The Church Is Precious

by Micky Galloway

In an age when the church is often considered outdated and unnecessary, it is good to go back to the language of the inspired writings to find the value which Jesus himself placed on the church. When we think of the church we need to think people. When Jesus saw the multitudes, “he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). One soul is precious. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 KJV). When we think of the value of the church, we must think of the builder. Jesus said, “upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). It belongs to Him! When we think of the value of the church, we need to think of the price paid for it. Paul said to the Ephesian elders, “Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Peter addressed the personal application when he said, “knowing that ye were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers; but with precious blood, as of a lamb without spot, (even the blood) of Christ” (I Peter 1:18-19).

The word “precious” is important. The Greek word timios, which is translated “precious,” is defined as, “Held as of great price … metaphorically, held in honor, esteemed, especially dear” (Thayer). It not only is used to describe the blood of Christ, but even Christ Himself (I Peter 2:4), and the promises of God (II Peter 1:4). It is also used to describe the marriage relationship as “honorable” (Hebrews 13:4). The antonym átimos implies something that is without honor, shameful, or cheap.

Man needs redemption by the blood of Christ. Sin is presented as slavery and sinners as slaves (John 8:34; Romans 6:17, 20; II Peter 2:19). Deliverance from sin is freedom (John 8:33, 36; Romans 8:21; Galatians 5:1). But this redemption is “IN CHRIST.” “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24; cf. Ephesians 1:7). Those NOT in the church, are NOT redeemed by the blood of Christ. Those NOT in the church are NOT bought by the blood of Christ!

Man needs justification by the blood of Christ. Sin condemns us. “Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed unto all men, for that all sinned” (Romans 5:12). To be justified, dikaioo, is to make righteous, or to declare one to be just or set free (Thayer, see again Romans 3:24). Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” Please note that those who are justified are in the body of Christ, the church. Those NOT in the church, are NOT justified.

Man needs reconciliation by the blood of Christ. Sin separates us from God! “Behold, Jehovah’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, so that he will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2). Man must be “reconciled” (katallasso - to receive one into his favor, Thayer) to be saved. “For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). “That we were ‘enemies’ not only expresses man’s hostile attitude to God but signifies that until this change of attitude takes place men are under condemnation, exposed to God’s wrath” (W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary). The apostle Paul wrote, “We are ambassadors therefore on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beseech (you) on behalf of Christ, be ye reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:20). As reconciliation is in the body (Ephesians 2:16), then reconciliation is possible ONLY in the church. Those NOT in the church are NOT reconciled!

Man needs sanctification by the blood of Christ. “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26). Man needs sanctification (holiness KJV), (cf. Romans 6:19-22). Hagiazoo (“sanctify”) means “to purify by expiation, free from the guilt of sin: 1 Corinthians 6:11” (Thayer). This sanctification comes by “the washing of water with the word.” This washing comes when we are baptized into His death. This is where we come into contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus (Romans 6:3-4). This is why Saul of Tarsus was told to “arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16; cf. 9:18). But this sanctification is in the body of Christ, the church. Therefore, those NOT in the church are NOT among the sanctified.

The church is precious because it is made up of those who are redeemed, justified, reconciled, and sanctified by the precious blood of Jesus.