The term "Assembly of the Upright" is a title used to describe the Church, emphasizing the moral and spiritual integrity expected of its members. This designation highlights the Church as a gathering of those who strive to live in accordance with God's righteous standards. The concept of uprightness is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where it is often associated with righteousness, integrity, and adherence to God's commandments.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "Assembly of the Upright" is derived from the Psalms, where it is used to describe a community of believers who are committed to living righteously. Psalm 111:1 states, "Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly." This verse underscores the importance of communal worship and thanksgiving among those who are dedicated to upright living.

Characteristics of the Upright

In the biblical context, uprightness is characterized by a life that reflects God's holiness and justice. The upright are those who walk in integrity, as seen in Proverbs 11:3 : "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the perversity of the faithless destroys them." This integrity is not merely an external adherence to rules but a heartfelt commitment to God's ways.

The upright are also described as those who fear the Lord and delight in His commandments. Psalm 112:1 declares, "Hallelujah! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments." This reverence for God and His Word is a defining trait of the assembly of the upright.

Role within the Church

The Church, as the Assembly of the Upright, serves as a beacon of moral and spiritual light in a world often characterized by moral relativism and spiritual darkness. Members of this assembly are called to be examples of godly living, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily lives. This calling is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are urged to live lives worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

The Assembly of the Upright also plays a crucial role in mutual edification and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another." This communal aspect of the Church is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith.

Eschatological Significance

The concept of the Assembly of the Upright also carries eschatological significance. It points to the ultimate gathering of God's people in His eternal kingdom, where righteousness will dwell. Revelation 21:27 speaks of the New Jerusalem, where "nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." This future assembly will be the consummation of the Church's calling to be holy and blameless before God.

In summary, the title "Assembly of the Upright" encapsulates the Church's identity as a community of believers committed to living in righteousness and integrity, both in the present age and in anticipation of the age to come.Psalm 111:1
Praise you the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as when
the temple is called ... forgiven by the ministry of the Church, when presbyters ...
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Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... his salvation in the presence of the holy assembly. ... by, it pleased all the bishops,
whose names and subscriptions ... in the holy synod of the church of Carthage: ...
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Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... the accession of Constantine and arranged under appropriate titles. ... never been accepted
by the Church; on the ... really a Holy Spirit; these names being assigned ...
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Acts XIV
... Luke changes the order of their names, according as ... indicate the older members of
the Church, is sufficiently ... which are appropriated as official titles do not ...
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The Poetical Books.
... man's reconciliation to God; it is a prophecy of the Church from the ... Who inserted
these names? ... mistakes, and the old copies do not agree in all their titles. ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter vii the poetical books.htm

Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... and Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ... and zealous of the clergy
of the Church of England ... and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... And since the common body of the church is composed ... Some he names his joy and crown,
[2682] others ... sanctifying a fast, calling a solemn assembly, and gathering ...
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English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... in the books of the Kings, the names and books of ... although they be set out with goodly
titles, as though ... the cause of many conflicts in the Church, that there ...
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The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... uncompromising than these two words, because the titles of Deus ... S. Saba on the Aventine,
we read the names of a ... century of the freedom of the Church, when the ...
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Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... people in themselves, that is, like dear children, partakers of the divine nature."
Call the Church what you will, bride, sister, mother, her assembly is but ...
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