Cox Handout - The Church Universal (Invisible) & Particular (Visible)

Question 1

What is the main New Testament term used to describe the church?

Answer 1

Ekklesia.

Question 2

What does the term Ekklesia apply to in its New Testament context?

Answer 2

An assembly, gathering, or congregation of human beings.

Question 3

What are the key aspects of the Church Universal (Invisible)?

Answer 3

1) Holy, without blemish.
2) Seated at the right hand of Christ in Heavenly places.
3) All the fullness of God’s promises are fulfilled within it.
4) All true believers are automatic members; a perfect expression of the delegation of Christ’s authority and ministry within his body.
5) An idea expression of all the fullness of God’s power in Christ who is the head.

Question 4

What are the key aspects of the Church Particular (Visible)?

Answer 4

1) In process; composed of imperfect people.
2) On earth in the midst of the Dominion of darkness.
3) Earthly existence is characterized by an already but not yet tension
4) Composed of both wheat and tares. Commitment and submission to governmental structure is ideal and mandatory but not embraced by all.
5) A diversity of expressions of divine grace, manifesting the presence and power of God’s presence in their midst.