The Church Belongs to Jesus
He asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”
(Matthew 16:15–18)
In commending Simon Peter for his spiritual insight about who Jesus was, the Lord unveiled even more truth about what He would do. In essence, Jesus told Peter, “Your words about Me are true. In fact, they are a foundational statement—like a rock. And on this rocklike declaration I will build My church.” He also promised that the gates of Hades would not erode it or erase it. The church would have staying power. Against all odds, it would prevail. Not even the adversary would overpower it. “I will build My church,” Jesus said.
First, I—Jesus made it clear from the beginning that the church as God intended it would have Christ as its Architect. Make no mistake about it—He is the Originator of the church. It was His idea. He protects it. He leads it. He alone is its Head.
Second, the word will looks to the future. Jesus didn’t say, “I have built” or even “I am building” but “I will build.” The church had yet to begin when Jesus made this statement; it was a promise for the future—for the very near future. But at the time He spoke these words, Peter and the other disciples had no clue what church meant.
Third, the term build suggests not only a beginning, but also an ongoing process. If you read music, think of a crescendo mark over Jesus’ statement. Try to imagine the excitement and energy in the Master’s voice as He communicated the future to these disciples.
The church would begin at a certain point, and then it would grow and grow . . . and keep on growing. Why? Because Christ will construct it. He will enlarge it and shape it as He pleases.
Fourth, the word My affirms ownership and authority. Not only is Christ the Originator of the church and the Builder of it, as I mentioned, He is also its Head (see Colossians 1:15–18). It’s essential to keep asking ourselves, as I try to do, Is Christ the Head of our local church? Does He have first place in our ministry? Is what we do all about Jesus, or have we drifted from that singular focus? To guard against erosion, we must keep Jesus as the Head of the church. It is His church. Never forget that.
Taken from The Church Awakening by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Faith Words, an imprint of Hachette Book Group, Inc.
