The Church is OF Christ

The church presented by, and approved of, God is designated in the New Testament in a variety of ways - the bride of Christ, the church, the church of God, the body of Christ, the church of the firstborn and, congregationally, as "churches of Christ" (Romans 16:16). When I identify myself as being a member of the church of Christ, it implies the church is not of human origin. It is, truly, OF Christ. How so? Consider ...

1. Christ is its Founder and Builder.
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.
2. Christ is its Head.
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 fulness of Him who fills all in all.
3. Christ is its Foundation.
I Corinthians 3:11, For no other foundation can anyone lay than which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
4. Christ is its Savior.
Ephesians 5:23, For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.
5. Christ is its High Priest.
Hebrews 4:15, For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
6. Christ is its Advocate.
1 John 2:1-2, My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
7. Christ is its Lawgiver.
Galatians 6:2, Bear one anothers' burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
8. Christ is its Creed.
Matthew 6:16, Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
9. Christ is its Husband.
2 Corinthians 11:2, For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
10. Christ is its Hope.
Colossians 1:27, To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
11. Christ is its Purpose for Living.
Philippians 1:12, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
12. Christ is its Purchaser.
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.
13. Christ is its Intercessor.
Hebrews 7:25, Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
14. Christ is its Peace.
Romans 5:1, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
15. Christ is its Provider.
John 10:10, The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

As Christians, we should be able to give an answer to why we believe and teach as we do (1 Pet. 3:15). If someone were to ask: "Why are you a member of the church of Christ?" would you be able to give a kind, valid, well reasoned and, above all, biblical answer?

By Johnny Hester

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