Putting It All Together
Throughout this course we've asked one simple question:
What does the New Testament actually teach about the church?
Rather than beginning with traditions or religious organizations, we've begun with the words of Jesus and His apostles. We've allowed the New Testament to describe the church in its own terms and to explain its purpose in God's plan.
We've learned that the church is not primarily a building or an institution.
It is God's people.
Jesus promised to build His church, and on the Day of Pentecost that promise became a reality as people responded to the gospel and were added by the Lord to His people.
We've also seen that the New Testament describes the church from several different perspectives.
It is the body of Christ, reminding us that Jesus alone is our Head.
It is the family of God, reminding us that God is our Father and Christians are brothers and sisters.
It is the kingdom of God, reminding us that Christ now reigns as King over His people.
It is the temple of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that God now dwells among His people rather than in a building made with hands.
It is the bride of Christ, reminding us of Christ's sacrificial love and our call to remain faithful to Him.
We've also examined the church's mission.
Christ calls His people to proclaim the gospel, make disciples, teach His Word, strengthen believers, and demonstrate His love through lives of faithful service.
Finally, we've seen that Christ has given His church a simple pattern of leadership. He alone is the Head. Local congregations are shepherded by qualified elders, served by faithful deacons, strengthened by teachers and evangelists, and built up as every Christian uses his or her abilities in service to others.
Taken together, these pictures present one beautiful truth.
The church is God's redeemed people, united in Christ, living under His authority, serving His purpose, and looking forward to His return.
As you continue reading the New Testament, you'll notice that the church is never presented as God's backup plan or as a temporary arrangement. It stands at the center of His eternal purpose, revealing His wisdom and bringing glory to Him through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:10-11, 21).
If this course has encouraged you to look beyond traditions, open your Bible, and see the church as God describes it, then it has accomplished its purpose.
Above all, remember that the church is not about us.
It is about Christ.
He purchased it with His blood.
He is its Head.
He walks among His people.
And one day He will present His church to Himself in glory.
Continue Your Study
Jesus spoke about the Kingdom more than almost any other subject.
What did He mean?
Is the Kingdom present or future?
How does it relate to the church?
And what does it mean for Christ to reign today?
In our next course, we'll follow the story of the Kingdom from the Old Testament promises to its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Related Bible Studies
Why Does the Bible Call the Church the Kingdom of God?
When Did the Church Begin?
The Story of Redemption
The Temple Story from Genesis to Revelation
Companion Video
Putting It All Together
Read First. Conclude Later.