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The Church Jesus Built (Matthew 16:13-19) This section contains one of the greatest promises of our Lord as He speaks of the church that He certainly build. |
The Church Jesus Built (Matthew 16:13-19)
This section contains one of the greatest promises of our Lord as He speaks of the church that He certainly build.
- Time: Will build, in their time (v18, 28). The church was not then in existence, but the current time fit prophecy (Dan. 2:44) and promise (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7). He says it would come in their lifetime with power, which it did (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-47; Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev.1:9).
- Possession: Jesus calls it HIS church (v18). It belongs to Him by right of purchase (Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:25) and headship (Eph. 1:22-23). Thus it is rightly called by His name (Rom. 16:16).
- Structure: Church, kingdom of Heaven (v18, 19). A singular, spiritual body unto which the saved are added by the Lord (Eph. 4:4; 1:22-23; 1 Pet. 2:5; Acts 2:47; John 14:6). These terms are used to indicate the same body stressing their called out nature (Col. 1:13; 2 Thess. 2:14; 2 Cor. 6:17) as well as their subjection to the king (Matt. 28:18).
- Foundation: Solid and Strong; it would be:
- Built on a rock (the truth that He is the Christ/Messiah and the Son of God—v16, 18; John 8:24; 1 Cor. 3:11; Acts 4:12)
- Founded on heavenly authority (v17, 19; Matt. 18:18; John 14:26, 16:13; Acts 2:14ff; 1 Cor. 2:1-2; Gal. 1:10-12; 2 Tim. 4:2)
- Undefeatable (v19, 28; Acts 2:24-36; Rom. 1:4).
