In Matt. 16:18, Christ indicated that he would build his church. That being true, the church belongs to Him. The apostle Paul taught that Jesus purchased it with his own blood (Acts 20:28). His ownership is again attested in Rom. 16:16; the church is His bride (1 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:22-27). He loved the church and gave himself for it (Eph. 5:25). The church is to be in subjection to Christ in everything (Eph. 5:23-25). Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18). This being true, He is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22-23). His church and kingdom are the same (Matt. 16:18-20). He is a son over His own house (Heb. 3:6). In all things, as' the head of the church, He is to have the preeminence (Col. 1:18). At His second coming He is to deliver His kingdom (church) up to God, even the Father (1 Cor. 15:24). The church and the body are the same (Eph. 1:21-22). There is one body (Eph. 4:4). There is but one body (1 Cor. 12:20): Consequently, there is one church-the one that Jesus built, which belongs to Him. Upon these truths we stand!

Truth Magazine XIX: 34, p. 536
July 10, 1975