The Promise of the Church

Valley Chapel waited 12 long years to erect their church building. Because they were a small congregation, the building plan was a modest one. The church was built on a slab of cement. Its walls were constructed in a factory. But when the first wall was raised, the watching members cheered.

The church that Jesus promised to build is not one of brick or cement. It is made of “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5). All those who are joined to Jesus Christ by confessing Him as their Lord and Savior are also joined to one another.

In today’s text we read Christ’s promise to build the church. Scholars differ over the significance of the phrase “on this rock” in verse 18. Some think it refers to Peter, others to Christ, and still others believe it points to Peter’s confession of faith. The obvious play on words with Peter’s name (the Greek name Petros means rock or stone) seems to link the statement with Peter. In saying this Jesus seems to be pointing to Peter’s character as a disciple. He was the first to confess that Jesus was the Christ. The church will be made up of all those who confess Christ as their Savior.

Hades was a term used to speak of the abode of the dead. Christ’s promise that the church will overcome the gates of Hades points to the power of its message. The church is not a religious club but an army with the power to liberate others from the power of hell and death through the proclamation of the gospel. Jesus promised to give the church “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” and the authority to “bind” and “loose” (v. 19). Through the gospel, the church frees from the guilt of sin those who respond to its message with faith.

Pray with Us

Anthony Turner, VP and dean of Student Enrollment Services, requests your prayers for Moody’s Spiritual Enrichment Week, and for the students to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

BY Dr. John Koessler

John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author, John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale). Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town in Michigan.