Critics of the Bible and those who believe in premillennialism declare that Jesus did not intend to build a church. The critics (Infidels and those who deny inspiration and miracles) say Paul started the church, not Jesus. Premillennialists say Jesus only thought of the church after being rejected by the Jews. Both are wrong.

Jesus spoke of starting His church when He said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). He prepared men for life within the church (Matthew 18:15-17). Jesus came to earth to establish the house of God, which is the church of the living God (Isaiah 2:2-4; 1 Timothy 3:15).

Paul said the church was the eternal purpose of God (Ephesians 3:10-11). It was not a last-minute thing.

The attempt to de-emphasize the church by separating it from God’s plans will not work. The church is something held dear to Christ and true Christians.

Steven F. Deaton