The Gospel-Centered Essence of the Church

The Modern Rejection of the Church

Recently, the rejection of the church has become a noticeable trend. This can be attributed to various factors, including corruption, sexual immorality, cover-ups, financial impropriety, and the allure of personal gratification. Many people today resist adhering to a church’s teachings, instead opting to follow their own paths, just as Frank Sinatra sang, “I Did It My Way.” However, despite the skepticism, the Scriptures consistently emphasize the role and importance of the church. From the early days of the church’s establishment, as seen in Acts, to the present, its relevance remains significant. We’ll explore the book of Ephesians to delve into the profound teachings about the church.

The Body of Christ: Unity and Authority (Ephesians 1:22-23)

The metaphor of the church as the body of Christ holds rich significance. This metaphor underscores the church’s unity, reinforcing that only one true body of Christ exists. This unity is not merely organizational but rooted in the authority of Christ as the head of the church. This emphasizes that no human authority can supplant or override divine laws. Any deviation from God’s divine revelation leads to spiritual consequences; a message powerfully conveyed in Revelation 22:18-19 and 2 John 9-11.

Furthermore, the church is called the “fulness of God.” This signifies that the church is not an afterthought or a mere substitution but rather the embodiment of God’s purpose in Christ Jesus. Contrary to any notions of selectiveness, the church represents the culmination of God’s ultimate purpose.

Reconciled in One Body: Unity in Christ (Ephesians 2:16)

The concept of reconciliation takes center stage in Ephesians 2:16. Through Christ, reconciliation occurs both between humans and God and among humans themselves. This reconciliation takes place within the context of one body, the church. This underscores the undeniable connection between reconciliation and membership in the body of Christ. The verse nullifies any notion of dividing the body of Christ into separate entities, illustrating the church as the Kingdom of God, the family of God, and the Temple of God.

The Church in God’s Eternal Plan: Wisdom and Purpose (Ephesians 3:10-11)

God’s eternal plan is illuminated through the existence of the church. Just as engineering projects reflect the wisdom of their designers, the church showcases God’s manifold wisdom. This wisdom manifests in the church’s organization, evangelism, and worship. The church’s autonomy, simple worship elements, and evangelistic efforts reveal God’s profound understanding.

The Church’s Oneness and Relationship with Christ (Ephesians 4:4, 5:22-33)

Contrary to modern pluralism, the concept of oneness is paramount within the context of the church. This oneness is rooted in the exclusive truth of Christ, as stated in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12. The relationship between the church and Christ is illuminated in Ephesians 5:22-33. Christ is portrayed as the church’s head, savior, and sanctifier. The church’s relationship with Christ involves submission, love, sanctification, and nourishment.

The Profound Significance of the Church

Choosing not to be a part of Christ’s church has profound consequences. Rejecting the church means missing out on the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice, sanctification, and nourishment. The church isn’t just an institution; it’s a divine design for believers to experience God’s wisdom, unity, and transformative grace.

In light of this understanding, the call remains: Why not become a child of God, a citizen of His kingdom, and a cherished member of His church? Embracing the teachings of the Scriptures and the insights from the book of Ephesians leads to a richer and more fulfilling life in Christ.

~PW 🌮🛶