Topic(s):  Church

Todd Clippard

The Bible teaches that the kingdom is the church. All references to the kingdom prior to Acts 2 speak of it as being yet in the future. Jesus said of his church in Matthew 16:18 that it wasn't established. In Acts 2, we see people added to the church; this is the first time the church is spoken of in the present tense.

All references to the kingdom after Acts 2 speak of the church as an established entity. Colossians 1:13 says God translated us out of darkness and into the kingdom of his dear Son. John the apostle said he was a companion in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9).

But what distinction is there to be made between the church and members of the church? The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). Yet Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:27, "now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular." Jesus himself said in Luke 17:21, "The kingdom of God is within you."

Therefore, I cannot find any real distinction to be made between the church and members of the church.