not defined by denominational labels, rituals, or buildings, but by faithfulness to Christ’s teachings, adherence to sound doctrine, and the spiritual unity of regenerate believers. It is an organic, living body—not an institution—and it exists to worship God, disciple nations, and proclaim the Gospel until Christ returns.