By Earl E. Robertson
All one can know about this subject is what the Scriptures say. So, we must turn to them and make an honest investigation that we might make a correct judgment. The Church of Christ is surely identified in the sacred writings. Look at some of the things the Bible says about this church:
1. Christ is the builder. Yes, it was the Lord Himself who said, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Jesus’ determination is herein stated! Now, He either kept this promise or He did not. As we further read of its existence, we must conclude that He kept the promise faithfully.
2. Christ is the foundation. Paul wrote the 1 Corinthian letter and informed them of that fact that he had laid the foundation for the church there by preaching the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Then he concludes by saying, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:10,11; 15:1-4). In the same figure of a building, Peter affirms Jesus to be the “head (stone) of the corner” (Acts 4:11, 12).
3. Christ purchased the church. The people who make up the church are blood-bought; this is the price for sin. Paul says that Christ purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Peter shows that the blood of Jesus was the price paid for the souls that constitute the church (1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
4. Christ is the head of the church. The church must have a head to function. It is not headless, like a denomination when its human head dies, but Christ is forever the head of it (Eph. 1:21-23; Col. 1:18, 24). The head gives direction, and having Christ as the absolute head, the direction of the church of Christ is divine and always true. This headship allows no rivals in the forms of councils, synods, conclaves, conferences, etc., which gives emphasis to the absoluteness of his headship.
5. Christ is the Savior of the church. Paul says this is true in Ephesians 5:22-32. He will take it to glory! The church is sufficient for your needs. Why not investigate it?
Guardian of Truth XXVII: 10, p. 301
May 19, 1983