What We Believe
The Church That Belongs to Christ
“I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
Matthew 16:18 (NASB)
The church is not a human invention, a social club, or one denomination among many. In the New Testament, the church belongs to Jesus Christ. He planned it, promised it, purchased it with His blood, and rules it as its only Head. To understand the church, we must therefore begin with Christ’s teaching and the inspired words of His apostles—not with later creeds, councils, traditions, or religious organizations. The question is not what kind of church we would prefer, but what Christ built and how He calls His people to live.
Built and Purchased by Christ
Jesus promised, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The singular language matters: the church is His possession and rests on the truth that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). No preacher, reformer, nation, or religious movement can claim its ownership. First Corinthians 3:11 says that no foundation can be laid other than Jesus Christ.
The price of the church shows its value. Paul told the Ephesian elders to shepherd “the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25). Because He paid the price, no human being has the right to redesign the church’s worship, teaching, mission, or organization according to personal preference.
The Body of Christ
The New Testament describes the church as Christ’s body. God placed all things under Jesus’ feet and gave Him as Head over all things to the church, which is His body (Ephesians 1:22–23). A body has one head, and the church’s Head is Christ—not a pope, council, convention, or headquarters on earth. His word directs the body.
There is also one body (Ephesians 4:4), though it is made up of many members. First Corinthians 12:12–27 teaches that Christians have different abilities and responsibilities, yet all belong to one another. No member is unimportant, and no member can live independently of the body. Christ calls His people into a shared life of worship, service, love, correction, encouragement, and mission.
How People Enter Christ’s Church
People do not enter the church by joining a denomination or having their names placed on a human membership roll. In Acts 2, listeners heard the gospel, believed Peter’s message, repented, and were baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:37–41). The Lord then added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). Christ adds saved people to His church.
Galatians 3:26–27 says that those who have been baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ. First Corinthians 12:13 says that believers are baptized into one body. Baptism is not a work of human merit; it is the obedient response of faith in which God unites a person with Christ’s death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12). Those who enter Christ enter the body that belongs to Him.
The Identity and Work of the Church
The expression “churches of Christ” in Romans 16:16 describes congregations belonging to Christ. Other biblical descriptions include the church of God, the household of God, the body of Christ, and the kingdom of God’s Son. A scriptural name honors Christ, but the words on a sign are not enough. A congregation must also continue in the apostles’ teaching and submit to the New Testament pattern.
The first Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). The church proclaims the gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:8), builds up its members (Ephesians 4:11–16), worships God according to truth (John 4:23–24), and practices benevolence as Scripture directs (Acts 4:32–35). Local congregations appointed qualified elders and deacons (Acts 14:23; 1 Timothy 3:1–13), while every Christian was called to serve.
Christ also demands purity and unity. Unity is not created by ignoring truth; it comes from walking in the truth with humility and love (Ephesians 4:1–6). When sin or false teaching enters the church, Scripture calls for patient correction and faithful discipline (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 4:2). The church must reflect the holiness of the One who purchased it.
What This Means for Us
Because the church belongs to Christ, we must let Christ define it. We should not ask which religious group best fits our preferences, but whether a congregation teaches the apostles’ doctrine, worships by Christ’s authority, follows the New Testament organization, and carries out the work God assigned. Loyalty to Christ requires loyalty to His body.
Every Christian should be an active, faithful member of a local congregation that seeks to be Christ’s church in teaching and practice. We need one another’s encouragement, correction, gifts, and love. Together we honor the Head, proclaim His gospel, care for His people, and prepare for the day when Christ presents the church to Himself in glory (Ephesians 5:27).