Last week in Sunday school, we explored the place of the Church in the world, asking: "Where does the Church fit into creation?" The secular view suggests that the Church is, at best, merely a soup kitchen or tutoring center—offering the same services as a local non-profit. At worst, it is viewed as a relic of a bygone era with nothing relevant to offer the modern world. Meanwhile, a common, misguided religious view portrays the Church as a self-righteous tribe believing God is on their side because of their superior character.
Only the Gospel offers a truly unique view. Scripture declares that the Church is in a class by herself because she is the Body, the Building, and the Bride of the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. The Body of Christ
In Ephesians 4:15-16, we read: “...we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”
Here, Scripture compares the Church to a body directed by Christ himself. She speaks only what comes from her head—Christ—and goes where He directs: making disciples of all nations. This sets her apart from an organization merely seeking to do good in society, as legitimate as that may be. As Christ’s body, every person is vital for life and growth. When asked, "Which parts are most important?", the answer is "None of them!” because the body needs every part to function correctly. A local church thrives not when professional staff do all the heavy lifting, but when the saints are “equipped for the work of ministry” (Eph 4:11-12) and every member is active.
2. The Building of God
Furthermore, the Church is in a class by herself because she is Christ’s building. Ephesians 2 states that we are no longer strangers, but “members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure... grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
While God revealed to Israel that He does not dwell in houses made by human hands, the Church is not made by human hands. It is built by the hands of the Lord Jesus— hands that still bear the marks of His sacrifice on the cross. In the New Testament, the people are the holy temple where God dwells. Through the preaching of the Gospel, prayer, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and her life together, the saints offer something truly unique to the world.
3. The Bride of Christ
Finally, only the Church can claim to be the bride of Christ; no race, tribe, or human institution can say that. Ephesians 5:25 tells us, “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
The Church, as bride, receives love directly from Jesus Christ. He initiates and sustains the relationship. As one pastor put it, “Christ has honeymoon affections for the Church.” Christ expressed this love by giving Himself up for her—in her place. Though the Church deserved God’s condemnation because of how she dishonored her maker, Jesus took her place on the cross. Just as a husband and wife share everything, the Gospel tells us the Church shared her "dirt" and dishonorable life with Jesus on the cross, while He shared His righteousness and sonship with His bride. In the final analysis, the Church can never be a "holy huddle" of the self-righteous. She belongs to Christ, who gave Himself up for her.
Reflection: Has this challenged or confirmed your understanding of the Church? Take some time to discuss this with a friend or someone who has not yet believed in Christ.
