Since Before The Creation Of The World


"Do not believe that the Bride-that is, the Church-has existed only since the Savior's coming in the flesh; she exists since the beginning of the human race and even since the creation of the world: even-I call St. Paul to witness-since before the creation of the world. For the Apostle said: 'Since he has chosen us in Christ since before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and immaculate before him, predestining us in love to the adoption of the Son.' And it is written in the Psalms: 'Remember, Lord, thy Church, which thou hast gathered together from the beginning.' So, the foundations of the Church have been laid from the beginning. And that is why the Apostle also says that the Church is founded not only on the Apostles but also on the Prophets, and Adam himself is reckoned among the number of the Prophets."

-Origen