-By Dr.Sumeet Manakan J
The study of the Church is vast, with varying views and opinions. Scholars, theologians, and researchers each have different perspectives and standpoints on the subject. Everything seems to carry its own angle of interpretation. Here, I am writing in the context of Shofar Apostolic Mission, a church-planting ministry birthed through us. This is an address to those who are torchbearers, supporters, and well-wishers of this great mission.
Part 1 – The Church is Built on Jesus, the Rock
The Church is both—an individual and a group of individuals—who believe in Jesus as the Son of God and the Messiah by divine revelation. Just like the human body, which is both an atom and a cluster of atoms, they cannot be separated; they exist together in harmony.
“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
— Matthew 16:18
The word used here for Peter is “Petros” (Strong’s G4074, Greek), meaning rock. Yet, the spiritual meaning of Rock throughout Scripture refers to Jesus Christ Himself (see Romans 9:33; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:6–8).
Therefore, Jesus was not declaring the Church to be built on a man such as Peter or his lineage—as the Roman Catholic Church inadvertently teaches—but on Jesus Himself. JESUS IS THE ROCK!
Here then is the conclusion: the Church is built on Jesus, the ROCK.
The next important truth we must consider is the Church as the Body of Christ. (Read this in Part 2.)
