The term "Church of God" is a significant title used in the New Testament to describe the collective body of believers who are called out and set apart for God's purposes. This title emphasizes the divine ownership and authority over the church, highlighting its identity as belonging to God Himself.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Corinthians 1:2 : "To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours." This verse underscores the sanctification and calling of the church, emphasizing its universal nature and unity under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

2. 1 Corinthians 10:32 : "Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God." Here, the apostle Paul distinguishes the church from other groups, indicating its unique identity and the importance of maintaining a testimony that does not hinder others.

3. 1 Corinthians 11:22 : "Do you not have your own homes in which to eat and drink? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing?" This passage highlights the respect and honor due to the church as God's possession, warning against actions that would bring dishonor to it.

4. 1 Corinthians 15:9 : "For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." Paul’s reference to his past persecution of the church underscores the gravity of opposing what belongs to God, and his subsequent transformation illustrates the power of divine grace.

5. 2 Corinthians 1:1 : "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia." This greeting reaffirms the church's identity as belonging to God and its connection with the broader community of believers.

6. Galatians 1:13 : "For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I severely persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it." Again, Paul reflects on his past actions against the church, emphasizing its divine nature and the futility of opposing God's work.

Theological Significance:

The title "Church of God" conveys several theological truths about the nature and mission of the church:

· Divine Ownership: The church is not a human institution but is owned and established by God. This ownership implies that the church operates under God's authority and for His purposes.

· Sanctification and Calling: Members of the Church of God are sanctified, meaning they are set apart for holy purposes. They are called to live as saints, reflecting God's character and mission in the world.

· Unity and Universality: The church is composed of all believers, transcending cultural, ethnic, and geographical boundaries. This unity is rooted in the shared faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.

· Respect and Honor: As the possession of God, the church deserves respect and honor. Believers are called to conduct themselves in ways that uphold the dignity and mission of the church.

· Persecution and Protection: The church has historically faced opposition, as seen in Paul's early persecution. However, its divine foundation ensures that it will endure and fulfill its mission despite challenges.

In summary, the title "Church of God" encapsulates the church's identity as a divinely owned, sanctified, and unified body of believers, called to live out God's purposes in the world.Acts 20:28
Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On the Various Names and Titles
... V. On the Various Names and Titles. ... [Gal.4:7]. A daughter is the soul of the
faith or the church; in the psalm: listen, daughter, and see. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/v on the various names.htm

The Son of Man
... Both refer to His coming in clouds to the earth in judgment, after the Church has
been taken up, and after the ... [10] See The Divine Names and Titles, by Dr ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the son of man.htm

On the Babylonish Captivity of the Church on the Babylonish ...
... nay, an Aristotelian theologian, to whom names and words ... it follows hence that not
only the Church, but every ... war should be adorned with many titles of honour. ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/iii on the babylonish captivity.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... Different names given to this dispensation, to show that we ... they are commended by
many distinguished titles, as the ... how to behave himself in the Church of God. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

To the High and Mighty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales.
... religious princes, to be so honoured, that their names, since their deaths, smell
in the church of God ... is it for great men to have great titles on earth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/to the high and mighty.htm

Letter Xcviii. From the Synod of Chalcedon to Leo.
... we have resolved on for the removal of all confusion and the confirmation of church
order. ... [443] One of the Latin versions adds the names and titles of the ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xcviii from the synod.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles, as
when the temple is called God's ... cannot have any doubt that the Church of God ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... individuals the solid and ancient Corinthian Church is in ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Christian Names.
... of the individual, or in his relation to the church. ... When we thus give our children
names associated with battle-fields, empty titles, brilliant honors ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xii christian names.htm

Epistle xx. To Mauricius Augustus.
... ground and in ashes, seek for themselves names of vanity, and glory in new and profane
titles. ... cause of Almighty God, the cause of the Universal Church. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xx to mauricius augustus.htm

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