by Timothy W. Burnett
The church of God is made up of an overall body of people who were purchased by the blood of the Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). The word church is used throughout the Epistles and Revelations. The first three chapters of Revelations addresses the church as it will exist during the period of time starting after Christ returns for the born again saints, and ending on the great and Notable Day of the Lord (see also Acts 2:20). After Christ returns for the born again saints (1Thessalonians 4:13-18) it will no longer be possible for saints to be born again, but it will continue to be possible to become saints.
During the administration of the grace of God the church is made up of people who have been filled with holy spirit, as well as those saints who are saved. This distinction is revealed in 1Corinthians 1:2, "Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord, both theirs and ours." The church is basically made up of them who are called saints as well as all the saints who call upon the name of the Lord.
To be sanctified basically means to be filled with holy spirit, being made righteous. According to Romans 10:9-10, these are they who have believed with the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. 1Corinthians 1:2 reveals a distinction between the saints and they who call upon the name of the Lord.
The distinction is seen in the word "with." This word referred to being in close proximity with others. There are two categories of people who are in close proximity with each other. The saints are in close proximity with the saints who call upon the name of the Lord. In other words, not all saints will choose to call upon the name of the Lord. But there should still be a close bond between all saints and the ones who call upon the name of the Lord.
According to Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13 calling upon the name of the Lord results in salvation. Romans 10:14 shows that it can not occur unless people have first believed unto being filled with holy spirit. As it is written, "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed." Acts 2:4 reveals the first example of people being filled with holy spirit and spiritually calling upon the name of the Lord unto salvation from having to suffer through the great tribulation period and ultimately having to face God's final judgement day.
The saints who call upon the name of the Lord will be gathered together in the clouds and abide forever with our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. More study is required on this, but the saints who have not called upon the name of the Lord during the age of the grace of God, and are alive during Christ's first return (1Thess. 4:13-18), will be plunged into the great tribulation period and continue as the churches addressed in the book of Revelations chapters 1-3.
Jesus Christ did the will of his Father and allowed his blood to be shed so that anybody who believes can become a member of the true church of God, and even save themselves by spiritually calling upon the name of the Lord. Praise God in heaven for His love toward the world!
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