Introduction

For what is considered to be THE CHURCH many individuals have endured the most gruesome torture and even death, not accepting deliverance. Others, having a different view of what is THE CHURCH have felt, not only justified, but duty-bound to persecute relentlessly, even to the death, others who are differently persuaded.

One of the saddest and most awful occurrences in human history occurred nearly two thousand years ago when the Son of God, Jesus Christ, was brutally and mercilessly murdered by those who professed to be the chosen people of God. Every well-thinking person would do well to seek an explanation for such an awful paradox, lest ignorance and lack of understanding should break down possible safeguards against the repetition of similar anomalies in their own experience.

An explanation of such an awful paradox can be found in the phenomenon of misplaced affection; and specifically, love of church above love of truth. On the one hand was Jesus Christ who was the embodiment of truth, righteousness, justice, love and mercy. On the other hand was Caiaphas, the designated spiritual leader of God’s professed people - the chief representative of the religious establishment. In between were the people, many of whom had seen the righteousness, innocence and blameless life of Christ but were also fully persuaded of the legitimacy of the religious institution to which they were committed.

What an awful choice for one to be called upon to make. Indeed, it would have been preferable if both were on the same side. But unfortunately, as it was then, so it has been on so many other occasions, not excluding the present, that institutionalized religion is not always aligned with truth. Thus, individuals, at times, are faced with a choice. The decision which prevailed on that fateful day, which culminated in the ignominious death of Christ on Calvary’s cross reveals the little appreciated truth that the majority is not always right.

Some persons, in an attempt to avoid the unpleasant task of making such choices, make an unspoken rule for themselves that the church is always right. Unfortunately for them, their silence or indifference does constitute a choice which, though proven to be right in some instances, is also proven to be wrong in others. In which case, the individual stands either vindicated or condemned before God.

The lessons of Calvary are many. Calvary should impel religious leaders to be humble, recognizing that truth is not always the preserve of the religious elite. Jesus Christ was rejected largely because of his humble earthly beginnings and continuance. He was not educated in the schools of the rabbis. He did not court the favour of the religious establishment or patronize its leaders. The religious leaders felt that their authority was being bypassed and therefore, sought and succeeded, to some measure, in ridding the world of Him whom they considered to be a threat.

The lesson for the people at large who profess a religious faith is that a religious order, culture or establishment stands justified only when it is aligned with truth. Truth stands pre-eminent and is not always enunciated or embraced within the religious establishment to which one is committed. The choice with which one is faced is sometimes unpleasant, but nevertheless, weighted with eternal consequences.

But what is this mysterious entity - THE CHURCH over which individuals hold such diverse, yet unyielding passion? Is it a national establishment, the great cathedral or the various denominations? What is the Biblical perspective on this matter?

In describing the relationship between Christ and His Church, the apostle Paul refers to it as a mystery. He admonishes husbands to Love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it,” declaring that men ought to love their wives as their own bodies and that one who loves his wife loves himself. He further goes on to say:

 “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” Eph.5:32

A mystery, by definition is something that is hidden from or obscure to the understanding. This might raise the question as to whether or not there is much to be gained by probing into the Biblical concept of The Church, since it is a mystery. However, to those who genuinely desire a closer walk with God and who sincerely seek to know the truths of God’s Word, the promise of Christ holds true today as it did when He spoke thus to his disciples:

 “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” Luke 8:10.

Of Christ it is declared that in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3) and we are further assured that:

 “If any of you Jack wisdom, Jet him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.

These are our assurances, so with these in mind we now consider “The Unfolding Mystery of God’s Church.”