The Priceless Value of the Church
The church is unlike anything else on earth. It wasn’t created by human ingenuity or sustained by human power—it was established by Christ Himself. Jesus boldly proclaimed, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18, NASB). The church is a divine institution, incomparable in its origin and eternal in its purpose. But what makes it so valuable? To understand its worth, we must explore its cost, its role in salvation, its unique connection to Christ, and its permanence.
The Church’s Tremendous Cost
Value is often determined by what someone is willing to pay. The church cost everything—it was purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. Paul reminded the elders of Ephesus, “Shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NASB). Imagine the gravity of this truth: the Son of God willingly gave His life to establish His church. Peter adds, “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold… but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19, NASB). The church exists because Jesus paid the ultimate price. How could we regard it as anything less than priceless?
This sacrifice demands our attention and reverence. If God values the church so highly, shouldn’t we? It’s easy to overlook the significance of something familiar, but the church is no ordinary institution—it’s the result of God’s love and sacrifice.
The Church: Where Salvation Lives
The church isn’t just valuable because of its cost; it’s where salvation is found. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached to thousands, urging them to “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38, NASB). When they responded, “The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47, NASB). To be saved is to be added to the church. The two are inseparable.
Paul explained this further: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13, NASB). This “one body” is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Salvation isn’t something that happens in isolation—it places us into Christ’s body, His church. Outside of Christ, there is no salvation (Acts 4:12), and those who are in Christ are in His church. It’s not about joining a social club or man-made organization; it’s about being part of something eternal.
The Church Bears Christ’s Name
Names matter. They signify ownership, identity, and purpose. The church isn’t just any assembly—it belongs to Christ. Jesus referred to it as “My church” (Matthew 16:18, NASB), and Paul identified congregations as “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16, NASB). The church is His bride, as Paul explained: “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” (Ephesians 5:23, NASB). Just as a loving wife wears her husband’s name, the church honors Christ by bearing His name.
But bearing His name comes with responsibility. As members of His church, we represent Him to the world. We carry His name in how we live, speak, and act. What an incredible privilege—and an incredible challenge! Are we living in a way that reflects His glory?
The Church: An Unshakable Kingdom
Kingdoms rise and fall. Empires that once ruled the world now exist only in history books. But the church—the kingdom of Christ—is eternal. The prophet Daniel foretold this when he wrote, “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44, NASB). This kingdom isn’t subject to the decay and destruction of earthly institutions.
The writer of Hebrews echoes this promise: “Since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28, NASB). No matter what chaos unfolds in the world, the church remains secure. This is a source of great comfort for believers. Christ’s kingdom will endure, and as citizens of that kingdom, we are part of something eternal.
The Church: A Present Reality
Some people mistakenly view the church as a future hope, but the New Testament makes it clear that Christ’s kingdom is already here. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Luke 11:2, NASB), He was looking forward to the establishment of the church. That prayer was fulfilled at Pentecost. Paul later confirmed, “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13, NASB). To be in Christ is to be in His kingdom.
John, writing from exile on Patmos, described himself as “your brother and fellow participant in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance in Jesus” (Revelation 1:9, NASB). The church is not a mere human organization; it is the living, active kingdom of God on earth. As members, we are called to live out this reality every day, showing the world what it means to be part of Christ’s eternal kingdom.
Conclusion: Cherish the Church
The church is far more than a building or a gathering. It is the blood-bought body of Christ, the vessel of salvation, the bearer of His name, and the eternal kingdom that will never be shaken. If we grasp these truths, we cannot take the church lightly. Instead, we must cherish it, honor it, and devote ourselves to its mission. Paul reminds us, “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NASB).
Let us live as faithful citizens of Christ’s kingdom, honoring Him in all we do and showing the world the immeasurable value of His church. May we never lose sight of its worth, and may we always stand firm as part of this eternal, unshakable kingdom.
The Simple Gospel 