What is "The Church Universal?"
I gave ChatGPT this command:
"Explain in detail the concept of the church universal and include relevant biblical texts that support the concept. Then give a comprehensive list of denominations in the United States that would be considered members in that church." Below is the response.
The Concept of the "Church Universal" (Ecclesia Universalis)
The term "Church Universal" refers to the collective body of all true believers in Christ across time and space. It is often contrasted with local congregations or specific denominations. The concept is rooted in both biblical theology and Christian tradition, emphasizing the idea that the Church is not just a human institution but a divine community of all those who are united by faith in Jesus Christ, regardless of geography, race, or denominational affiliation. The Church Universal transcends local assemblies, time periods, and denominational boundaries, encompassing all Christians who belong to Christ.
Biblical Foundation of the Church Universal
The concept of the Church Universal is deeply embedded in several key New Testament passages. Here are some significant texts that describe it:
Matthew 16:18 - The Foundation of the Church
"And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." (NIV)
In this passage, Jesus speaks of the Church as a divine institution that He will build. The use of the singular "church" implies a unified body, not multiple, competing congregations. This statement points to the Church Universal, not limited to a specific time or place.
Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (NIV)
The command to make disciples of all nations indicates that the scope of the Church is global, extending beyond any local congregation to the whole of humanity. This points to the Church as a worldwide community of believers.
John 10:16 - One Flock, One Shepherd
"I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (NIV)
Here, Jesus indicates that the Church is a unified flock under His leadership. It is not restricted to a specific group but includes people from every nation, tribe, and tongue.
Ephesians 4:4-6 - One Body, One Faith
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (NIV)
The Apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of the Church, referring to it as one body (the body of Christ), one faith, and one Spirit. The use of "one" here underscores the universality and unity of the Church.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - One Body, Many Parts
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." (NIV)
This passage teaches that the Church is a unified body with many different parts, yet it is still one entity. It includes all believers, whether they are from different backgrounds, ethnicities, or social standings. This illustrates the inclusivity of the Church Universal.
Revelation 7:9-10 - The Multitude of the Redeemed
"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'" (NIV)
In this vision of heaven, the Church Universal is depicted as a vast, multiethnic, multinational assembly of believers gathered before the throne of God. This further emphasizes that the Church is not limited to any particular nation or group but is a global and eternal community.
Colossians 1:18 - Christ as Head of the Church
"And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy." (NIV)
This verse clearly identifies the Church as Christ’s body, with Christ as the supreme head of this body. The Church Universal is not tied to any earthly leader but is governed by Christ alone.
Theological Implications of the Church Universal
Unity in Diversity: The Church Universal transcends all human divisions—race, nationality, and social status. It is united by a common faith in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. While local churches may have different traditions, practices, and theological emphases, they are all part of the larger body of Christ.
Global and Historical Scope: The Church Universal includes all Christians, past and present, and spans across all cultures and geographical boundaries. The communion of saints, both living and dead, forms the Church, all awaiting the final return of Christ.
Spiritual Community: The Church Universal is not merely an organization or institution but a spiritual fellowship. It is united in worship, mission, and service to the world, holding to the faith "once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 1:3).
Eschatological Dimension: The Church Universal also has an eschatological (end times) dimension. It is the body of believers who await the return of Christ, the resurrection of the dead, and the establishment of God's kingdom in its fullness.
Denominations in the United States as Members of the Church Universal
The Church Universal, by definition, is not restricted to specific denominations. However, various denominations in the United States can be considered part of this broader Church Universal, as long as they maintain the core Christian faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, His death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity, and the authority of Scripture.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of denominations in the United States that would be considered part of the Church Universal. It should be noted that because Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons do not share the same core Christian faith, they are not part of The Church Universal:
Roman Catholic Church
The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the one true Church founded by Christ, and its members, both in the U.S. and worldwide, constitute a significant portion of the Church Universal.
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Eastern Orthodox Church, comprising various national churches (e.g., Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox), maintains a unified theology, liturgy, and sacramental practice, and its members are also part of the Church Universal.
Protestant Denominations
Protestant denominations generally hold to key doctrines of salvation through faith in Christ, the authority of Scripture, and the significance of the sacraments. The following Protestant groups are considered part of the Church Universal:
Evangelical Free Church
Baptist (e.g., Southern Baptist Convention, American Baptist Churches USA)
Lutheran (e.g., Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod)
Methodist (e.g., United Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church)
Presbyterian (e.g., Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Presbyterian Church in America)
Anglican/Episcopal (e.g., The Episcopal Church, Anglican Church in North America)
Pentecostal (e.g., Assemblies of God, Church of God in Christ)
Reformed (e.g., Christian Reformed Church, Reformed Church in America)
Adventist (e.g., Seventh-day Adventist Church)
Non-denominational Evangelical churches
Non-Traditional Christian Movements
There are also movements within Christianity that, while diverse in their practices, claim membership in the Church Universal. These include:
The Vineyard Church
Calvary Chapel
Charismatic and Renewal Movements
Conclusion
The Church Universal, as revealed in Scripture, is a spiritual community of all believers in Christ, unified by faith, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the common mission to glorify God and spread the Gospel. It spans all nations and cultures, transcending denominational lines. The core of this Church Universal is the proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and its members, though diverse in expression, are united in their commitment to Him. Denominations within the United States, whether Catholic, Protestant, or Orthodox, are part of this larger, global body of believers that continues to grow and endure through history.