Holy writ also describes our Lord as the PURCHASER of the church. The apostle Paul declares, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). Paul said that Jesus “gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” (Tit. 2:14). Peter proclaims, “And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet 1:17-19). Jesus Christ as the purchaser of the church, owns the church, the church belongs to Him. As owner of the church, Christ has all authority and rule in the church. For one to be a member of a religious organization that was established by man is to be in an organization owned by some other than Jesus Christ. Salvation can only be found in the church which is owned by Jesus Christ.
Telling the stories of our people and our time
