The plea of the church of Christ is a plea for Christ Himself and His divine will. Unlike organizations that rely on creeds or human traditions, the church of Christ recognizes no law but the law of Christ, no authority but His, and no way but the way of Christ. This plea for Christ calls all to consider His deity, His blood, His law, His church, and the life He calls His followers to live.
The Deity of Christ
The deity of Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. Peter declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16, NASB), and Thomas affirmed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, NASB). Belief in the deity of Jesus includes accepting His virgin birth, His sinless life, and His atoning death on the cross. The bodily resurrection of Jesus from the dead is central to this faith, for it is through His resurrection that we have the hope of eternal life.
Jesus declared after His resurrection, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me” (Matthew 28:18, NASB). This statement solidifies Christ’s divine position as the supreme authority over all creation. He is the head of the church, as Paul writes: “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and made Him head over all things to the church” (Ephesians 1:22, NASB). The authority of Christ is absolute, and every question of faith and practice must be answered by appealing to His word.
The Blood of Christ
Jesus’ blood is essential for the forgiveness of sins. He said, “For this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28, NASB). Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus’ sacrifice is the fulfillment of God’s plan to provide cleansing from sin through His only begotten Son.
The blood of Christ accomplishes what the law of Moses could not. Under the old covenant, sacrifices were required repeatedly, but Christ offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 10:10). Through His blood, we are cleansed, justified, and reconciled to God. This plea for Christ is a plea for the cleansing power of His blood, which alone can remove the guilt of sin.
The Law of Christ
The law of Christ is a law of grace and faith, distinct from the law of Moses, which was based on works. Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NASB). This law contains the terms by which God has promised to forgive sins. It reveals His will for those who follow Christ and the consequences for those who reject Him.
Christ’s law cannot be ignored without consequences. The New Testament emphasizes obedience to the gospel, as Paul warns: “For it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you…when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, NASB). The law of Christ is not merely a set of guidelines but a divine command that must be followed.
The Church of Christ
Jesus promised, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). The church is not a human institution but a divine one, built by Christ and belonging to Him. The saved are added to the church by the Lord Himself: “And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47, NASB).
This plea for Christ is not a plea for denominationalism or sectarianism. It is a plea for the church as established in Scripture—a body ruled by Christ and bound by His teachings. Jesus Himself declared, “Every plant which My heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted” (Matthew 15:13, NASB), emphasizing that only His church, built on the foundation of His deity, will endure.
A Life After Christ
Christ calls His followers to live a life that reflects His example. Paul writes, “For those who are in accord with the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are in accord with the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5, NASB). To follow Christ is to live not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit exhorts us, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Ephesians 5:1, NASB). This life of imitation means walking in love, humility, and obedience. Peter reminds us, “For you have been called for this purpose, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21, NASB). A life after Christ is one of self-denial, service, and unwavering commitment to His will.
Conclusion: A Singular Plea
The plea for Christ is a plea for His deity, His atoning blood, His law, His church, and the life He calls us to live. It is not a plea for human traditions, denominational identities, or personal preferences. It is a call to submit to the authority of Christ, obey His gospel, and walk faithfully in His steps.
As we consider this plea, let us remember Paul’s words: “So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11, NASB). May we respond to this call with humble hearts, giving our lives fully to the one who gave His life for us.
The Simple Gospel 