Why Do We Wear the Name church of Christ?

In the New Testament the church is spoken of in the following ways:

  • "My church" (Matt. 16:18) Spoken by Jesus so it is Christ's church!
  • "The church" (Acts 8:1) The word "church" comes from the Greek word "ekklesia" meaning a group of called out people. The Lord has but one such group and it is called "the church."
  • "church of God" (I Cor. 1:2) This shows ownership
  • "churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16) The writer is speaking of the various local churches or congregations and designates them as belonging to Christ.
  • "The body of Christ" (Eph 4:12) The body which belongs to Christ.
  • "The church of the living God" (I Tim. 3:15) indicates ownership
  • "church of the firstborn" (Heb 12:23)

    • In the New Testament members of the church of Christ are referred to in the following ways:

  • "Disciples" (Acts 20:7)
  • "Saints" (I Cor. 1:2)
  • "Beloved of God" (Rom. 1:7)
  • "Brethren" (I Cor. 15:6)
  • "Sons of God" (Rom 8:14)
  • "Children of God" (I John 3:1)
  • "Heirs of God" (Rom 8:17)
  • "Royal priesthood" (I Pet 2:9)
  • "Christians" (Acts 11:26)

    • Isaiah 62:2 says, "And the nations shall see thy righteousness and all kings thy glory; and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name." After the conversion of Cornelius and the Gentiles we read in Acts 11:26 that "the disciples were called christians first in Antioch."

    "And in none other is there salvation; for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved!" Acts 4:12