JUST ANY NAME WON’T DO

Brian W. Jones

I want to belong to a church that has a name which is found in the Bible. I also want to belong to a church that follows the teachings of Christ. Just any name won’t do!

Many folks say that the name of a church doesn’t matter much. However, a church must wear the proper name and teach the whole counsel of God in order for it to be the church spoken of in Scripture.

The church is the bride of Christ. (Rev. 21:2) A bride should wear the groom’s name. We become members of God’s family at the point of baptism (I Timothy 3:15). Should not His family wear His name? The purchaser of the church is Christ (Acts 20:28). Doesn’t the purchaser of a body have the right to name it?

The Bible gives several descriptive names for the church: “church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2); “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23); “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16); “body of Christ” (Col. 1:24); “bride of Christ” (Rev. 21:2); “house of God” (I Timothy 3:15). God and Christ’s names are glorified in these names. These are some of the names that God has chosen for the church.

So, the next time someone asks you—“What difference does a name make?”—offer to write that person a check without signing your name. Without the authorized name, the check is invalid. Wouldn’t it likewise be true that a church without the proper name is also invalid? A check with a valid signature and insufficient funds is worthless. Wouldn’t it likewise be true that a church with a valid name, but unbiblical teachings is also worthless?

Please think on these things.

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