The Church in Two Senses of the Word

based on charts by Scott Mann
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 9, No. 11, November 30, 1983

Universal Church

The Relationship of Saints with God

  1. Members are enrolled in heaven (Hebrews 12:23; II Timothy 2:19)
  2. Consists of all saints, everywhere, living or dead (Ephesians 3:15; 5:27-29)
  3. Only the Lord adds to their number (Acts 2:47)
  4. Entrance is by obedience to the Gospel, including baptism (I Corinthians 12:13)
  5. One Shepherd (Matthew 23:8; John 10:11)
  6. Only one church in the universal sense exists (Ephesians 4:4-6)
  7. Only God can discipline its members (Revelation 22:19)
  8. All in it shall be saved (Ephesians 5:27-29)
  9. There is no collective function or organization

Local Church

The Relationship of Saints with Saints

  1. Members in a specific locality are enrolled by human judgment (Romans 16:5; III John 5-10)
  2. Consists of saints who are currently living (Philippians 1:1, 23-26)
  3. Members join themselves together (Acts 9:26)
  4. Members enter by fellowship (II John 10)
  5. Multiple lesser shepherds (I Peter 5:1-4)
  6. Many local churches (Romans 16:16)
  7. Men discipline members according to the Scriptures (I Corinthians 5:1-5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 11-15)
  8. God saves only those members found faithful (Revelation 2:14-16; Matthew 21:28)
  9. It has organization and function (Philippians 1:1; 4:15)