Quote:
Originally Posted by zeek
The word church is a translation of the Greek word εκκλησια which according to Strong's Concordance is formed from the word ek, "out from and to" and kaléō, "to call" – "properly, people called out from the world and to God." Thus, the churches already consist of those who have been called out. You seem to be suggesting that the Bible teaches that God calls people out of the "called out". That would mean that God calls people out of the church or at least a church or some churches. I haven't seen that. Do you have any evidence for that claim other than what you cited below because, like I said, that seemed to be mistaken.
|
By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
The path of faith is to be called out. We should not assume that it is a one stop. Every single one of us in the church has been "called out". Perhaps you were born into the LRC, but I was not. I had no problem believing I had been called out of the Episcopalian church to meet with the saints. Now that I have left the LRC why is it hard to believe I got called out of that situation as well. Being called out is who we are. If you are following the Lord then He called you out, that is my testimony. If you are not following the Lord that is a different issue.
For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
It would be nice if we could "overcome" the uncleanness in the LRC. We couldn't. That may be our failure or it might be God's plan. But I was called out, not for uncleanness, but in sanctification". Therefore I have no issue with realizing I had been called out of the Episcopalian church and also out of the LRC.
13Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Not my interpretation, the black and white word. No doubt at the time of Peter meeting with the early Christians involved going forth without the camp. But today it is clear that established Christianity is the camp.
But now they desire a better country
This is the characteristic of all who are men of faith. No reason to deny it or be ashamed of it.
to the twelve tribes which are of the Dispersion
to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion
Our Jewish brothers were called out, after having been in "God's move on Earth". Why do we think that does not apply to us?
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
OK, of course it does apply to us.
Both the crossing the Red Sea and Noah’s ark are types of baptism. In both cases we were called out.
It applies to everyone baptized into Christ. But when we get to the church in Philadelphia we will "go out no more"
However, if you do not understand this verse in Philadelphia this way then you have to explain what it means for overcomers to have 'gone out of the temple of God', you haven't. If it is referring to the spiritual church then why aren't they backsliders, not overcomers? Everyone seeking a better country, being called out and not knowing where they are going, the ones crossing the red sea or riding in Noah's ark, they were not backsliders but to arrive at that better city they had to go out.