Why Did Jesus Christ Establish His Church?
Although many tend to think of the Church as a building, the Bible actually defines it as an assembly or group of people. But why did Jesus begin His Church and what was to be its vital purpose?
Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). The word for “build” in the Greek language means to found, establish or construct, and the word commonly translated “church” in the New Testament refers to “a called-out assembly” of people. The Church is the Body of Christ’s chosen, repentant, baptized believers who are energized by the Holy Spirit within them (2 Timothy 1:6-7).
This summoned gathering is described by Jesus not as a large, prominent organization, but as a cherished “little flock” (Luke 12:32). Its members zealously follow Christ’s example and teachings, faithfully obeying His Father’s commandments as He did (John 15:10; 1 John 5:3). In addition, they endeavor to “shine as lights” of righteousness in society while rejecting its lawless, corrupt and perverse ways (Ephesians 5:9; John 15:19; Philippians 2:15).
Furthermore, the members highly esteem Christ’s vibrant message of “the gospel [or good news] of the Kingdom of God,” which includes two related components (Mark 1:14-15). First, it announces the coming reign of God through Christ, when Jesus will replace all human rule with His perfect government, which will result in enduring peace, joy and prosperity for all humanity (John 14:3; Luke 11:2). Second, a vital addition to the message after Christ rose from the dead was the truth about how He paid the penalty of humanity’s sins and empowers change by means of His flawless life, sacrificial death and resurrection. The Savior’s selfless, loving actions make it possible for people to ultimately enter God’s divine family through a resurrection from death and receive the priceless gift of salvation and eternal life (Ephesians 3:15; Romans 1:16).
Preaching the gospel and preparing a people
When considering this, we may ask: Why did Jesus establish His Church? What was its purpose, and what were His disciples to accomplish? In unveiling their vital commission, He instructed them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). He also told them to “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). Christ further emphasized this crucial assignment by directing them, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). These central responsibilities were to be performed faithfully from generation to generation.
To accomplish this dynamic mission, the leaders and general membership of the Church must be excellent examples of love and uprightness to provide trustworthy, biblically grounded guidance and instruction to the people God chooses to call into His Church (John 21:17). It is His desire that every member continues to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) while demonstrating heartfelt love for others through the power of God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5; Zechariah 4:6).
Included in its commission to preach the gospel and prepare a people for the Lord is the Church’s obligation to deliver a warning message to the world regarding the consequences of disobedience to God’s commandments—meaning the turmoil and suffering that wrongdoing generates in people’s lives (Colossians 1:28; Romans 1:18-32; Isaiah 58:1). This responsibility includes making known Bible prophecies about the distressful period that lies ahead for humanity apart from widespread genuine repentance (Ezekiel 33:6; 2 Peter 1:19; Amos 3:7).
In addition, the Church must educate people about the magnificent age that will begin at Jesus’ second coming. At that awesome time, He will put a stop to the confused, violent and hopeless human condition resulting from immorality, warfare, crime, poverty, disease and other forms of lawlessness and injustice. In their place Christ will set up the Kingdom of God on earth which will produce wonderful peace, happiness and abundance for everyone. Plus, He will help all people to fully comprehend how they can personally enter God’s spiritual family to serve with Him in His magnificent reign over all nations. Those in God’s Church are being prepared to serve as kings and priests with Christ in the coming Kingdom (Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:4-6).
God may be calling you today
Finally, the purpose and focus of the Church plainly emerges from Holy Scripture as it manifests the reason Jesus Christ established it and why He assigned its people their dynamic commission. Today, His “little flock” is keenly dedicated to accomplishing its spiritual responsibilities. Perhaps He is calling you to participate in this vitally important mission. If so, how will you respond?
Course Content
John LaBissoniere
John has served as an employee of the United Church of God in a variety of media-related responsibilities and as a senior writer for Beyond Today magazine.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1973. He also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology at Ambassador College, Pasadena, California in 1978. John was ordained an elder in 1994 and serves in the Cincinnati, Ohio congregations.
