Topical Bible: Titles and Names of the Church: Church of the Living God

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The title "Church of the Living God" is a profound designation found within the New Testament, encapsulating the identity and mission of the Christian community. This title emphasizes the dynamic and active presence of God within His people, distinguishing the Church from any mere human institution. It underscores the belief that the Church is not just an assembly of believers but a living organism, animated by the Spirit of God.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Timothy 3:15 · "But if I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."
This passage highlights the Church as the "household of God," emphasizing its role as the custodian of divine truth. The Church is portrayed as a living entity, grounded in the reality of God's active presence and truth.

2. 2 Corinthians 6:16 · "What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.'"
Here, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the Church and the temple, asserting that believers collectively form the temple of the living God. This imagery conveys the intimate relationship between God and His people, where He dwells and walks among them.

Theological Significance:

The title "Church of the Living God" carries deep theological implications. It affirms the Church's divine origin and its ongoing relationship with God, who is actively involved in the life of His people. This title serves as a reminder of the Church's calling to be a vibrant witness to the world, reflecting the life and truth of God.

Ecclesiological Implications:

The Church, as the "Church of the Living God," is called to embody the characteristics of its divine Head. It is to be a community marked by holiness, truth, and love, reflecting the nature of the God it serves. This title also implies a sense of unity and purpose, as the Church is bound together by the living presence of God, working collectively to fulfill His mission on earth.

Historical Context:

In the early Christian context, the title "Church of the Living God" would have stood in stark contrast to the pagan temples and idols prevalent in the Greco-Roman world. While these were lifeless and powerless, the Church was a living testament to the one true God, who is active and sovereign over all creation.

Practical Application:

For believers today, identifying as part of the "Church of the Living God" calls for a commitment to live out the faith in a way that honors God's presence among His people. It challenges the Church to remain steadfast in truth, to be a beacon of hope and life in a world often characterized by spiritual deadness, and to engage in worship and service that reflect the living nature of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

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

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

Articles of Religion.
... Of Homilies."The second Book of Homilies, the several titles whereof we have ... Of the
Names of the Homilies."1. Of the right Use of the Church.2. Against ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.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

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 ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xiv.htm

Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an ...
... us the spirits of the holy martyrs, when Thy Church needs greater ... men now repeat
that they once heard the names of these martyrs and read their titles. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xxii st ambrose in.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... of true piety are said to inscribe their names among the ... Those magnificent titles,
as when the temple is called ... we quoted from Paul, that the Church can only ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ...
... in virtue of this likeness, bear the names of the ... is a believer in the Catholic Church
{HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS ... words from the perennial and living fountain." Now ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period ii the church from.htm

This HomilyWas Delivered on the Occasion of the Prefect Entering ...
... occasion of the Prefect [1650] entering the Church, for the ... But he, instead of all
such titles, says, "Paul ... into silence; and not even their names are known to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvi this homily was.htm