THE EKKLESIA - The “CHURCH” – is a militant, victorious Church, on the offensive. The “Church” that Jesus refers to as His church is the assembly of people who have been called out of the world by the gospel of Christ. This does not refer to any particular group or denomination who lay claim to have the exclusive pathways to salvation.

.

EKKLESIA - The “CHURCH”

How can the “gates of hell” prevail against us?

puricare files

In the entire Scriptures, the phrase “Gates of hell” or “gates of Hades” is found only once, in Matthew 16:18.

The phrase the “gates of hell” is translated in some versions as the “gates of Hades (hey-deez).”

In this passage, Jesus is referring to the building of His Church: “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

At that time Jesus had not yet established His Church. 

This is the first mention of the word “Church” in the New Testament.

The first mention usually defines the meaning of the word – in this case, the “Church” – the Ekklesia – is a militant, victorious Church on the offensive.

The word Church, as used by Jesus, is derived from the Greek “Ekklesia,” which means the “called-out ones” or “assembly.” 

The “Church” that Jesus refers to as His church is the assembly of people who have been called out of the world by the gospel of Christ. 
This does not refer to any particular group or denomination who lay claim to have the exclusive pathways to salvation.

Bible scholars debated the actual meaning of the phrase “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

The better interpretation to the meaning of this phrase is as follows: in ancient times, the cities were surrounded by high walls with strong gates.

In times of war the gates of these cities would be the first place to be assaulted by the attacking army. This was because the protection of the city was determined by the strength or power of its gates.

As such, the “gates of hell” or “gates of Hades” means the power of Hades.

In classical mythology, it was believed that “Hades”(Pluto) was the name of the god who presided over the realm of the dead. The “house of Hades” referred to the underworld inhabited by departed souls.

Hades was the realm to which everyone who departs from this life descends, regardless of their moral character.

In the New Testament, Hades is the realm of the dead. In this verse Hades or hell is represented as a mighty city with its gates representing its power.

Jesus refers here to His impending death.

Though He would be crucified and buried, He would rise from the dead and build His Church – the “Ekklesia.” Jesus is emphasizing the fact that the powers of death could not hold Him in.

He would establish His Church in spite of the powers of Hades or hell. And the Church would thrive in spite of these powers.

The Church will never fail, even if generation after generation succumbs to the power of physical death, yet other generations will arise to perpetuate the Church.

And the Church will continue until it has fulfilled its mission on earth as Jesus has commanded:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Jesus was declaring that death has no power to

hold captive the people of God. 

The “gates of hell” are not strong enough to overpower and keep imprisoned the Church of God – the Lord’s very own people asleep in Jesus.

The Lord has conquered death (Romans 8:2; Acts 2:24).

And because “death no longer is master over Him (Jesus)” (Romans 6:9), it is no longer master over those who belong to Him. Hallelujah!

Satan has the power of death, and he will always use that power to try to destroy the Church of Christ.

But we have this promise from the Lord Jesus that His church, the “called-out ones” will prevail: “Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live” (John 4:19).

Are you struggling with a big decision or wondering how your eternal future will play out?

Why not talk to the God of the universe and let Him work in your behalf?

He says, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm 32:8).

Ask God to show you what to do. Pray the following prayer:

“Heavenly Father,

I admit that I am a sinner and my sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful life and begin a new life with You.

Please forgive me. I now receive your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.

I want to receive all that Jesus Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Romans 10:13).

I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father, but by Him.

Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have given me eternal life, and according to Your Word, I am born again.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who is in me now. I surrender my life to You. I promise to study Your Word – the Bible.

Use me for Your glory.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”