Introduction: Understanding the Lord’s Church
The Bible provides clear and compelling teaching about the Lord’s church. This church belongs to Christ, as indicated by the title “the Lord’s Church.” It is His in ownership, purpose, and design. As Ephesians 3:3-4 explains, “By revelation there was made known to me the mystery… so that by reading it you may understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.” God’s Word reveals everything we need to know about the church, yet many misunderstand or overlook its simplicity. Let us explore what the Bible teaches about the Lord’s church, its foundation, and its purpose.
It Was Built by Christ
The Lord’s church is not a man-made institution; it was built by Christ Himself. Jesus declared in Matthew 16:18, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Christ made it clear that He, and He alone, is the builder of the church. No other individual or group has the authority to establish a church.
The church is built upon the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). This foundation underscores that the church belongs entirely to Him. As 1 Corinthians 3:11 confirms, “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
It Was Purchased by His Blood
The cost of the church was not silver or gold but the precious blood of Jesus. Acts 20:28 affirms, “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Christ’s sacrifice on the cross established the church as a redeemed community.
The significance of Christ’s blood is seen throughout Scripture. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” By shedding His blood, Jesus paid the price for our sins and established a covenant relationship with His people.
Its Foundation Is Jesus Christ
The church’s foundation is none other than Jesus Christ. As 1 Corinthians 3:11 states, “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” This foundation is unshakable, providing the church with stability and purpose.
Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of building on a solid foundation in Matthew 7:24-25: “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” The church’s foundation in Christ ensures its endurance through every trial and challenge.
Its Head Is Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches that Jesus is the head of His church. Ephesians 5:23 declares, “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.” As the head, Christ provides direction, leadership, and authority for the church.
To be part of the church, one must submit to the authority of Christ. Colossians 1:18 affirms, “He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” Recognizing Jesus as the head ensures that the church remains faithful to His teaching and purpose.
Its Savior Is Jesus Christ
Christ is not only the head of the church but also its Savior. Ephesians 5:23 emphasizes this dual role: “He Himself being the Savior of the body.” Jesus came to “seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Salvation is found in Him alone.
The gospel is the means by which people are saved and added to the church. Mark 16:15-16 records Jesus’ command: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved; but the one who has not believed will be condemned.” Those who respond in faith and obedience are added to the church by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:41, 47).
The Greek word for church, “ekklesia,” means “the called-out ones.” The church is composed of those who have been called out of the world and into a relationship with God through the gospel.
Its Authority Is Jesus Christ
The authority of the church rests in Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth. Matthew 28:18 declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” As the church’s head, Jesus governs its teaching and practice.
Paul instructed the Colossians, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17). This means that everything the church does—whether in teaching, worship, or action—must be authorized by Christ.
The church cannot innovate or deviate from Christ’s instructions. It must remain faithful to His Word, which provides all that is needed for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
Its Destiny Is Heaven
The ultimate destiny of the church is to dwell eternally with Christ in heaven. Jesus promised His disciples in John 14:3, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again, and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be.” This promise fills believers with hope and anticipation.
Peter described this inheritance as “an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). Revelation 22:14 offers this assurance: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates.” The church is destined for eternal communion with God, where all sorrow and pain will be no more.
Conclusion: Christ-Centered and Eternal
The Lord’s church is Christ-centered in every way. It was built by Christ, purchased by His blood, and is founded upon Him. He is its head, Savior, and ultimate authority. The church is composed of those who have responded to the gospel and live under Christ’s lordship, with heaven as their eternal destiny.
Ephesians 5:25 reminds us of Christ’s love for His church: “Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” This love should inspire deep gratitude and commitment to the church He established. Let us honor Christ by remaining faithful to His Word and living as part of His body, the church. What does the Lord’s church mean to you? If it is Christ’s, it must mean everything.
The Simple Gospel 