The Counterfeiting of the Church of Jesus Christ: Unveiling the Spiritual Reality
Isaac Megbolugbe
December 30, 2024
Introduction
During a world filled with counterfeits and imitations, it is essential to revisit the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. Established during His earthly ministry, the Church is a spiritual entity that transcends the physical realm. However, the counterfeiting of this Church has led to a dichotomy between earthly Christianity and the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. This article aims to unveil the spiritual reality of the Church, exploring its characteristics, operations, and ultimate purpose.
The Church of Jesus Christ
The Church of Jesus Christ, established during His earthly ministry, is a spiritual entity that transcends the physical realm. However, the counterfeiting of this Church has been an enduring issue, creating a dichotomy between the earthly Christianity and Christendom, and the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ proclaimed that His Church is a spiritual entity, where membership is obtained through rebirth by both spirit and water, as explained to Nicodemus (John 3:3-5). This spiritual Church is not limited to physical structures or denominations but is a community of believers united by their faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ acknowledged that He is a king but clarified to Pontius Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). The Kingdom of God is a spiritual realm that operates under different principles and realities than the physical world. Jesus emphasized that true worship must be in spirit and truth, transcending physical locations and times (John 4:21-24). Jesus Christ illustrated the dual reality of the believer’s existence through various parables. While believers are physically bound to the earth, they are spiritually citizens of Heaven, serving as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God. This dual reality is reflected in the worship of believers, who may gather in physical structures but worship in spirit and truth, regardless of their location.
The True Church
The true Church of Jesus Christ is not limited to physical structures or denominations. Rather, it is a spiritual entity comprising believers who are part of His Body, with Jesus Christ as the Head. The Holy Spirit unifies and integrates the Body, aligning it with the Head. The counterfeiting of the Church of Jesus Christ has led to the proliferation of earthly churches and denominations, which may not necessarily reflect the spiritual reality of the true Church. Satan and the Kingdom of Darkness have attacked and railed against the Church of Jesus Christ, but their impact is limited to the physical realm, and they have no access to those who worship in spirit and truth.
When Jesus Christ returns, every believer will be harvested individually, regardless of their physical location or denominational affiliation. Each will be judged by their fruit, and the separation will be conducted without confusion or favor. Ultimately, believers are accountable for their faith and the fruits of their life and worship.
The counterfeiting of the Church of Jesus Christ has created a dichotomy between the earthly Christianity and Christendom, and the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. However, the spiritual reality of the true Church remains unchanged, and believers must focus on worshiping in spirit and truth, regardless of their physical location or denominational affiliation. As Jesus Christ returns to harvest His Church, believers must be prepared to stand before Him, accountable for their faith and the fruits of their life and worship.
How Does Jesus Christ Define His Church?
According to the Bible, Jesus Christ defines His church as a spiritual entity, comprising believers who have been born again by the Spirit of God. Here are some key aspects of Jesus’ definition of His church:
Spiritual Entity
1. Born again by the Spirit: Jesus emphasized the importance of being born again by the Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).
2. Spiritual rebirth: Jesus taught that His church is composed of individuals who have experienced a spiritual rebirth, receiving a new nature and becoming part of God’s family (John 1:12-13).
Characteristics of the Church
1. Built on the rock of revelation: Jesus stated that He would build His church on the rock of revelation, which is the understanding of who He is as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-19).
2. Composed of believers: Jesus’ church is made up of believers who have put their faith in Him as their Lord and Savior (Acts 2:47).
3. United in Christ: Jesus prayed that His church would be united in Him, with believers being one with Him and with each other (John 17:20-23).
Relationship with Jesus Christ
1. Jesus is the Head: Jesus is the Head of the church, which is His Body (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23).
2. Intimate relationship: Jesus desires an intimate relationship with each member of His church, knowing them and being known by them (John 10:14-15).
Purpose and Mission
1. To glorify God: The ultimate purpose of Jesus’ church is to glorify God, honoring Him in all aspects of life (Ephesians 3:21).
2. To make disciples: Jesus commissioned His church to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey His commands (Matthew 28:18-20). In summary, Jesus defines His church as a spiritual entity, composed of believers who have been born again by the Spirit, united in Him, and living to glorify God and make disciples of all nations.
What Are the Characteristics of Jesus’ Church?
According to the Bible, Jesus’ church is characterized by several key attributes. Here are some of the main characteristics:
1. Spiritual Rebirth
– Members of Jesus’ church are born again by the Spirit of God (John 3:3-5).
– They have experienced a spiritual rebirth, receiving a new nature and becoming part of God’s family (John 1:12-13).
2. Built on the Rock of Revelation
– Jesus’ church is built on the rock of revelation, which is the understanding of who He is as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-19).
3. Composed of Believers
– Jesus’ church is made up of believers who have put their faith in Him as their Lord and Savior (Acts 2:47).
4. United in Christ
– Jesus prayed that His church would be united in Him, with believers being one with Him and with each other (John 17:20-23).
5. Jesus is the Head
– Jesus is the Head of the church, which is His Body (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23).
6. Intimate Relationship with Jesus
– Jesus desires an intimate relationship with each member of His church, knowing them and being known by them (John 10:14-15).
7. Empowered by the Holy Spirit
– Jesus’ church is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers and equips them for ministry (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4).
8. Living to Glorify God
– The ultimate purpose of Jesus’ church is to glorify God, honoring Him in all aspects of life (Ephesians 3:21).
9. Making Disciples
– Jesus commissioned His church to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey His commands (Matthew 28:18-20).
10. Demonstrating God’s Love
– Jesus’ church demonstrates God’s love to the world, showing compassion, kindness, and generosity to those in need (John 13:34-35).
These characteristics provide a foundation for understanding what Jesus’ church looks like and how it functions.
How Does Jesus Christ’s Church Operate?
Jesus Christ’s church operates according to His teachings, principles, and patterns established in the Bible. Here are some key aspects of how Jesus Christ’s church operates:
1. Under the Headship of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, and it operates under His authority and guidance (Ephesians 1:22-23, 5:23).
2. Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The church is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who dwells within believers and equips them for ministry (Acts 1:8, 2:1-4).
3. Guided by the Word of God
The church operates according to the teachings and principles of the Bible, which is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
4. Characterized by Love and Unity
Jesus Christ’s church is characterized by love and unity among its members, reflecting the love and unity between Jesus and the Father (John 17:20-23).
5. Focused on Discipleship and Evangelism
The church is focused on making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey Jesus’ commands, and sharing the Gospel with the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
6. Operates Through Spiritual Gifts
The church operates through the exercise of spiritual gifts, which are given by the Holy Spirit to equip believers for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
7. Led by Servant-Leaders
Jesus Christ’s church is led by servant-leaders who model Jesus’ humility and servanthood, rather than seeking power or prestige (Matthew 20:25-28).
8. Emphasizes Spiritual Worship
The church emphasizes spiritual worship, which involves worshiping God in spirit and truth, rather than just following rituals or traditions (John 4:21-24).
9. Demonstrates Compassion and Mercy
Jesus Christ’s church demonstrates compassion and mercy to those in need, reflecting God’s love and care for the world (Matthew 25:31-46).
10. Looks Forward to the Return of Jesus Christ
The church looks forward to the return of Jesus Christ, who will come to judge the world and establish His eternal kingdom (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
The Purpose of the Harvest
The Purpose of the Harvest, as described in the Bible, is multifaceted:
Separation and Judgment
1. Separation of wheat and tares: The harvest serves as a time of separation between the wheat (believers) and the tares (unbelievers) (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
2. Judgment: The harvest is also a time of judgment, where the righteous will be rewarded and the wicked will be punished (Matthew 13:41-42, Revelation 14:14-20).
Reward and Celebration
1. Reward for the righteous: The harvest is a time when the righteous will receive their reward for their faithfulness and obedience (Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 22:12).
2. Celebration: The harvest is also a time of celebration, as believers rejoice in their salvation and the fulfillment of God’s promises (Isaiah 9:3, Revelation 19:6-9).
Fulfillment of God’s Plan
1. Fulfillment of prophecy: The harvest marks the fulfillment of biblical prophecy and God’s plan for humanity (Matthew 13:41-42, Revelation 14:14-20).
2. Completion of God’s work: The harvest signifies the completion of God’s work on earth, as He gathers His people and establishes His eternal kingdom (John 4:35, Revelation 21:1-4).
Ultimately, no one will be able to attribute their spiritual standing to their church affiliation or leadership. Instead, the object of one’s faith and the fruits of their life will be the determining factors. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ will be rewarded according to their deeds, while those who have rejected Him will be held accountable. In the end, there will be no middle ground – one will either be found faithful or unfaithful, with no room for compromise or lukewarmness. As Jesus Himself warned, “Because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, the counterfeiting of the Church of Jesus Christ has been an enduring issue, creating a dichotomy between earthly Christianity and the authentic Church. However, by understanding the spiritual reality of the Church, believers can focus on worshiping in spirit and truth, regardless of their physical location or denominational affiliation. As Jesus Christ returns to harvest His Church, believers must be prepared to stand before Him, accountable for their faith and the fruits of their life and worship. Ultimately, the authenticity of one’s faith and the nature of their relationship with Jesus Christ will be the determining factors in the harvest.
Isaac Megbolugbe, Director of GIVA Ministries International, 2024 Marquis Organization’s Class of Top Executives in the United States of America and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. He is resident in the United States of America.
