Oftentimes members of the Church of Christ are asked why they are members of the church. In today’s article, I want to discuss why the church is so important and why it stands out and give some answers as to why I am a member of the Church of Christ.
To begin our discussion, it is imperative that everyone understand what the word church means in the original Greek language. In the King James Version of the New Testament, the word translated church comes from the Greek word (Ekklesia). Thayer’s Greek Definitions states that this word means the following: 1d1) an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting; 1d3) those who anywhere, in a city, village, constitute such a company and are united into one body; 1d4) the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth; 1d5). From the definition, we understand that the church is comprised of those men and women called out of the world of sin and into the body of Christ by the written Word of God, which is the power of salvation according to (Romans 1:16). All of this means, that from God’s perspective, there is only one recognized religious body. It is incumbent upon men to search out and find that body or to discover what they must do to become a part of that body.
We should also understand that the word (church) in the (KJV), refers to one of two thoughts concerning the church. It can refer to the local congregation as in (Romans 16:16), or it can refer to the entirety of the church throughout the world as in (Matt. 16:18). What is of greatest importance is to find the church that is described in the New Testament. We can do this by simply finding that body of believers (The Called Out). This one body can be identified by the traits that are found in the Bible.
Consider why the Church of Christ is of such great importance in the world today:
The church has the right head (Leader). Paul discusses this in (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23 & Col. 1:18-24). See also (Heb. 5:8-9, John 8:29 & 46, 1 Peter 2:21-22, 1 John 3:5). There are many religions in the world today whose head is not the Son of the living God, Jesus. We need to know and remember that salvation comes only through Jesus and that His name is the only name whereby salvation can come (Acts 4:12).
The Church of Christ has the right creed. While world religions and denominations have rules that are contrary to the Bible the Church of Christ strictly follows New Testament. If salvation comes through His Name (Acts 4:12), and it does, then we are saying that His authority is supreme when it comes to the worship we offer and the lives we live. Humanity simply cannot afford to follow any religion that disregards the commands of the New testament, commands that are given directly, by inference or by examples of the first century church as seen in the New Testament.
The Church of Christ has the right system of worship. While it may seem bland by the world’s standard is anything but. True religion is filled with spirit and truth, which is God’s desire (John 4:24). See also (Matt. 15:8-9; Acts 2:42). According to Matt. 6:33, God will supply the needs of those who seek Him and His righteousness. What we think on religious issues can be wrong but God is never wrong. If the world could only learn to speak where God speaks and be silent where He is silent there would be little religious confusion; this was God’s plan but humanity has tried to frustrate God’s efforts. In our worship, the New Testament authorizes what we must do. We only find authority to teach, sing, pray, give of our means, and partake of the Lord’s Supper upon the first day of the week.
The foundation of the Church of Christ is right. According to scripture there is only one founder of the church. If a religion follows any other than that founder, then it is the wrong religion (1 Cor. 3:10-11). See also (Eph. 2:20, 1 Pet. 2:4-5, Matt. 7:21-27, 16:18). While we speak of the founder then its place and time of foundation must be correct. The correct place was in Jerusalem (Luke 24:47-49). The right time was the day of Pentecost following the ascension of Jesus (Acts 2:1-2).
The name of the church is right. While the church is referred to in a descriptive way by many terms it must be understood that Jesus died and therefore purchased the church with His own blood. Therefore, the church belongs to Him (Acts 20:28, Colossians 1:18-19). It is for this reason that Paul and others referred to the church as the Church of Christ. We understand the importance of a name, therefore men ask their wives to take their name. How ridiculous would it be for some lady to marry a man by the name of Jones but choose to carry another’s name. Also, the followers must have the right name (Acts 11:26). Many in the religious world try to prefix their name Christian with the name of the faith they adhere to, but this was never a reality in the first century church. Why? Because there were no denominations.
The financial system of the church is also right; the members give as they have been prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
The mission of the church is right because every member is a priest and a soul winner. See (1 Pet. 2:, Acts 8:4).
Finally, the destination of the Church of Christ is right. See (Eph. 5:25-27).
You can be a member of the church Christ established, the church that is spoken of in the first century. All you must do is follow the pattern given in the New Testament. If you will upon seeing the sin in your life, (believe in Jesus, repent of your sins, confess Jesus, and are baptized), Jesus will add you to His church (Acts 2:47).
(Tony Hoss is minister at the Centerview Church of Christ. He can be contacted at 423-737-2287 or e-mail CenterviewCOC@comcast.net)