The Church in Symbol

In the Beginning

The word “church” appears seventy-six times in the New Testament and never in the Old (King James Bible). The word is translated from the Greek ekklesia (Strong’s #1577) and means “a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both).”

Christians have long appreciated the Old Testament for its prophetic and poetic anticipation of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone of God’s great plan of redemption for all mankind. But less well understood are the many Old Testament references to faithful followers of Jesus who would constitute his “body members,” the “church [ekklesia] of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” (Hebrews 12:23).

We begin with Old Testament Portrayals of the Church. Many Old Testament symbols which describe the church could not be understood until Jesus Christ made clear how the Father’s plan for blessing all mankind would be implemented. Of special interest in the Old Testament is The Song of Solomon discussed in an article of the same name. This great poetic “song” speaks of the love between the church and her Lord, as does the wonderfully prophetic Psalm 45, discussed in verse-by-verse detail in Bride and Bridegroom.

Although the Old Testament symbols are veiled in a kind of mystery, such is not the case with the symbols found in the New Testament. New Testament Portrayals of the Church examines the symbols of jewels, wheat, virgins, vine and branches, and others. The Bride of Christ shows how no picture except marriage captures the love and joy that exist between Jesus Christ and his church.

Living Stones is a symbol suggested by the apostle Peter. Believers as “living stones” become a part of God’s great temple. We end with The Psychology of Sheep. Sheep have a number of unique characteristics that makes a flock ideally suited as a symbol of the church.

The privilege of becoming a part of the church of the firstborn is being offered only during this Christian or Gospel age. Soon the church will be complete and the blessing of the world of mankind will begin, starting with the resurrection of the dead. May we be accounted faithful to our covenant of sacrifice so that we will eventually reign with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12).