The slogan has existed for many years. In most newspapers that advertise the worship services of churches in that community you will find these words of encouragement: “Attend the Church of Your Choice.” These words please most people. It is the “democratic” thing to do. The majority of people believe such a statement brings glory and honor to Christ. But does it? This is the question for us to consider as we turn to the only book that can give us a truthful answer – the Bible.
Long before the birth of Christ it was prophesied that “in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44). Jesus, during His ministry on earth, said to Peter, “I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 16:18-19). One will note that the word “church” is singular, not plural. Christ promised to build only one church – His church. Other inspired Scriptures affirm this truth. The apostle Paul notes that there is but “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). One will also observe that the Scriptures affirm that Christ is the “head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:22-23). Paul also records that Christ has promised to save only His “body” (Ephesians 5:23).
Since God does not lie (Titus 1:2) and His Word is always true (John 17:17), let us ask some questions. If Christ were on earth today would He attend His church or some man’s church? Would the Savior attend the church purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28) or one purchased with man’s money? Would the Lord attend a church of which a man or group of men serve as its head or the one of which He is its head? Do you believe that Jesus Christ would attend a church governed by the creeds and votes of men that continually change or the church that is governed by His Word which has long been settled in Heaven (Psalm 119:89)? Does or does not the Lord’s choice in a church matter? Which church would He choose to attend? Would Christ choose the church that wears His name and thus gives Him the honor and glory rightly His, or would He choose some church wearing a man-made name that honors a human being? These are questions that cannot be ignored and they deserve an answer!
Most people today choose a “church” for the wrong reason. Some choose a particular “church” because of its beautiful architecture. We are not commanded to worship the building so this is not a valid reason. Some choose a “church” because of its size as if large numbers are to be equated with spiritual success. The truth is that only a few were saved in the ark (1 Peter 3:20) and a few, not many, will be in Heaven (Matthew 7:13-14).
If one is truly interested in the salvation of his soul does it not make sense to choose to attend the Lord’s church? One distinguishing characteristic of the Lord’s church is that it was established on the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 33 as promised in Holy Scripture. Any “church” that comes into existence after A.D. 33 cannot be the Lord’s church. The name “church of Christ” is not a man-made name and is a Scriptural term (Romans 16:16). It does not honor and glorify some man. It shows ownership and gives honor and glory to the one whose blood purchased the church – Christ (Acts 20:28).