A NAME OF WHICH WE SHOULD NEVER BE ASHAMED

To the Christians in Rome Paul wrote, “All the churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16).  Other names are also ascribed to the Lord’s church.  In I Corinthians it is called “the church of God” (1:2). Paul also called it “the church of the Lord” (Acts 20:28). Sometimes it was simply called the church. This shows us that Christ did not appoint a single, exclusive name for his church. Since in heaven’s plan there only one church, there was no need for a specific name to distinguish it from other religious bodies.
In a world of over 2,000 denominations, all claiming to be Christ’s church, we identify ourselves as Churches of Christ. We do so because it is clearly a biblical name that God approves of.  It tells the world to whom we belong. It gives the glory to our founder and savior.  While not the only name that a body of Christians can scripturally use, it is highly appropriate for many reasons.

	Christ established the church (Matt. 16:18).
	He called it “my church” (Matt. 16:18).
	He gave himself for the church, dying for her  (Eph. 5:25)
	In his death on Calvary, he purchased the church with his shed blood (Acts 20:28).
	The church is his spiritual body, of which he is head (Eph. 1:22-23).
	He is the chief cornerstone of the church (Eph. 2:20).
	It is his house (Heb. 3:6).
	The church is his bride (II Cor. 11:2).
	He is the savior of the church (Eph. 5:23).
	He adds to his church all who are saved (Acts 2:47).
	The church is his family (Eph. 3:15).

Given all of these facts, it seems entirely reasonable that we call the church “the church of Christ.” This holy name gives our Lord recognition for his role in giving us the church, preserving and protecting her.  It acknowledges our dependance upon him.  It expresses our love for him who saved us.  It glorifies him as head of the church.
Paul declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16),
nor should we ever be ashamed of, embarrassed by, or apologetic for this holy
name we wear. 

P. S. For additional helpful Bible studies see:
www.christianity-then-and-now.com
www.firstcenturychristian.com