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Today, there are thousands of Christian denominations worldwide. The church is typically defined as the body of Christ and a physical place of worship.
The invisible church is the body of Christ made up of believers worldwide. The body of Christ is not centered on one location or a specific set of doctrines (outside of faith and salvation in Christ alone). Yet, the unification of the church is supposed to exist in continuity among all followers of Jesus Christ.
Likewise, Jesus Christ, the head of the church, should be the focus of worship and doctrine in personal life and the physical church body.
When attending a physical place of worship, it remains important to always examine the church in the Word of God. Admittedly, some churches and denominations might emphasize God’s mercy, while others might concentrate on God’s sovereignty. Although both teachings are valid, they often cause the church to prioritize particular messages tailored to a specific doctrine.
Instead, more critical questions exist: Is the church trinitarian? Does it preach the Word of God? Are the two universal sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper) practiced?
The late theologian John Rodgers argued, “The first mark [of a church] is the preaching and teaching of the pure Word of God, that is preaching the Gospel in accordance with the clear teaching of Scripture… The second mark is the faithful celebration or administration of the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, as Christ instituted them.[i]
Most theologians also assert that a third mark of the church is discipline and structure. While various denominational structures (church government) exist, accountability, encouragement, and unification are essential.
Assuredly, the global church is, in fact, the invisible church, unifying believers across the world in one, Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, the individual churches across the world matter, and ensuring we are aligned with a scriptural-based congregation is of the utmost importance.
Christians acknowledge that there is no such thing as a perfect church or leader (outside of Christ Himself). However, hearing the pure Word of God focused on the Christian trinity is necessary for proper biblical teachings.
Finally, in our fallen world, church accountability is also critical. Sin is rampant and affects even the church. What protection measures are there for encouragement and deliverance from sin?
The church exists for love, protection, encouragement, and, most importantly, to fulfill the Great Commission. We all play a part in building the church for future generations. While theology certainly matters, all believers must be Gospel-centered and seek to unite with the whole body of Christ to proclaim the saving power of our Lord and Savior.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age'” (Matthew 28:18-20).
[i] John Rodgers, The Faith of Anglicans, (Newport Beach: Anglican House, 2021), 76.