Christ’s Church is Not Catholic. It’s Not Protestant.

Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “…you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church.” Matthew 16:16-18

Jul 04, 2025

Every Christian “church”, from the Vatican to every Protestant denomination, could declare bankruptcy, fold, and fade away, and Christ’s church would remain untouched. This is because Christ’s church is not Catholic nor Protestant. In fact, Jesus declared to Pilot, “My kingdom is not of this world…My kingdom is not from here.” (John 18:36). Believing Christ’s church is embodied by an earthly organization does not align with Scripture.

Foundation Stone

When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church”
Matthew 16:13-18 (emphasis added)

Here, Christ defines the foundation of His church, and it is “this rock”. But there are two primary ways “this rock” can be interpreted. The first is that it refers to the previous “this” in the preceding sentence, which is Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the most straightforward interpretation as it remains in line with the surrounding context. The second is that it refers to Peter himself, primarily because Peter means rock. This interpretation, though I respect those who adhere to it, is not in line with the surrounding context. Here’s why:

The passage begins with Jesus asking the question, “But who do you say that I am?” Thus, the context is Jesus clarifying who He is. After all, throughout the gospels He sidesteps that question several times, never answering it directly until now. The importance of this passage cannot be understated. It should be highlighted, embossed, and underlined in every Bible straight from the press. Jesus is finally telling His disciples who He is!

Then, once Peter confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus clarifies that God revealed this special knowledge to him. See, we are still on topic, which is Jesus clarifying His heavenly identity. He then provides a bit of wordplay, common for Hebrew culture and found throughout the Old Testament. As an example, consider how Leah named her children to reflect her life circumstances. Here, too, Jesus highlights Peter’s name’s meaning, saying, “on this rock I will build My church”.

However, to assume “this rock” refers to Peter leaps off topic. Suddenly, instead of speaking of Christ’s heavenly identity, Jesus would be assigning that to an earthly human, then jump right back into speaking of heavenly things in the following verses. Instead, “this rock” refers to Peter’s confession of Jesus being the Son of God, and the integrity of the topic remains fluid and intact. Remember, we are members of Christ’s kingdom and, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).

Christ’s Church

So, what is Christ’s church? Simply those who have faith in Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Thus, when you sit in church next Sunday, look around. Christ’s church is the person next to you. If the building would burn, Christ’s church would remain. If the state would revoke the organization’s charter, reject it’s bylaws, and demand the entire administrative structure dismantled, Christ’s church would remain. If a different government would arise in Rome and the entire Vatican were burned, all records destroyed, and the pope along with every bishop and cardinal were martyred, Christ’s church (His people) would remain.

Bifurcate your mind, rightly dividing the religious organization from Christ’s church. The former is earthly administration, government, and bylaws. The latter is the Christian brother and sister next to you. The former will one day pass away, but the latter is heavenly and eternal. Think soberly (Romans 12:3, 1 Peter 4:7).

Effects of Sober Thought

Once we begin seeing Christ’s church as the body of all believers, charity blossoms. Instead of seeing other Christians as lemmings, a product of their denomination, we see them as fellow believers, all of us at different stages in our sanctification in Christ. Divisiveness will disappear, even while exhortation increases. Christians are not to criticize, which is to tear each other down, but exhort, which is to build each other up. We should point out error without damning our fellow believer. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Christ’s Church is All Believers

All believers in Christ are members of Christ’s church, whoever places faith in Him as the Son of God, no matter what fellowship they attend, no matter where they worship, no matter what language they speak. The thief on the cross joined no earthly church, performed no good works, and gave zero money. Yet, with his simple confession of belief, Jesus said, “today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).

And today, Christ still keeps His church. He is its defender. He is its head. God is jealous and will not share His glory with any man (Isaiah 42:8). Christians, be one, just as Christ prayed (John 17). Avoid criticism. Exhort in love and with care (Galatians 6:1). Be sober minded (Romans 12:3, 1 Peter 4:7). Love one another (Matthew 22:39).