Introduction Today most people think that the church is unimportant and unnecessary. But what is the church? The word “church” is from the Greek word “ekklesia” which literally means “called out.” The Lord added to the church the penitent believers who were baptized = saved (Acts 2:37-38, 41, 47). The saved have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col. 1:13-14) The apostle Paul described the NT church as being “a most glorious church” (Eph. 5:27). Why is it?

The Church of Christ is Glorious Because of Its Price What did it cost? Jesus loved the church and paid for it with His own precious blood (Eph. 5:25; Acts 20:28). Without bloodshed there is no forgiveness (Heb. 9:22). We were not purchased by the blood of an apostle, a great man, or all the world’s money (1 Pet. 1:18-19). That same blood of Christ that redeems us from sin is the same that purchased the church. If a man can be saved without the church, why did Jesus give His life for it? Did Christ purchase your church with His blood?

The Church of Christ is Glorious Because of Its Builder The prophets foretold the establishment of the church. (Isa. 2:2-3) The house of God is the church of the living God (1 Tim. 3:15) which was established on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem as it had been prophesied (Acts 2:47). Jesus Christ said “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18) not denominations of which man has built. No man has a right to alter the blueprint including the apostle Paul (Gal. 1:8-9; 1 Co. 3:10-11; Heb. 8:5). If we tear down what Christ built, God will destroy us (1 Co. 3:16-17). Is your church built by Christ?

The Church of Christ is Glorious Because of Its Head Christ is head over the church (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23) Does man have authority to be head of the church? If the pope, synod, or conference has authority to make laws in the church, that would destroy Christ’s rule as head over His church. God forbid (Eph. 1:20-21)! The church is His body of which there is one (Eph. 4:4) and of which Christ is the Savior (Eph. 5:23). A body with more than one head would be a monstrosity but Christ as head over His body is glorious. Does your church have Christ as its head or man?

The Church of Christ is Glorious Because of Its Members Those who believed, confessed Christ, repented of their sins, and were baptized in water are saved. (John 8:24; Matt. 10:32; Luke 13:3; 24:47; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:35-38; 1 Peter 3:21) They are to be holy and blameless (Eph. 1:3-4; 5:27). They devoted themselves to spiritual things (Acts 2:42). They sacrificed for others (Acts 2:45; 4:32). When persecuted, Jesus was also (Acts 8:3; 9:6). As Christians, we are to walk righteously but when we fail, we repent & confess our sins (1 John 1:7-2:1).

The Church of Christ is Glorious Because of Its Destiny The Bible uses the illustration of a bride being presented to her husband as Christ loving the church and giving Himself for her (Eph. 5:25). She is holy & blameless being sanctified by the washing of water with the word [baptism] (Eph. 5:26-27). We are betrothed to Christ as a pure virgin and must not be led astray by Satan (2 Cor. 11:2-3). But when death has been abolished, the graves will be opened at the Lord’s return, the most glorious church will be delivered up to God (1 Cor. 15:20-26; John 5:28-29; Rev. 21:2) but the denominations of men will be uprooted (Matt. 15:13-14).

Conclusion The church of Christ is glorious because of its price (His blood); its builder; its head; its members; its destiny. Are you a member of the church of Christ? (the church you can read about in the Bible and not a denomination) If you were sprinkled as an infant, said the sinner’s prayer, or baptized to become a member of a denomination, according to the Bible you are still in your sins (cf. Luke 6:46). “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16) The Lord will add you to His church (Acts 2:47)