Jesus’ “my church”: local, or universal?

It is commonly accepted, that when Christ spoke of building His church in Matthew 16:18, He was speaking of a universal church consisting of all saved people. This universal church is almost universally acknowledged as the “true” church, and is widely embraced across denominational lines. Regardless of the popularity of a teaching, we need to base our beliefs on the Word of God. Our final conclusions should rest upon “what saith the Scripture?” Some say this church is universal and visible, some say universal and invisible. There are even those who insist that the church is local, but that Jesus’ “my church” consists of all visible, Scriptural churches. I believe the Bible, as always, has the answer. It is our job to study and seek for the truth.  I would like to briefly examine Christ’s use of the word “church” in the New Testament.

Jesus personally used the word “church” or “ecclesia” twenty-three times in the New Testament. Twenty of these uses occur in the book of Revelation, and, in every instance, are clearly referring to a local, visible assembly, whether singular or plural.

We also find that Christ used the word “church” twice in Matthew chapter eighteen. If an offending brother has refused to hear of his fault, and he will not repent after being approached by two or three witnesses, we are commanded to bring the matter before the church. Church discipline cannot be acted upon in a universal church.  The use of the word in this passage demands that we interpret this as referring to a local, visible assembly.

We have now examined twenty-two mentions of the church by Christ, and are left with one use occurring in Matthew 16:18. It should be clear by now that every other time Jesus spoke of a church, He was referring to a local, visible assembly. Why would we approach this passage differently? Is it safe to assume that Christ gave the word a new meaning in this passage? By definition, an “ecclesia” (assembly) must be local and visible. You cannot have a universal, non-assembling assembly. It would not be consistent to mean something entirely different in this passage when Christ stated He would build “my church.” The confusion about this passage results from the distorted teaching of the universal church.

 There are passages in Scripture where the word “church” is used in a generic way. However, we should remember that using a noun in a generic way does not change the definition of said noun. When Jesus said He would build “my church,” He is either referring to a particular church, or He is using it generically. Either way, He is referring to a local assembly. I believe that when Christ said He would build, “my church,” He was speaking in the generic sense. In other words, Christ is the Founder and Head of each local, New Testament church. We must confine ourselves to the rules of grammar, and not invent a new use that defies those rules.

One metaphor used in Scripture to reference the church is “the body.” And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Col 1:18) Speaking to the church in Corinth, Paul states, Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. (1Co 12:27) A body, by definition, must be visible and local. A body is an organism and occupies space. A body has members. These members function in unison, working together to do what is required of them. When Christ is called the Head of the church, we are to understand that what He is to one New Testament church, He is to all New Testament churches. Each and every Scriptural church has Christ as its head. This metaphor gives us a beautiful picture of the church, the members functioning in unity, with Christ as the Head. This unity would not be possible were the body universal.

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Eph 3:21)

Luke Mace

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