Paul’s solemn charge to the Ephesian elders reminds us of the immense price Christ paid—not only for our personal salvation, but to bring into being the Churches of God. At Calvary, the Lord Jesus did more than rescue individuals; He laid the foundation for a gathered people—a royal and holy priesthood, a holy nation, a spiritual house where God dwells and which He is Son over. Without His sacrifice, there would be no entry together into God’s holy presence, no sharing in the remembrance of our Lord Jesus Christ, and no weekly drawing near through our Great High Priest. Calvary made all this possible. We rightly treasure our salvation—but let us also cherish the church to which we belong. It is precious because it was purchased at the highest cost: the blood of God’s own Son.
