It has been observed that the Ephesian epistle is an inspired letter exalting the church of Christ. The church of Christ and the kingdom of Christ are synonymous (Matt. 16:18-19). Among several references in the Ephesian letter one is the family of God (Eph. 3:14-15), so to be in the church of Christ is to be a part of the family of God. In one of the most beautiful analogies, God compares Christ and His church to the ideal relationship designed by God for the marriage of a husband and wife (Eph. 5:23-27). The church is Christ’s beautiful bride adorned in the splendor of purity, giving glory to God (Eph. 3:21). It is Christ’s body (Eph. 1:23).
All authority is found in Christ in His church (Matt. 28:18). It makes sense in that Christ purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28), all authority was given to him by God (Eph. 1:22), and has put all in His control and made him head of the church, which is His body (Eph. 1:22, 5:23; Col. 1:18). If the church was purchased by Christ, all authority given to Him to run it by God, then who should have the controlling word in its operation? It would seem by the way the church operates in some cases and places that the Lord can’t get a word in edgewise! In His church! Yet, it is His church, His body, His bride, and His kingdom.
When considering the life of a body, it is well-known science that physical life emanates from the head. Tragically, there are those who sustain head injuries which take their life. That is sometimes referred to as “brain dead,” and may describe a condition where the heart may be beating, but there is no life. Spiritually, the life of the Spiritual body is the head who is Christ. When one is cut off from Christ, Spiritual death occurs. That is why fellowship with Christ is so important (I John 1:7). Because life of the members of the body of Christ depends upon each member’s connection to Christ (I Cor. 12:27), the constant concern should be for the Spiritual health of each member.
All prophecy was and is fulfilled in Christ. Most scholars and devout Bible students identify over 300 prophecies fulfilled in Christ. He was the suffering Savior (Isa. 53), the Lamb without spot or blemish. He was the one Daniel referenced who would be a king over His kingdom (Dan. 7:13-14). All the Godhead comes together in the church of Christ. Heaven and earth come together in Christ (Eph.1:10). At His baptism all the Godhead was present (Matt. 3:17), on the mount of transfiguration the Godhead was present (Matt. 17:5). On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) when the church began, the Godhead was present. In the church of Christ, His body, the Godhead is there filling all in all (Eph. 1:23).
It is important to remember that all Spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3). No man or manmade organization can or will substitute! The Lord’s church did not spring from man’s mind, wants, likes or desires, but rather from the mind of God and His mighty hand of grace and mercy. Is the Church of Christ important to you? “Unto Him [God] be glory in the church by Christ Jesus through all ages world without end. Amen.” (Eph. 3:21). It should be!
David Hill