9. Ekklesia – Commentary on The Nicene Creed

“And I believe in one, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Ekklesia.”

Let’s begin with the word Ekklesia, which is usually translated as “Church.” I have chosen to not translate the word Ekklesia. This is because “Church” gives the wrong impression. The word Ekklesia refers to the “called out ones” and not their organizations or their buildings.

If I had to translate it I would tender it ” Christian Community.” The Christian Community is one, a united group of all those, past and present, who put their faith in Christ.

The Christian Community is holy, that is, set apart from sin and consecrated to God. Through Christ, we are put in right standing with God. Now we just have to work out our salvation in our hearts, minds, and bodies.

The Christian Community is Catholic in the sense of being universal. It is everywhere and at all times. It is truly universal because it is spiritual.

The Christian Community is Apostolic in the sense of being rooted and grounded in the teachings of the apostles.

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Jay N. Forrest

Dr. Jay N. Forrest is a Teacher of Christian Mysticism focused on the Pursuit of God through Prayer, Contemplation, Silence, Solitude, and Simplicity. Jay became a Christian in 1983, attended Bible school, and eventually earned his Doctorate in Ministry. Jay served as a Protestant minister for 27 years and spent about a decade practicing Buddhism. In 2005, Jay was baptized into the Catholic Church but has since joined the Episcopal Church. Jay lives in the desert southwest of the United States.

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