If humanity is creationally linked to the earth, itself, and God, how is this creational link reflected in the structure and function of the ecclesia?
Within the notions of structure and function there exists a world of opinion. Much of the opinion is based upon cultural norms. So, the answer lay beneath these cultural constructs. An exegesis of Scripture should sift out most cultural constructs. This leads to the next question:
According to Scripture, what is the essential structure and function of the ecclesia? What will the ecclesia take into eternity?
The essential structure and function of the ecclesia will be found in God’s description of her original design. The phrase “you will be my people and I will be your God” is foundational and is found in most sections of scripture (Torah, prophets, NT epistles, and NT apocalypse).
Gen. 17:1-8
Exod. 6:2-9
Exod. 19:1-6
Exod. 29:38-46
Lev. 11:41-45
Lev. 22:31-33
Lev. 25:38
Lev. 26:12
Lev. 26:45
Num. 15:41
Deut. 4:7
Jer. 7:23
Jer. 11:4
Jer. 30:22
Ezek. 36:28
Ezek. 37:27
2 Co. 6:16
Rev. 21:1-8
This seems to be a key theme in Scripture. I am hypothesizing that “you will be my people and I will be your God” is the primary meaning of Scripture. Assuming this hypothesis, the next step is an exegetical journey through the OT and NT.
More on that later.
