The second statement we will study is that the church is bought by the blood of Jesus. Paul said in Acts 20:28, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” In this statement, two points stand out.
First, the church of Jesus Christ is valuable. Is there anything you have of a material nature that you would die for? Jesus wanted the church to exist so badly that He was willing to die for it. People who say they love Jesus but hate the church or say that interaction with the church is unnecessary for salvation devalue the church, and therefore devalue Christ.
Second, Acts 20:28 shows ownership. God paid for the church with His Son’s blood (John 3:16). In Romans 16:16, Paul says that the “churches of Christ salute you.” That is a phrase of ownership, much like the phrase “the church of God” in 1 Corinthians 1:2. The “church of Christ” is not a denominational name or designation. People who are saved belong to Christ. The car of Kyle Campbell is in my driveway because I paid for it.
Because the church was bought by Christ’s blood, God gave Christ as the head of the church. Ephesians 1:22-23 declares, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” The term “head” implies authority, direction, or guidance. He is to direct everything that pertains to the church, and not the Pope, Joseph Smith, etc.
Kyle Campbell
