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06. The church of Jesus Christ
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06. The church of Jesus Christ
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06. The church of Jesus Christ365. What does the term “church” mean in general?
The term “church” has three different meanings in general usage. On the one hand, it is used in
reference to a Christian place of worship (e.g. the local parish) in which the believers gather for divine
service. Another meaning of “church” refers to the congregation in a particular place. Beyond that,
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“church” can be used in reference to a Christian community (denomination), for example the New
Apostolic Church or the Catholic Church.
‘Denomination’, derived from the Latin denominatio, (“identification”, “naming”), is a non-judgemental
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term for a religious community.
366. What does “church” mean with respect to faith?
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In reference to faith the term “church” does not refer primarily to the church building, but to the
institution that has the function of imparting salvation in Christ to human beings. Those people who
belong to the church are called to have eternal fellowship with God. Beyond that, “church” denotes
the fellowship of the believers with the triune God already in the present, in that He turns to the
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believers, who bring Him worship and praise, in word and sacrament. In the church, the believers
have fellowship with one another. The focal point of church life is the divine service.
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367. Is church necessary
Yes. Church is necessary for being a Christian, because it is only there that we hear the word of God,
receive the sacraments, and experience fellowship with God and with one another. As a whole, these
elements are indispensable for attaining salvation. Without church this is impossible for human
beings.
Salvation: see Questions 243., 248.
, 368. Who established the church?
Jesus Christ established the church. He not only left instructions, but rather also created an institution
for imparting salvation, namely His church. It thus has its source in the Son of God who came to the
earth and worked among human beings as a human being Himself: He called human beings to follow
Him as His disciples, preached, performed miracles, forgave sins, and promised and sent the Holy
Spirit. The person and deed of Jesus Christ are fundamental prerequisites for the existence of the
church.
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369. Who is the “head” of the church of Jesus Christ?
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Jesus Christ is the “head” of His church.
370. What are the functions of the church of Jesus Christ?
The church of Jesus Christ has two functions. The first is to make salvation and eternal fellowship
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with God available to human beings. Its second function is to allow human beings to bring adoration
and praise to God.
371. Is there a difference between the church of Jesus Christ and the New Apostolic
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Church?
Yes, there is a difference. The one church of Jesus Christ is revealed in varying ways and to varying
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degrees in the New Apostolic Church and in the other Christian churches.
See also Question 386.
372. With what actions did Jesus Christ establish the church?
Jesus Christ established the church through the following significant actions: He
gathered disciples (cf. Mark 1: 16 et seq.),
preached about the kingdom of God (cf. Mark 1: 14-15),
elected the Apostles (cf. Luke 6: 12-16),
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