Topical Bible: Titles and Names of the Church: Congregation of Saints

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Congregation of Saints" is a significant title for the Church, reflecting its identity as a community set apart for God, composed of individuals who are sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. This designation emphasizes both the collective nature of the Church and the holiness to which its members are called.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the Church as a "Congregation of Saints" is rooted in various scriptural passages that highlight the sanctity and communal aspect of God's people. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word "qahal" often refers to the assembly or congregation of Israel, God's chosen people. This idea is carried into the New Testament, where the Greek word "ekklesia" is used to describe the Church, signifying a called-out assembly.

Psalm 149:1 states, "Hallelujah! Sing to the LORD a new song—His praise in the assembly of the saints." This verse underscores the worshipful and communal nature of the congregation, gathered to praise God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses believers as "saints," indicating their sanctified status. For instance, in Ephesians 1:1 , Paul writes, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus." Here, "saints" refers to those who are set apart for God, highlighting their holy calling.

Theological Significance

The title "Congregation of Saints" conveys the dual aspects of the Church's identity: its communal nature and its call to holiness. As a congregation, the Church is not merely a collection of individuals but a unified body, the Body of Christ, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:27 : "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it."

The term "saints" emphasizes the Church's sanctification, a process initiated by the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to live lives that reflect their holy status, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16 : "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

Practical Implications

Understanding the Church as the "Congregation of Saints" has practical implications for how believers live and interact. It calls for a life of holiness, unity, and mutual edification. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as some have made a habit, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

This title also serves as a reminder of the Church's mission to be a light to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. As a congregation, the Church is called to reflect God's holiness and love, serving as a witness to His grace and truth.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 149:1
Praise you the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... you like; but know that those titles will not ... mothers, and kings the nursing fathers
of Christ's church. ... don't expect kings to put down their names for trifles ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... They that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not ... church makes mention
of the Saviour by those titles, which are ... Epistle to the Church in Laodicea ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... people is more usually called
The Church, in that it ... enemies of Christ, under certain proper names of nations ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.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

Church Fabrics and Services.
... kept in memory of the patron saints from whom ... persons who frequented a legal dissenting
congregation were excused ... penalties for not coming to church, there was ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

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 ... imposed upon by the name of Church, every congregation ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

Acts XI
... and for rank and authority in the Church of Christ ... of mystic Babylon, and the swelling
titles by which ... are the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.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

Paul in Ephesus.
... Much of the religion of the Church of Rome consists in respect for relics. ... their
incantations, the heathens made use of some of the names and titles of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... good men, who come to join
the church, and who ... Mark, Luke, and John, by their right names, but must ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm