Introduction to the Church Jesus Built
In Matthew 16:18 ("And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."), Jesus promised to build His church, one that even death could not overcome. Despite this, many people today express a disregard for the church, often saying they love Christ but see little need for the church. This attitude may stem from misunderstandings about the church’s true nature as taught in the Bible or from misconceptions spread by erroneous teachings. This lesson aims to explore "The Church Jesus Built" to deepen our understanding and appreciation of it and to align our view of the church with biblical teachings.
The Church's High Estimation in the Bible
The Bible, especially the book of Ephesians, places a high value on the church. Christ is the head of the church, which is His body, and He exercises His authority for its benefit (Ephesians 1:22-23, "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all"). The church is central to God’s eternal purpose, revealing His manifold wisdom and glorifying Him through Christ for all generations (Ephesians 3:10-11, 21, "to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord... to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen"). Christ's love for the church is profound; He gave Himself for it, seeks to sanctify and cleanse it, and cherishes it as His own body (Ephesians 5:25-30, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish... For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones"). The New Testament further underscores the church's importance, as it was purchased with Christ's blood (Acts 20:28, "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to 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.") and is the family of God, the pillar, and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15, "but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.").
Efforts to Change the Church: The Denominational View
The denominational view of the church suggests that it consists of various denominations, despite their doctrinal differences and competing creeds. However, this fragmented view is inconsistent with the "glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle" described in Scripture (Ephesians 5:27, "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish."). Such confusion does not come from God but from Satan, as true peace is found only in God’s churches (1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints"). When people depart from the doctrine of Christ, they are cut off from Him, regardless of their religious activities
- 2 John 9, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.";\
- John 15:2, 6, "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit... If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.";
- Romans 11:22, "Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.";
- Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"
Efforts to Change the Church: The Sectarian View
The sectarian view perceives the church as a specific group of congregations bearing a single "official" name and listed in a particular directory. This view fails to recognize that the Lord's church is not defined by one name or congregation but is a body composed of individual members (Ephesians 1:22-23, "And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all"). Membership in the church is not dependent on association with a local congregation, as demonstrated by examples like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-40, "So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing."). Thus, this view is too narrow and overlooks the broader biblical teaching on the nature of the church.
Conclusion: Understanding and Esteeming the Church
The church Jesus built is highly esteemed in the Scriptures and should be equally valued in our hearts. Erroneous views, whether denominational or sectarian, can lead us away from the true biblical understanding of the church. This lesson serves as a reminder of the great importance the Lord places on His church and encourages us to re-examine and possibly revise our understanding to ensure it aligns with biblical teachings.
