Articles
God's View Of The Church
The New Testament dedicates significant attention to the church of Jesus Christ. Matthew recorded Jesus' promise to establish it, Luke documented its beginning in the book of Acts, and various epistles from Paul, Peter, John, Jude, and James offered instruction to its members. However, Paul's letter to Christians in Ephesus provides the most profound insight into the church as viewed in the New Testament. Readers of Ephesians are privileged to understand God's perspective on the church, a viewpoint that underscores the importance of this collective of believers.
God views the church as having a singular head: the exalted Christ, not any human leader or group. Paul explains that God "raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:20-23). It is a comforting and crucial truth: Christ is the head of the church. His followers are not without guidance or direction; Christ provides the necessary leadership as they journey from this temporal existence towards their eternal home.
Furthermore, the letter to the Ephesians reveals God's divine purpose for the church. The body of Christ is neither accidental nor an afterthought. Paul refers to the church as integral to God's "eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 3:11). This "eternal purpose" of providing salvation through Christ Jesus demonstrates the "manifold wisdom of God" (Eph. 3:6, 10). The church exists because of God's deliberate design and wisdom, and its existence brings Him glory (Eph. 3:21). The church offers praise to God for His magnificent work.
Ephesians also illuminates God's view of the individuals who constitute the church. They are described as being "in Christ" (Eph. 1:3-7), with Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith (Eph. 3:17-19). They walk in unity, grounded in truth (Eph. 4:1-3), having renounced sinful behaviors (Eph. 4:25-32). They emulate God and live in love (Eph. 5:1-2), loving Jesus with an enduring love (Eph. 6:24), and engaging in good works (Eph. 2:10). Christ is the Savior of this remarkable body of people (Eph. 5:23), who have been raised with Him to sit with Him in heavenly realms (Eph. 2:6).
What a glorious depiction of the church! Its head is Christ, its purpose is to glorify God, and its identity is shaped by a loving Father. While human perspectives on the church may sometimes diminish its significance, we find God's view to be the most profound and meaningful.
