How Is The Modern Church Pictured In the Bible?
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22 NIV). The messages to the seven churches of Revelation all conclude with the above statement. This indicates that the message is for “everyone” who will “listen to” the word of God, the Bible (ISV). But how is the modern church pictured in the Bible?
Why is Christianity so confusing? Why are there so many diverse groups in Christianity today? Is there only one true Christian religion, group, or denomination, that has God’s special favor, and who are in a “spiritual paradise,” the modern day, one and only, “ark of salvation,” whereas others who are not part of this group are outside of God’s favor, and thus in spiritual darkness? If so, does this one special group contain all the true Christians within it? Or, are individual genuine Christians scattered throughout many diverse groups? Since beliefs and practices among various Christian groups vary widely, and this has caused much “confusion” (Galatians 1:7 NIV), these are questions that need Biblical answers.