What Church Do You Mean?

Abstract

The picture the New Testament gives of ekklesia is an assembly which possesses the keys of the kingdom of God. This assembly administers these keys by Christ’s authority and according to his will. Luther saw only one church, namely, Christ’s church. There is one flock united under one shepherd. Even though the members of this assembly may be spread over miles there is still one assembly. The Lutheran Confessions describe the church as the “congregation of the saints.” Likewise, they explain, that wherever the assembly is, there is the authority to administer the Gospel.