Subject: How many churches will be saved? |
Bible Note: Hi Beja, you say: However you may read this verse, at the end of the day "ekklesia" is in fact the word Scritpure uses for "church." For example, 1 Corinthians 1:2 addresses the letter "to the 'ekklesia' of God which is at Corinth." Yes, the word does mean "assembly" but "ekklesia" remains the word constantly used for the church. On that note I wonder about your interpretation of Hebrews 12:22-23 where he tells them they have already (perfect tense) come to the "ekklesia" of the firstborn? In Christ, Beja I read the verse with the meaning of “ekklesia.” I am aware of the word church and it’s supposed meaning which is “the called our ones.” And we can understand that indeed we are the called out ones. However, my point was to point out the truth that the called out ones of this dispensation of grace was not the ones the Lord was speaking of. If it was then Paul made an awful mistake when he said his gospel and this whole dispensation of grace was a mystery until given to him. And we are not the kingdom of heaven assembly the keys were to open. In Acts 19 three times ekklesia is used to describe a mob of rioting Ephesian Gentiles who were afraid the preaching of Christ by Paul was going to destroy the lucrative silversmith business of making images for the worship of the goddess Diana. In opposition to Paul, Demetrius, a silversmith, called together an “ekklesia,” correctly translated (assembly) when not applying to the church. To show the nonsense of their translation, most if asked what the word church means, explain that it has a meaning of “the called out ones” If the word church, simply means the “called out ones,” then the word ekklesia, translated “church” is just as appropriate when applied to the Ephesian idol worshiping mob who would have killed Paul, as when it is used to identify the present assembly of Christ. Would we say the idol worshipers were the “called out ones?” It is a clear example of the absurdity that we have been taught by those referred to as scholars who know better. Never once did the Lord name the present assembly of Christ in His earthly assembly By using what is called the Gospels as spoken to and about the present church we have all kinds of confusion. The Lord taught the law that Paul said was a ministry of condemnation and death (2 Cor. 3: 6-9) and we call it the good news. Read Matt. 19:16-17 and compare it with what Paul said about teaching the commandments as the way of life in Gal. 1:6-9 just like the Lord said to the young ruler. There could be no New Covenant until the book of Acts (Heb. 9:15-22). You say: “Yes, the word does mean "assembly" but "ekklesia" remains the word constantly used for the church.” And that is our problem. Are we to do as the Pharisees say since they sit in Moses seat? The Lord said: “The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do (Matt. 23:2-3).” And that is because we do not understand where the Old and New Testaments begin and end. We apply things to the church that was spoken to Israel who was under the law when the Lord spoke. One of our problems of understand so many things is, we are letting the church teach us rather than the Scriptures. I hope this helps Beja. Thanks for your response. Movingon |