The History of the Church of Christ

Do you know the history of your church? According to the Bible, we are the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27). As such, as members of the body of Christ, we ought to know and understand the church we belong to.

What is the church? 

The word "church" simply means "assembly or gathering." Did you know that the first time the word "church" was mentioned in the Bible was from the mouth of Jesus? The twelve apostles were gathered together with Jesus in the far northern part of the Golan Heights at the southern foot of Mt. Hermon near modern day Baniyas when he said, "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18 (RSV). Based upon the solid "rock" foundation of His divinity, Jesus planned to build His called out people, His church. After the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to heaven of Jesus, the church Jesus planned began as recorded in Acts, the second chapter. That church followed strictly the teachings of the apostles of Jesus (see Acts 2:42, Galatians 1:8,9, Jude 3).

The Apostle Peter mentioned that those "who are called out of darkness into his marvelous light" is called the church (1 Peter 2:9).

The Lord spoke to His people through the apostle Peter and used several terms in order to help them appreciate their spiritual position in Christ. He referred to them as a "chosen" or elect" race, as a "holy nation" and as a "people for God's own possession." By God's grace we occupy a very favored position in His universe.

Peter continues by saying, "for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." (1 Peter 2:10). Christians are referred to as "the people of God" and as having received God's "mercy." This is the result of God's grace and love, not according to our own merit.

The Lord's church is made up of those saved by the mercy of God. There are other terms used to describe the church in the New Testament. These also help clarify what exactly the church is and how necessary it is to be a member of it.

The church is the body of Christ, and He is the head of the church (Ephesians 1:21-23). Christ is the head of those who are in His body, or church (see also 1 Corinthians 12:12-14; 26-27).

The church is the temple of God, meaning that God dwells in His people. We are warned not to destroy the temple by harming or discouraging its people (1 Corinthians 3:16,17).

The church is the kingdom of Christ, meaning that Christ rules over His people as their spiritual king (John 19:36; Matthew 16:16-18; Colossians 1:13)

One final point: Jesus is the savior of the church (Ephesians 5:23-27). 

So, what is the history of Church of Christ? When was it established, and who established the church?

The history of the Church of Christ and its emergence can be historically traced. The establishment of the church dates back from the Day of Pentecost when Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

  

IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A DENOMINATION?

By definition the church of Christ cannot be a denomination because it is not dependent on man-made creeds, but simply in the New Testament pattern. We do not conceive of ourselves as being a denomination --nor as Catholic, Protestant, or Jewish -- but simply as members of the church which Jesus established and for which he died.

And that, incidentally, is why we wear his name. The term "church of Christ" is not used as a denominational designation, but rather as a descriptive term indicating that the church belongs to Christ.

We recognize our own personal shortcomings and weaknesses--and this is all the more reason for wanting to carefully follow the all-sufficient and perfect plan God has for the church.

So, who’s the founder? Jesus Christ.

Who’s the foundation? Jesus Christ.

Where was it established? Jerusalem.

When was it established? 33 AD.