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 Dear
bro. Turner:
Does
the church have a name? If so where may I find it?
Reply:
Webster
says synonyms for "name" are "designation"
"denomination" "appellation"
"title" and "style". Name is the
general term loosely embracing all the others. God's people are
identified by such expressions as "the church of God"
(1CO.1:2) and, speaking of a plurality of congregations,
"churches of Christ," (ROM.16:16). In these instances,
the inspired writer saw fit to relate the "called-out
people" (church) to owner or head (I doubt that a
deliberate distinction was intended). In a loose and general
sense, this gives God's people (collectively) a "name"
— more that one name, in fact.
In
the same vein, if I mistake not, the people of God are called
(named?) "the household of faith" (GAL.6:10). In
HEB.12:23 God's people are spoken of as "church of the
firstborn" — and "firstborn ones" are
under consideration — those who are born-again, NOT
Jesus Christ, who was "first born". Here,
characteristics of the people are emphasized. But I find,
neither in these, nor in those “names” given in my first
paragraph, an official label, or trademark, which
God’s people (collectively) must wear.
If
there is any lesson here, with respect to
"label", it would be that (a) we should describe God's
people with accuracy, "calling" them only what they
are (not after Luther, John the Baptist, etc.); and (b) God
gives no one label for His church.
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"There
is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must
be saved" (ACT.4:12). Does this argue that God's people
must wear the title, "Church of Christ"? The
"name" given here in context (vs. 10) is "Jesus
Christ of Nazareth". By what right do we shorten it? The
context further shows that it was "power" (or source
of power) that was questioned, (vs. 7;9) not some spoken
"name". We have nothing here about a church
name.
"Do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus — " (COL.3:17). Does
this label the church? If so it is the "Church of the Lord
Jesus". But the context shows this refers to (a) letting
the word of Christ dwell in us; (b) singing with grace in your
hearts to the Lord; (c) wives, submit to husbands, as it is fit
in the Lord; (d) children obey parents, to please the Lord; (e)
servants, fear God, and work as to the Lord. This passage does
not require a "label" on all we do, but calls upon us
to live our whole life, "as unto the Lord" "to
His glory".
Communication,
especially in this day of "church" confusion,
demands some means of identification. I speak of God's people as
the church (called-out people) of (belonging to) Christ (the
Lord) because I believe this accurately designates these people.
"Of God" would be equally scriptural, but to the
non-Christian public would be less exact. I do not switch
about, using various scriptural designations, for this would be
even more confusing to the public (Consider the problems of
postal service, advertising a public meeting, etc.). In
preaching, I emphasize identity, not some label.
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