Christ and the Church – Ephesians 5:22-32

Text: Ephesians 5:22-32

There is one church, which is the same as one body (Ephesians 5:22)

Christ is the head of that one body, His church (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4-6).

Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25)

His blood that was shed on the cross purchased His church (Acts 20:28).

The church is sanctified and cleansed by washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26)

Baptism is done in water (Acts 8:26-39; 2:36-42; 22:16; Romans 6:4; John 3:23).

Jesus told Nicodemus one must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of heaven (John 3:5).

Jesus gave Peter keys to the kingdom (Matthew 16:19), the same as the body or church. Later, Peter unlocked the kingdom by preaching the gospel at Pentecost (Acts 2). About 3,000 souls were baptized that day, and the Lord added them to His church (Acts 2:38; Matthew 16:16-18).

The church is presented glorious, and without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:27)

It is done this way through the blood of Christ! Through shedding of His blood, we have the remission of sins (Hebrews 9:22; 10:22). As the church is also holy, we must be holy for God is holy (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Colossians 1:22-23).

• The Lord nourishes and cherishes His church (Ephesians 5:29)

• Christians are members of His body (Ephesians 5:30; Romans 12:4-5)

• Paul claims it to be a great mystery, but speaks concerning Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:32)

• Have you been baptized and allowed God to add you to the Church (Acts 2:47)?