Is the Church Essential?
Must be a member of the church that Jesus established in order to be saved? The popular response to such a question is “No.” Any type of organized religion is deemed as old-fashioned, irrelevant, and too stifling today for any real expression of spirituality. In spite of this common perception, the New Testament speaks of the eternal significance and importance of the Lord’s church.
The theme of the epistle to the Ephesians centers on the church and its eternal value [the picture 
below is of the city of Ephesus from the theater]. The word “church” is from the Greek ek-klay-see-ah which is from the combination of the words ek (which means “out of”) and kaleo (which means “to call”); together, they mean “to be called out of.” Those who are in the church have been called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), out of darkness, and into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9).
This epistle of six chapters makes reference to one being in the church some twenty-five times (which are primarily recorded in the first three chapters of Ephesians). Nine times this comes in the form of being “in Christ”. To be in Christ is to be in His body which is the church (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 1:22-23). Paul begins the epistle by making the sweeping statements that all spiritual blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 2:3). This is equivalent to saying that all spiritual blessing are to be found in the church. What are these spiritual blessings which are in Christ—or in the body of Christ, the church?
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In Christ, we are accepted (“to be highly favored” – Strong’s; “to make graceful; to compass with favor; to honor with blessings” – Thayer) of Him (Ephesians 1:6).
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In Christ, we have redemption (“a releasing affected by payment of ransom; deliverance” – Thayer) through His blood (Ephesians 1:7).
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In Christ, we have forgiveness of sins in Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
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In Christ is the purposed will of God (Ephesians 1:9).
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In Christ are gathered together all things in heaven and in earth which is the revealed mystery of His will (Ephesians 1:9-10).
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In Christ, we are heirs of God (Ephesians 1:11).
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In Christ, there is confident assurance that we belong to Him. A “seal” was made with the signet ring of the king for purposes of identification. In other words, this “seal” was that which could be seen, thus identifying those who belonged to Christ (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30).
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In Christ, we who were at one time dead in our trespasses and sins have been made alive (Ephesians 2:5-6).
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In Christ, we are able to draw near to God (Ephesians 2:13).
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In Christ, we have reconciliation (“to be brought back to a former state of harmony” – Thayer) by the cross (Ephesians 2:16).
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In Christ, we are fellow citizens with all the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).
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In Christ, we are a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21).
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In Christ, we are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit (Ephesians 2:22).
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In Christ is to be found the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:10-11).
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In Christ, we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him (Ephesians 3:12)
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In the church (in Christ) is where God is glorified by Christ Jesus throughout all generations, world without end (Ephesians 3:21).
In the Ephesian epistle, Paul places tremendous importance in being in Christ. After considering such blessings and other vital matters which are in Christ, can anyone doubt the essentiality of the church? Truly, God is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us (Eph. 2:4). The gospel message is for all (Titus 2:11-12; 1 John 2:2). All one must do to receive these spiritual blessings is believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 20:30-31; Hebrews 11:6); repent of one’s sins (Luke 11:3); make the good confession (Matthew 10:32-33); be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27); and live faithfully unto Christ (Revelation 2:10).
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Doctrine, Michael Carter
on November 22nd, 2008
