JESUS AND HIS CHURCH
March 28, 2012
Jeremy Main
What does the Bible teach about the church of Christ? For the purpose of this article, we will address the importance of the Lord Jesus Christ and his relationship to his church. We will do so by asking and answering six questions from the New Testament.
First, who built the church? Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt.16:18, NKJV). He also referred to the church as the “kingdom” (Matt.16:19). Metaphorically, Jesus promised to found or establish his church or kingdom. He promised to do so within the lifetimes of some of those who heard his promise (Matt. 16:28). Moreover, they would see the kingdom “present with power” (Mark 9:1). Death itself could not prevent Jesus from fulfilling his promise. Christ resurrected to establish his church, which was present with miraculous power on the day of Pentecost, in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 2:1ff).
Second, who adds people to the church? Luke wrote, “And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). On the day of Pentecost, in the city of Jerusalem, the apostle Peter preached the gospel of Christ. Peter quoted Joel as saying that “whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). After learning of their condemnation, the Jews asked : “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter answered, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). He continued to preach: “Be saved from this perverse generation” (Acts 2:40). The word “church” (Gk. ekklesia) literally means the “called out.” People are “called out” of the world of darkness and into his kingdom (Col. 1:13). Luke documented: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). To what were those who obeyed the gospel of Christ added? They were added to “the church” (Acts 2:47).
Third, who are members of the church named after? Luke wrote: “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Members of the church are divinely called Christians after the founder himself.
Fourth, who purchased the church? In reference to Christ, Luke wrote: “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church is of divine origin.
Fifth, who is the head of the church? Paul wrote that “Christ is head of the church” (Eph. 5:23). In another passage, Paul wrote, “He is the head of the body, the church” (Col. 1:18).
Sixth, who loves the church so much that he died for her? Paul wrote that “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her” (Eph. 5:25). He also noted that the Lord “nourishes and cherishes” the church (Eph. 5:29). How do we feel about the church of Christ? We hope these questions have reminded you of the intimate relationship of Jesus and his church. The Lord wants to add you to His church which he established, governs, and cherishes. Ω
Posted by Larry Huggins.
