In Matthew 16:13, Jesus asked a question that would have ramifications into eternity:
“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Even when Jesus asked questions, He was opening doors to teach the Gospel. In this case, He was drawing attention to something eternal…His identity as the Messiah.
As Peter (Simon Barjona) said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
And upon that truth, Jesus declared what He would build: His Church. He said, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”
The Church that Christ would build would be different from anything else the world had ever seen.
The Church Doesn’t Conform—It Stands Out
The columnist Jim Hightower once said, “The opposite of courage is not cowardice—it’s conformity. Even a dead fish can go with the flow.” But in Japan, there’s a saying: “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” That’s the world’s attitude toward anything that doesn’t fit in. But the Church Jesus built doesn’t conform to culture or religion. It was—and still is—different because it follows Christ.
This may lead us to sometimes feel like the nail being hammered down. But our uniqueness isn’t a liability—it’s a blessing. Jesus said, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). No other person or institution on earth can match that promise…much less uphold it.
The Church Is Unique in Its Identity
Contrary to popular opinion, the church has no official name. Instead, it’s described in terms of our relationship with God and Christ:
- “The church of Christ” (Romans 16:16)
- “The church of God” (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- “The household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10)
- “His body” (Ephesians 1:22–23)
Unfortunately, some people have created denominations that use these verses like branding labels, when they should be spiritual descriptions of who we are and whose we are. The church is unique because it belongs to Christ, is united in Him, and exists for His purpose. Our identity is rooted not in the sign outside our buildings, but in our relationship with the risen Lord.
The Church Displays God’s Eternal Wisdom
Paul wrote of the mystery that had long been hidden—now revealed through the church: “…that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church…” (Ephesians 3:10). Even the prophets, the righteous, and the angels longed to see what we now experience (Matthew 13:17; 1 Peter 1:12).
Through Christ’s church, God’s marvelous plan of salvation for mankind is revealed. What once was hidden is now proclaimed. That alone makes the church an extraordinary gift.
The Church Was Purchased with a Priceless Cost
Many things in life…your house, your car, your children…come at a high price, but none compare to what God paid for the church. Acts 20:28 says Christ “purchased [the church] with His own blood.” Peter echoes this in 1 Peter 1:18–19: “You were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”
We are His peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9)…not in the sense of being odd for oddness’ sake, but in being possessed by Him. The word translated “peculiar” in the King James Version is better translated as “a people for His own possession”(NASB, ESV). We belong exclusively to Him because He bought us. That is what gives the church—and its members—value: being Christ’s special possession.
The Church Is Unique in Its Membership
Membership in the church—the body of the saved, sometimes called the universal church…isn’t granted by a council or committee. While you may associate and work with a local church (see Acts 9:26–28; Philippians 1:27), you don’t “join” the universal church like you would a club. You’re added by the Lord Himself. Acts 2:47 tells us: “The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Salvation comes through belief and obedience to Christ (Matthew 7:21–23; 28:18–20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, etc.). This includes hearing, believing, confessing, repenting, being baptized…and continuing faithfully in God’s word. But ultimately, we must remember: it is God who saves us through Christ. You could have preachers, elders, and all sorts of supposed religious leaders saying you’re saved…but unless God says it, you aren’t.
Those who are in the church are those who have been truly redeemed in Him. They walk in the light, repent when they fall, and trust in Christ’s continual cleansing (1 John 1:7–9).
The Church Has a Destiny Like No Other
Most institutions die with their members. Not so with the church. Jesus said, “The gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). That’s not just a poetic statement…it’s a promise. Death doesn’t win. Sin doesn’t win. Christ… and His church… win!
Paul wrote: “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). That victory is in Christ…and only in Christ.
Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1–4). That promise is for His people…for His church.
The Church Offers a Hope Like No Other
You can’t find this hope anywhere else. Not in politics, manmade religion, or social clubs. Only in Christ.
And now that you know, what will you do with this truth?
- If you haven’t obeyed the gospel, will you submit to Christ so you can be added to His church?
- If you are in the church but have drifted from His good way, will you repent and return (Acts 3:19)?
God’s peculiar people have a peculiar hope…an eternal one. The church is different. It’s distinct. It’s divine. Will you choose to be a part of it?
You may have to swim against the current or risk being hammered down…but as long as Christ is on your side, you… and the church as a whole…will endure.
