A Lesson in Ecclesiology in One Verse

1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV)

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours:

1. The church belongs to God – “the church of God”
2. The church is local – “in Corinth”
3. The church is sanctified – “those sanctified (hagiazō) in Christ Jesus”
4. The church sanctified is called to holiness – “called to be holy (hagios)”
5. The church is universal – “together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours”