Theologies - Clover

B. Derivation of "Church"
1. Biblical word : "ekklēsia"
• "ek" = out of
• "kaleō" = to call or summon (verb form)
• "ekklēsia" = called out ones, assembly
2. English word :
The Old English "kirk" was derived from the Greek word kuriakōn
("belonging to the Lord"). Today, some churches use "kirk" in the
place of the common term, church.
3. New Testament Usages of "Ekklēsia" : see preceding page.
C. Theological Distinctions :
1. "Church" (ekklēsia) can refer to the Universal Church, i.e. the Body
of Christ composed of all true believers from Pentecost to the
Rapture (next return of Christ).
a. Colossians 1:18
"And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning
and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He
might have the supremacy."
b. Ephesians 1:22-23
"And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to
be head over everything for the church, 23 which is His body,
the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way."
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