1881 Watch Tower - A2Z.org

perfect harmony with what we have already seen, viz.: that Jesus(as we are) had been in a heavenly condition during three and ahalf years before, but at resurrection he had reached THEheavenly or perfect spiritual condition.Let us remind you that here also, the word rendered heavenly isthe same word used with reference to our position as spirituallybegotten-- new creatures. This text affirms that at resurrectionJesus entered THE epouraneous (heavenly, spiritual condition),while now we are in an epouraneous condition as asserted bythe Scripture above referred to (Eph. 2:6), and in due time wehope to reach THE epouraneous condition and be like him.====================R295 : page 8THE EKKLESIA.This is a Greek word which is translated church. In the N.T. itsignifies a company, assembly or body of people bound orcompacted together.To-day there are many organizations claiming to be the church,and having various bonds of union; but we wish to know, uponthe authority of God's Word, what ekklesia, body, or churchJesus established, and what are its bonds of union; secondly, wewish to show that every Christian should belong to that church;thirdly, the injurious effects of joining the wrong ekklesia orchurch; and fourthly, having joined the right church, what arethe results of losing our membership.First then, the church which Jesus began to gather during hisministry, and which was recognized by the Father at Pentecostafter their ransom price was paid, was the little company ofdisciples who had consecrated earthly time, talents and life asacrifice to God. They were organized and bound together asmembers of one society, and as such had laws and government,and consequently a head or recognized ruling authority. Thebonds were bonds of love and common interest. Since all wereenlisted under the captaincy of Jesus, the hopes and fears, joysand sorrows, and aims of one were those of the other; and thusthey had a far more perfect union of heart than could possibly behad from a union on the basis of any man-made creed. Thustheir organization was of the Spirit; their law for the governmentof each was love, and all as a whole were put under obedience tothe "law of the Spirit" as it was expressed in the life, actions,and words of their Lord. Their government was the will of himwho said, "If ye love me keep my commandments."Thus we see the early church organized, governed, and inperfect unity and harmony under the rulership or headship ofJesus. Contrast this church organization with what now affectsto be a continuance of the same--viz.: the various