 A LOVELY SANCTUARY DOTH NOT A CHURCH MAKE
Meaningful communication demands that we have a common and correct understanding of the words we use. Most folks understand the word "church" to refer to the building where worship occurs. A well educated lady recently visited our assembly; (we temporarily meet in a rented hall). Looking around she asked, "Where is your church?" The Scriptural meaning of the word church never involves the building where Christians assemble. Jesus promised to build his church (Matt. 16:18), but he did not have in mind a building. In his death on the cross he purchased the church (Acts 20:28). He loves the church, gave himself up for it and saves it (Eph. 5:23). He is head over all things to the church (Eph. 1:22). All of these verses refer to his saved people, never to a building, no matter how grand or stately. The church is pictured as his body (Eph. 1:22), his bride (Eph. 5:22-23), his kingdom (Matt. 16:18), his family (Gal. 3:26-28), his army Rev. 19:11-14). It is likened unto a temple of the Holy Spirit, not made of brick or stone, but of living stones ( I Pet. 2:5).
The early Christians had no church buildings. They were poor and persecuted. They met sometimes in the courtyard of the Jewish temple, in homes or wherever accommodations could be found. Only later, when safety and prosperity allowed, did they have buildings of their own. This is the point Jesus made to the woman of Samaria. True worship of God is not limited to a particular place or setting. God is a spirit and those who worship him must do so in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Jesus said "The kingdom of God is within you" (Lk. 17:21). Our very bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 6:19). Each Christian is his own priest to offer up his sacrifices to God (I Pet. 2:5). This we can do in a comfortable building or in a cave. Satan can destroy a church building, but it is much harder to destroy the church. To do so, he has to crush the faith from every individual heart.
Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and all sorts of cults and isms build ornate and beautiful buildings which they dedicate to object of their faith. Lovely architecture is no guarantee that Jehovah will accept the worship offered.
Where two or three Christians assemble for worship, be it a home, a forest glade, a rented hall or a sanctuary, Christ has promised to be with them (Matt. 18:20).
Today we may meet and worship in a rented hall in a business mall. Tomorrow we will be able to afford our own meeting house. In our rented quarters we are no less a church of Christ than when we have our house of worship. While a building contributes greatly to our comfort and convenience it in no way sanctifies our worship or makes it more acceptable to God. Remember that a lovely sanctuary doth not a true church make.
JHW
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