What is the meaning of the term 'church'? When we hear the term "church," we may think of it as a physical place or an organization. However, from a New Church perspective, we understand "church" as a mental state or belief structure. In other words, it does not refer to any religious organization in the world. But rather 'church' refers to the understanding of spiritual realities that exist within the human mind.

If we think naturally or from our senses we can only think of church in terms of its physical or organizational aspects. We cannot truly comprehend its spiritual nature. Natural thinking is limited to grasping only natural ideas and cannot understand anything of a truly spiritual quality. In fact, it often disregards spiritual realities as non-existent.

Therefore, the meaning of the term "church" actually refers to the spiritual quality of a mind. The quality of a church is determined by its understanding of the Word. Not just understanding a body of doctrinal teaching, but also a clear sense of WHAT it is and WHY it is needed.

To learn WHAT the Word is, read here.

The sole purpose of the Word

The Word is given to us for the sole purpose of recreating or regenerating our minds. If we truly understand this purpose, we use it for that very reason alone. We resist weponising the Lord's Word and using it against others in any way. To have the Word and not engage with it for the sole purpose. This is self-examination and repentance. To use it for any other purpose is to lack a deeper understanding of the Word's true purpose.

It is important to note that knowledge of spiritual realities alone cannot regenerate and reform the human mind. The only way to achieve this is through the practice of that knowledge. Through practice we allow the Lord to enter and do the necessary work involved in our regeneration.

“The Word is the Word according to the understanding of it in a man, that is, as it is understood. If it is not understood, the Word is indeed called the Word, but it is not the Word with the man. The Word is the truth according to the understanding of it, for it may not be the truth, because it may be falsified. The Word is spirit and life according to the understanding of it, for its letter if not understood is dead.”

Sacred Scripture n.77 – Emanuel Swedenborg

Study further: the state of a ‘Church’ is according to our understanding - Here

Study further: the ‘Church’ being a state of understanding in our mind - Here