In the Bible, the terms used for the church always refer to deity. Examples are the church of Christ, the church of God, My church (Christ), the church of the Lord, God's building, the body of Christ, the church, etc. Denominational names and practices were never used in naming the church.
Matthew 16:18,19 |
[Jesus says] "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My
church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I
will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth
will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in
heaven." |
Romans 16:16 |
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. |
1 Corinthians 3:9 |
For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. |
Colossians 1:18 |
And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. |
Acts 20:28 |
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy
Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased
with His own blood. |
1 Corinthians 1:2 |
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ
Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: |
Acts 2:47 |
...And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. |
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