The concept of ecclesia, often translated as “church,” holds profound significance within its original context, intricately tied to the notion of the Kingdom of God. To fully grasp the authentic meaning of ecclesia, one must acknowledge its relationship with the Kingdom.
When ecclesia is divorced from this context, it risks becoming a mere construct, shaped by human interpretation and desires, rather than a true reflection of its divine intent. In such a scenario, the church can be molded into any form that suits our preferences, effectively sidelining the authority and guidance of Jesus, the King.
Dismissing the Kingdom in our understanding of ecclesia leads us down a perilous path where the essence of the church is distorted. It implies a presumption that we, rather than Christ, can dictate the parameters of what church should be. This attitude not only undermines the foundation of the Kingdom but also negates the promise of Christ’s abiding presence: “Lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
By ignoring this commitment, we arrogantly suggest that the church can operate independently, free from Holy Spirit oversight. The implications of such a mindset extend beyond semantics; they strike at the very heart of our collective identity as the Body of Christ.
When the church is left to decide its own identity and purpose without the Kingdom context, we risk creating a situation where personal or collective whims dictate doctrine and practice. This approach is antithetical to the foundational principles of Christianity and can be deemed as false.
This reality is evident not only in discussions about ecclesia but also in interpretations surrounding apostles, prophets, and the teachings of Scripture. Moreover, echoing the sentiments of the Reformation, the current state of ecclesia devoid of Kingdom authority could lead us back to a form of spiritual darkness reminiscent of the Dark Ages.
It represents a departure from the authority of Scripture and an embrace of a man-made system—a trend that surfaced during the Reformation as a reaction against ecclesiastical corruption. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where a spiritual reset is not just desirable, but necessary. The call for a Revolutionary Holy Spirit led Reformation is imperative; we must allow Holy Spirit to guide us toward a renewed understanding of the Kingdom and its intended expression through ecclesia.
As we take a step back we can clearly that the ecclesia’s true meaning is intimately linked to the Kingdom of God. To recognize this relationship is to honor the original intent of Jesus and to embrace a church that reflects His authority and purpose.
The journey toward this understanding requires humility and a willingness to step back, allowing Holy Spirit to breathe fresh life into our concept of church, ensuring it aligns with the divine blueprint established by the King. It is only through this alignment that we can hope to fulfill our calling as the authentic Body of Christ in the world today.
~Dr. Russell Welch
Lead Elder and Apostolic Teacher: Highway to Heaven Church and Founder and Shepherd of Remnant Warrior Ministries / Remnant Warrior School of Spiritual Warfare.
Radical Disciples - A Remnant Revolution 