In a world filled with human institutions, organizations, and societies, the church stands unique. Unlike any other group, the church is not a man-made creation born out of human innovation or desire for social reform. It is a divine institution, established by God Himself, with a purpose that transcends human understanding. To grasp the true significance of the church, we must first understand that it was part of God’s eternal plan from the very beginning.
From the moment sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, God began to unfold His plan of redemption. This plan was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who came not only to save us from our sins but also to establish His church—a body of believers who would carry forth His message of salvation to the ends of the earth. Ephesians 3:10-11 (NASB) tells us, “So that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The church was never an afterthought or a temporary solution; it was always part of God’s eternal purpose.
The church serves as the visible manifestation of Christ’s presence on earth. It is through the church that God accomplishes His work of saving souls, equipping the saints, and glorifying His Son. But in today’s world, many people view the church as just another religious organization, one among many. They may see it as a place to gather on Sundays, a venue for community events, or even an outdated institution no longer relevant to modern life. Yet, when we turn to the Scriptures, we see that the church is far more than that.
The church is God’s chosen vessel for proclaiming His truth, demonstrating His love, and fulfilling His mission in the world. It is where Christ’s authority is recognized, where the Word is taught, where believers are nurtured, and where the work of salvation continues. Jesus made this clear when He said in Matthew 16:18 (NASB), “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” The foundation of the church is not built on human wisdom or philosophy but on the unshakable truth of Jesus Christ.
With this in mind, it is vital that we understand the purpose of the church, not from a human perspective but from God’s perspective. The following sections will explore the divine purposes for which the church was created, as revealed in Scripture. These purposes show us why the church is central to God’s plan and why it remains essential for every believer. Whether we are discussing the church’s role in glorifying Christ, offering salvation to the lost, or nurturing the faithful, it is clear that the church is indispensable in carrying out the work that God began in Christ. As we journey through the Scriptures, let us approach with open hearts, ready to rediscover the profound significance of the church in God’s eternal plan.
Christ: The Foundation of the Church
The foundation of the church begins with the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The most amazing event in all history is described in John 1:14 (NASB): “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus, who was with God from the beginning, took on human form to reveal the nature of God to the world. Through His life, death, and resurrection, the church was born.
The incarnation signifies God’s profound love and His willingness to reach out to humanity. Before Jesus, God’s attributes could be seen in nature, as noted in Psalm 19:1 (NASB): “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” But it was through Jesus that God’s love, mercy, wisdom, and power were most clearly revealed to the world. His coming laid the foundation for the church, a body that would carry forth His mission of salvation.
The Church: Built on Christ the Rock
Jesus made it clear that the church would be built on a firm and unshakable foundation—Himself. In Matthew 16:18 (NASB), Jesus says, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” The church was never meant to be built on human ideas or institutions, but on the authority and power of Christ alone.
The significance of the church rests in its relationship to Jesus. As Ephesians 1:22 (NASB) explains, “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church.” Jesus is the head of the church, and it exists to glorify Him. Its mission is to lift Christ above all earthly powers and authorities, ensuring that He remains central to its teachings and purpose.
The Church: God’s Instrument for Happiness and Salvation
God has always had a deep concern for the happiness of humanity. From the creation of Eden for Adam to the provision of the Promised Land for Israel, God has worked to provide for His people’s well-being. The church, therefore, serves as the place where true happiness can be found. Psalm 1:1 (NASB) states, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” The church offers an environment where individuals can find lasting joy, away from the world’s distractions.
However, the church’s purpose is more than just for happiness—it is also God’s instrument for saving souls. In Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB), Jesus gave His disciples a commission, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.” This Great Commission is the calling of the church—to spread the gospel and bring people into a saving relationship with Jesus.
The Church: Where God Meets His People
In the Old Testament, God would meet with His people in specific places, such as the temple. Exodus 20:24 (NASB) recounts, “In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.” However, under the new covenant, the church is the place where God meets His people. The church is where His name is recorded and where He blesses those who come to Him.
Baptism plays a critical role in entering this relationship with God. As Jesus said in John 3:5 (NASB), “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Baptism is the means by which individuals are added to the church, as seen in Acts 2:38 (NASB): “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
The Church: God’s Divine Society
The church is not merely a human organization—it is a divine society, designed by God to save the world. Ephesians 5:25 (NASB) speaks of Christ’s love for the church, saying, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” The church exists because of the sacrifice of Jesus, and it is the body through which God works to accomplish His plan for salvation.
No human society or institution can replace the church in this role. As Romans 1:14-16 (NASB) explains, “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish… For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” The church carries the gospel, the power of salvation, and without it, the world remains in darkness.
The Church: A Place of Perfection in Christ
Although sin has marred humanity, the church represents a place of restoration and perfection in Christ. In Christ, the church is made perfect, not through human works or merit, but through the redemptive power of Jesus. Hebrews 10:14 (NASB) says, “For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.” God’s work through the church is perfect, even though humans are imperfect. It is only in Christ that true perfection can be found.
The church, therefore, stands as the only true place where men and women can find hope, happiness, and salvation. It is the divine institution designed by God to carry forth His will, glorify His Son, and offer redemption to a lost world.
Conclusion: The Church’s Purpose Fulfilled in Christ
In summary, the church serves a multifaceted purpose—it glorifies Christ, provides for the happiness of mankind, serves as the place where God meets His people, and is the instrument of salvation. The Bible is clear that the church is not a human creation but a divine institution, founded on Christ, who is the rock.
As Ephesians 4:12 (NASB) puts it, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.” The church equips, builds, and serves in ways that no other organization can. It is through the church that God continues His work of salvation, calling people from all nations into a relationship with Him.
Let us not forget the vital role of the church, and let us strive to fulfill its purpose by living lives that glorify Christ and spread His message of hope and redemption.
The Simple Gospel 