Ephesians 5:25-32

To show through this Scripture why we can accept the declaration of the Apostle’s Creed, “I believe in the church”.

The Apostles’ Creed states, “I believe in the church universal”. Some matters need clarification as we begin our consideration of this subject and this particular Scripture. Is this section talking about the church or marriage? What is the church?

While there is very much that applies to marriage in this section, and it is sound teaching relating to marriage relationships, this section is really discussing the church. Paul uses marriage as a way of explaining the nature of the church to Christ Jesus.

What is the church?

• Not a building
• Not a denomination
• People, individual people, who make up a vast body of people.
  • United in one bond
  • Faith in Jesus Christ as the only source of salvation from sin

Now, with these understandings, I propose that because of the facts outlined in this and other sections of the Scriptures, we can say, “I believe in the church”.

• Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25a)
  • The composition of the church
    • People from all time who have believed in God for the forgiveness of sin
      • Demonstrated by obedience to His Word
    • Christ’s conduct toward the church
      • Sacrificial
        • Gave up personal
          • Glory
          • Comfort
          • Acceptance
        • Came to a hostile world that largely rejected Him
• Christ died for the church (Ephesians 5:25b-26)
  • The initiation of the church
    • Recognize a price paid
    • Leads to expressing trust
• Christ strengthens His church (Ephesians 5:27)
  • Through sanctification
    • By His mediatorial work
    • By sending the Holy Spirit
• Christ assures the success of His church (Matthew 16:18)

Therefore, I believe in the church! When you consider the promise Jesus made about the church and the things He did while on Earth for the church, what can you do other than declare a confession such as this?

The church is the only institution that has guaranteed success.