This week at UNashamed, we discussed the definition, purpose and functions of the church. We stated that the church, which Jesus established through the work of the cross, is made up of both visible and invisible members. The visible church is comprised of those who are active and serving in the world today, both individually and corporately. (Example: As an active believer in the work of the cross, I am the visible church. However, at the same time, I am also a member of the visible church, because the work of the cross unifies us for mission and worship.) Yet, while I am both the visible church and a part of it, I am also a active member of the invisible church.The invisible church is made up of believers of all time (past, present and future). Someone rightly said, "The visible church is the church we see. The invisible church is the church that God sees." All of the prophets and believers who lived by faith, looking forward to the work of Jesus, the Messiah, during the time of the Old Testament are members of this church. The disciples, apostles and those who have confessed Jesus as Lord since the time of the cross are participants with us in this church. All of those who will come after us, who will cling to the work of Messiah and proclaim Him and His redemption to their lost and dying world, will comprise the Church, in which we too are a part. The church is truly the eternal work of the Lord, transcending time, space, ethnicity, culture, and the like. The church is God's beloved and His chosen means by which His glory, righteousness, and justice reside.
However, does this mean that the church is synonymous with the "Kingdom of God," which we read about so often in Scripture?
