LaVergne Church of Christ |
What Is The Church of the Bible?
THE CHURCH DEFINED
The word "church" found in the New Testament is from
the Greek term EKKLESIA which means to "call out".
People who made up the church were those who had been "called
out of the world of sin and into Christ. This calling came through
the "gospel" or word of God. (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
The church was made up of those who had given their lives to
Christ, hence, they wore his name and were called "Christians".
(Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16) The church was spiritual in nature
and was different than anything the world had ever known.
THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED
The church was established by Christ in the city of Jerusalem
in about 30 AD. Long before this, however, prophets of the Old
Testament foretold of its coming. Isaiah prophecied that it would
come in the "last days" (close of the Old Testament
era) and that it would begin at "Jerusalem". (Isaiah
2:2-4)
When Jesus came he announced, "...upon this rock I will build my church..." (Matthew 16:18). Christ himself was the rock or foundation upon which the church was to be established. (1 Corinthians 3:11). It was Jesus who "gave himself" for the church and it was "his own blood" which became the "purchase" price. (Ephesians 5:25; Acts 20:28). This is why the church is so very important to God - it took the life of his own Son to make it possible!
On Pentecost, just fifty days after Christ's crucifixion, the church came into existence. As Jesus had promised, the Holy Spirit was sent to his apostles to enable them to powerfully proclaim the gospel. (Acts 2:1-4) On that day about 3000 people accepted it by being baptized for the "remission of sins" and as a result they were "added" to the church by the Lord. In the following days more people were continually being "added" to the church. (Acts 2:41,47)
Jesus had earlier told his apostles that the church would spread beyond Jerusalem and into the far reaches of the world! "And ye shall be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) The book of Acts was given to reveal, in part, the story of this tremendous spread of the church.
THE CHURCH IDENTIFIED
In the New Testament the church is described in different ways.
Each of these descriptions helps us to better identify the nature
of the church.
The church, for example, is pictured as a BODY - the body of Christ! (Ephesians 1:22,23). Christ is "head" over his body. (Colossians 1:18). As a body is under control of its head, so the church is under the control of Christ.
The church is also pictured as a KINGDOM - the kingdom of Christ! (Matthew 16:18,19). Christ is "king" over his kingdom. (Revelation 19:16). As a kingdom is subject to the authority of its king, so the church is subject to the authority of Christ.
The church, likewise, is pictured as a BRIDE - the bride of Christ (Romans 7:4). Christ is the "head" over his bride. (Ephesians 5:23). As a bride is to be in subjection to her husband, so the church is to be in subjection to Christ.
These descriptions clearly show the relation between Christ and the church. It is Christ's church and exists under his authority. This is why congregations of the church were identified as "churches of Christ". (Romans 16:16)
How many churches does Christ have? Only one! He has only one body, only one kingdom, and only one bride. There is only one church which is the "one faith". (Ephesians 4:5)
ITS ORGANIZATION
In some instances, Christ's church is spoken of in its universal
sense. This is the church collectively wherever it exists in
the world. Sometimes, however, the word "church" is
used in a local sense. This is the church in a local area - a
local congregation. Wherever the word of God was preached, local
congregations of the church were established. These local churches
were organized according to a simple pattern set forth in the
New Testament.
Each congregation was autonomous (or self-governing) and was overseen by a plurality of men who were called "elders". (Titus1:5; Acts 14:23). These men were also called "bishops" or "pastors". They had the spiritual oversight of the congregation and were to meet certain qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:6-9)
Working under the oversight of the elders were men who were called "deacons". (Philippians 1:1). The men served the congregation in various ways and were also to meet certain qualifications. (1 Timothy 3:8-13)
In local congregations there were men who proclaimed the gospel. These men were called "preachers" or "ministers" and were to faithfully teach the word of God. (2 Timothy 4:2)
Beyond the local congregation there was no further organization for Christ's church. There was no earthly headquarters controlling the church worldwide. Each local congregation was independent and directly subject to Christ.
ITS LAW
Every kingdom has law. The law of the kingdom of Christ is the
New Testament. The church did not follow the Old Testament law
of Moses, for that law was designed only for the Jewish nation.
It was "abolished" and "nailed to the cross".
(Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 2:14). The church was subject only
to the will of Christ which was sealed by his own blood. (Matthew
26:28). That will is the New Testament.
Writers of the New Testament, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, penned the will of Christ. This is the law by which the church was governed. The Bible teaches, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible also teaches that the church was given "all things that pertain to life and godliness". (2 Peter 1:3)
The church, therefore, did not have a human creed nor was there ever to be a need for later revelations. The complete law for the church of Christ is found only in the New Testament. This is the "faith once delivered". (Jude 3)
ITS ENTRANCE
How did people enter the church? Christ and the apostles taught
a clear plan of salvation by which people could obtain the forgiveness
of sins. That plan included the following steps: 1) Faith in
Christ. Belief that Christ was the Son of God. (John 3:16) 2)
Repentance of sins. Turning away from sin and turning toward
God. (Acts 17:30) 3) Confession of faith. The confession of one's
faith in Christ. (Romans 10:10) 4) Baptism in water. An immersion
in water for the "remission of sins". (Acts 2:38)
When this plan was followed, people received the forgiveness of sins. However, at the same time, they were also made members of the Lord's church. At baptism they were saved and, likewise, at baptism they were added by Christ to his church. (Acts 2:41). Therefore, entrance into the Lord's church came through obedience to the plan of salvation. The same thing that saved them made them a part of the church.
The teaching that people were saved without being in the church is a false doctrine.
ITS WORSHIP TO GOD
The worship of Christ's church was designed to be plain and simple.
It consisted of the following acts:
1) Congregational singing. (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19). This was done acappella, that is, singing without the use of instruments of music. [Musical instruments were not used in any kind of Christian worship until almost 700 years after Christ.]
2) Prayer. (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Praying was a vital part of the church's worship. Members of the church were encouraged by praying together. It was in this way that they expressed to God the thoughts of their hearts.
3) Teaching. (1 Corinthians 4:17). It was by teaching God's word that Christians were encouraged to remain faithful to Christ. It was important that they walk in the truth. (3 John 3,4)
4) Communion. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26). In the Lord's supper Christians called to remembrance the death of Christ. This was done each Sunday. (Acts 20:7)
5) Giving. (1 Corinthians 16:2). Each Sunday Christians returned to God a portion of the blessings they had received. They did not "tithe" as did the Jews under the law of Moses. Rather they gave as they prospered and with cheerful hearts. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
This was God's simple plan for worship. It is not to be added to or taken from. (Revelation 22:18-19)
CONCLUSION
It should be clear to any serious student of the Bible that Christ's
church was not denominational. The Lord never intended for it
to be divided into denominations! Today churches of Christ throughout
the world plead for the unity found in the New Testament. Only
by sincerely following the word of God can unity be found.
2 Thessalonians 2:14 - Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 11:26 - And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
1 Peter 4:16 - Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Isaiah 2:2-4 - And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Matthew 16:18 - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
1 Corinthians 3:11 - For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Acts 20:28 - Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Acts 2:1-4 - And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 2:41,47 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 1:8 - But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Ephesians 1:22,23 - And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
Matthew 16:18,19 - And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Revelation 19:16 - And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Romans 7:4 - Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Ephesians 5:23 - For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Romans 16:16 - Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Ephesians 4:5 - One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Titus1:5 - For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
Acts 14:23 - And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
1 Timothy 3:1-7 - This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
Titus 1:6-9 - If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Philippians 1:1 - Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
1 Timothy 3:8-13 - Likewise must the deacons
be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy
of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office
of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives
be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.
Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children
and their own houses well. For they that have used the office
of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great
boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Ephesians 2:15 - Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Colossians 2:14 - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Matthew 26:28 - For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
2 Timothy 3:16 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Peter 1:3 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Jude 3 - Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Acts 17:30 - And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.
Romans 10:10 - For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:41 - Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19 - Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
1 Corinthians 4:17 - For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
3 John 3,4 - For I rejoiced greatly, when
the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee,
even as thou walkest in the truth.
I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.
Acts 20:7 - And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
2 Corinthians 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Revelation 22:18-19 - For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
