The Name of the Church of Christ

A Biblical Study

Introduction

The question, “What should the Lord’s church be called?” is an important one. While the New Testament does not command a single official denominational title, it does reveal several biblical designations for God’s people. These names honor God, identify ownership, and avoid exalting human leaders.

The goal of every faithful congregation should be to wear only names that are authorized by Scripture and that bring glory to God rather than men.

Why Names Matter

Throughout Scripture, names often communicate ownership, identity, and authority.

The church does not belong to a preacher, a movement, a reformer, or a nation. It belongs entirely to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Himself declared:

“I will build My church.” (Matthew 16:18)

Notice that Jesus did not promise to build many competing religious organizations. He promised to build His church.

Since He purchased it with His own blood, it rightfully belongs to Him.

Acts 20:28 says:

“…the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood.”

The Church Belongs to Christ

Because Jesus purchased the church through His sacrifice, it is appropriate for the church to wear His name.

Paul wrote:

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” (Romans 16:16)

This is the only place where the exact expression “churches of Christ” appears in Scripture.

Although Paul was simply describing congregations belonging to Christ rather than giving an official title, the phrase is entirely biblical and beautifully expresses ownership.

The expression means:

The churches that belong to Christ.

This is why many congregations today identify themselves as the church of Christ.

It reminds the world that:

• Christ is the Founder.
• Christ is the Owner.
• Christ is the Head.
• Christ is the Savior.
• Christ receives the glory.

Other Biblical Descriptions

The New Testament uses several inspired expressions for God’s people.

Church of God

Acts 20:28

“…the church of God…”

This emphasizes that the church belongs to God.

Church of the Firstborn

Hebrews 12:23

“…the assembly of the firstborn…”

This stresses the privileged position of Christians as God’s heirs.

Body of Christ

Ephesians 1:22–23

“…the church, which is His body.”

This emphasizes our relationship with Christ as the Head.

Household of God

1 Timothy 3:15

Paul describes the church as

“the household of God.”

This portrays God’s family.

Kingdom of God’s Son

Colossians 1:13

Christians have been transferred into Christ’s kingdom.

Temple of God

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

The church is described as God’s spiritual temple.

Each of these expressions teaches something important.

None were intended as denominational labels.

Rather, they reveal various aspects of God’s people.

Why “Church of Christ” Is Especially Appropriate

Although several biblical expressions exist, “church of Christ” uniquely emphasizes the One who died for the church.

Paul strongly condemned elevating human leaders.

He asked:

“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you?” (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The obvious answer is no.

No preacher died for us.

No reformer purchased the church.

No denomination shed its blood for sinners.

Only Jesus Christ did.

Therefore, wearing Christ’s name honors the One who paid the price for our salvation.

Avoiding Human Names

Throughout history, many religious organizations have adopted names honoring:

• founders
• reformers
• forms of government
• doctrines
• practices
• geographical origins

While sincere people may belong to these groups, Scripture consistently directs attention away from men and toward Christ.

Christ alone deserves preeminence.

Colossians 1:18 says,

“That in everything He might be preeminent.”

The Church Is Not a Denomination

The New Testament never presents the church as one denomination among many.

Jesus prayed:

“That they may all be one.” (John 17:20–21)

Paul urged Christians to:

“…maintain the unity of the Spirit…” (Ephesians 4:3)

He then declared:

“There is one body…” (Ephesians 4:4)

The one body is the church (Ephesians 1:22–23).

God’s design was never religious division.

Instead, Christians were to be united under Christ.

Following Christ Alone

The earliest Christians simply followed Jesus.

They were not members of competing denominations.

They devoted themselves to:

• the apostles’ teaching
• fellowship
• breaking bread
• prayers

(Acts 2:42)

Their desire was not to build a new religion but to faithfully follow Christ according to the apostles’ teaching.

That same desire should characterize every congregation today.

Our Goal Today

When a congregation identifies itself as the “church of Christ,” it is not claiming to be a denomination superior to others.

Rather, it is expressing a commitment to:

• belong to Christ,
• submit to Christ,
• teach Christ,
• glorify Christ,
• follow only the New Testament as its authority.

The emphasis is not upon a name alone but upon faithful obedience to Jesus Christ.

Simply wearing a biblical name does not guarantee faithfulness.

A congregation must also worship, teach, organize, and live according to the Scriptures.

Conclusion

The phrase “church of Christ” is a beautiful biblical description because it declares that the church belongs to Jesus Christ.

Scripture also uses other inspired expressions such as “church of God,” “body of Christ,” and “household of God.” Each reveals a different truth about God’s people.

The faithful church seeks neither denominational identity nor human recognition. Instead, it strives to honor Christ in everything.

May every congregation remember that it was Christ who purchased the church with His own blood, serves as its only Head, and deserves all glory forever.

“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:21)

Garland Van Dyke

garland.churchofchrist@gmail.com

www.thechristianministry.online

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