The church is God’s idea. We can’t help but notice the forceful and determined words of the Lord Himself in Matthew 16:18, “I will build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Matthew has already shown the increasing hostility against Israel’s Messiah. It is at this point we hear of the Lord’s plan that was greater than even His plan with Israel. While not abandoning that nation, He discloses a bigger picture, which the apostles would learn and communicate to us in more detail at a later date.
We learn, for instance, that the Church would display the purposes of God (Eph. 3:10-11). There is nothing quite like it in heaven and earth. She would have a scope greater than Israel in that “all the nations of the earth” would be invited to become part of her.
Picture after picture is used to help us understand the extent and brilliance of God’s great plan. The Church would be a body–His body, no less! A body with interdependent members all functioning at the direction of the Head, for His glory and in harmony with each other.
Paul and Peter show us that the Church is a building composed of something called living stones.The building grows. But the stones grow also. Each stone, fitted together, yet growing and changing more and more like the Headstone and resting on the Cornerstone for a sure foundation (1 Pet. 2:5-7).
But the church is not only a body and building. There is the great love factor. This Church is the Bride of Christ. She is the object of His love. Although composed of individuals who see their own defilement and flaws, He has done a work that will finally result in Him presenting a chaste virgin Bride on that glorious wedding day (Rev. 19:6-9).
This body is a family as well (Eph. 3:15). Human relations are put to the test. Does the grace of God work in practical ways in human interaction? The Church provides the means of displaying this. They will know we are Christians by our love.
The Church is a sanctuary as well (Eph. 2:22). Not a room in a building, but a living reality where the members recognize the need for holiness. Where individuals watch and keep themselves separate from the contamination of the world. They would do it by His power.
The Church is a field bearing fruit, yielding up the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit in the lives of obedient saints. This field is for God and brings to God what He was entitled from Israel, but did not receive.
No wonder Paul prays: “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” (Eph. 1:17-18).
Undoubtedly saints of other ages will be anxious to know what it was like living in this unprecedented era. They will not be interested in our computers or our cars. They will want to know, “What was it like to have the whole Word of God in your possession, in your own language, and the freedom to read it?” They might ask, “What was it like to be able to offer to all the gospel of grace that they might be saved?”
Others will inquire, “What was it like to have the privileges of a priestly ministry? To offer spiritual sacrifices? To offer yourself?” “What was it like,” they will ask, “to enjoy the fellowship, joys and sorrows of fellow believers as you looked for the Lord to return?”
Well, what is it like? Do I really have any idea of what God is doing in the local assembly? Or am I distracted by minor irritants of human behavior (that incidentally I display pretty easily myself)? Have I allowed the world’s paltry agenda to take over my life so there is nothing left for the Church?
What a privilege to be part of God’s assembly! May the apostle’s prayer be answered in our lives–that we may have the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” to enter into God’s thoughts about this.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is worthy of our willing participation in His great idea!