What Is The Church
The New Testament Church
Before God ever said "let there be light" (Gen. 1:3), He had already predetermined that there would be “the church” (Eph. 3:9-11; 1 Pet. 1:20; Acts 20:28). In the Old Testament there were numerous prophecies which predicted the coming of the church as recorded by the inspired prophets of God. One example of such a prophecy is when God told David that after he was dead and buried one of his descendants would "build an house for my name" (2 Sam. 7:12-13). According to 1 Timothy 3:15, the house of God "is the church of the living God." Therefore, the Bible teaches that after David was dead and buried the church would be built. Additionally, the location of the beginning of this church was foretold. The Old Testament prophets revealed that this church would be established in "the last days" in the "top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall come 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" (Isa. 2:2-3; cf. Micah 4:1-4). Thus, these passages show that the church would be established: (1) after David was dead and buried; (2) in the last days; (3) in Jerusalem.
In Matthew 16:18-19, after hearing Peter confess that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus said: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.
From this passage we may learn the following things: (1) The church of Christ had not yet been built; (2) The church would be built upon the truth that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God; (3) The church is the same thing as the kingdom. We understand the church and the kingdom are the same thing (4) The church would be governed by the apostolic authority conferred upon the apostles by Jesus Christ.
Since the church is the same thing as the kingdom, when John the Immerser was preparing the way for the Lord by proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven was "at hand" (Isa. 40:3-5; Matt. 3:1ff), John was declaring that the establishment of the church was "at hand." During Jesus’ ministry, he said "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). After calling the twelve apostles, He dispatched them on a mission to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, saying, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 10:7). He sent out the seventy, instructing them to tell their hearers "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" (Luke 10:9). The coming of the kingdom was so near that Jesus promised some that they would not die until they had seen the kingdom come with power (Mark 9:1). Just prior to His ascension Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high (Luke 24:49). This power would come upon the apostles after the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8).
When we find the event in recorded Scripture where all of the above criteria are found, then we can truly say that we have found the time when the church of our Lord Jesus Christ was established. We find such a passage in Acts chapter 2. Consider the evidence. The power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-4). The events on the day of Pentecost took place in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5). Devout men, out of every nation under heaven were gathered together (Acts 2:5). Peter stated they were in “the last days” (Acts 2:16-17). Peter made reference to the fact that David was dead and buried (Acts 2:29). Peter gave great emphasis to the fact that Jesus was both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; cf. Matt. 16:18-19).
Upon seeing and hearing these facts the crowd cried out “Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)” The reply came swiftly and surely, “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 Spirit” (Acts 2:38). About three thousand souls gladly received this word and were baptized (Acts 2:41). Then, the Scriptures declare that these souls were added to the church. Therefore, the church was in existence in Acts chapter 2 because people were being added to it.
We know that a church was established on the day of Pentecost, but what church was it? Perhaps the better way to ask the question is “Whose church was it?” It was the church which belonged to Christ. After all, He is the builder of the church (Matt. 16:18), the purchaser of the church (Acts 20:28) and the head of the church (Col. 1:18).
The early recipients of salvation on Pentecost did not go their separate ways and divide up into different denominational organizations. They knew nothing of the man-made names and titles that are so popular in the religious world today. They were not associated with any denominational church, but they were members of the church of Christ, not a modern day denomination known as the Church of Christ, but the actual church of Christ established on Pentecost. Consequently, when Paul wrote the Romans he said, “the churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16). He was not referring to a group of denominational churches that had chosen to identify themselves with a particular denominational name. Paul spoke against religious division patterned after men and named after men (1 Cor. 1:10-13). When Paul referred to “the churches of Christ” he was referring to that group of individuals who had been called out of the world to become members of the church built and bought by Christ, the church of Christ!
The conclusion is simple, any church that originated after Pentecost, that does not follow the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 14:37) is a man-made church, and man should have no desire to be a part of it.
The church of Christ has a distinctive pattern.
Manmade churches follow “the doctrines and commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9), but the Lord’s church follows “the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9). The first century Christians did not follow the Law of Moses because Jesus had nailed it to the cross (Col. 2:14). The old covenant was replaced by a new covenant, a better covenant with better promises (Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-17). The church of Christ in Jerusalem was guided and governed by the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). The things that Paul taught the Corinthian church were said to be “the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). The church was never loyal to the creeds, manuals and catechisms of uninspired men.
The church of Christ has a Biblical plan of salvation.
The method of salvation, preached by the early church, is not difficult to understand. A combination of the following passages teaches that men needed to hear the Word of God (John 6:44-45; Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:37), believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only Saviour (John 8:24; Acts 4:12), repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess Christ (Acts 8:35-37; 1 Tim. 6:12), and be immersed in water in order to be forgiven by the blood of Christ and enter the church of Christ (1 Pet. 3:20-21; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41,47).
The message of salvation taught by many in the religious world is vastly different that what is found in our New Testament. For example, multitudes are instructed to pray “the sinner’s prayer,” asking Jesus to come into their heart to save them from their sins. This prayer is in direct opposition to the revealed will of God. The “sinner’s prayer” is a doctrine of men, and is never found in the inspired Scriptures. When convicted sinners on the Day of Pentecost cried out asking what to do to be saved, Peter did not invite them to bow their heads and invite Jesus into their heart. Rather, he commanded them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
The church of Christ has a distinctive worship.
Regarding the matter of worship, the Lord’s church is vastly different from many in the religious world today. Our emphasis is to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The early church engaged in five acts of worship. Let us consider each of them briefly, noting in particular what is different about them as compared to denominational groups today.
1. Preaching. There were no drama troupes or “praise teams” leading the worship of the early church. Rather, it pleased God for preaching to be the avenue by which His people would learn of His will for them (1 Cor. 1:21; Acts 2:42; 20:7).
2. Singing. The distinctive practice of the Lord’s church is to follow God’s command to sing and make melody in the heart (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In the year 666 A.D. Pope Vitalian approved the use of an organ in the worship of the Roman church. It was not until the apostasy developed and the papacy was formed did mechanical music find its way into the church worship. There is no mention of its use in the New Testament church nor any mention of it by the apostles. For hundreds of years after the death of the apostles there is no mention of its use.
3. Praying. The early church continued steadfastly in prayers (Acts 2:42). These prayers were directed to the Father through Jesus Christ (1Tim. 2:5).
4. Giving on every first day of the week. God has devised a distinctive plan for the church to raise money—for every member of the church to give on the first day of every week as they prospered (1 Cor. 16:2). You will never find Christians being commanded to “tithe” as found in churches today. Additionally the early church never conducted raffles, bake sales, car washes, or chili suppers to make money.
5. Christians observed a memorial of Jesus by partaking the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week. According to the New Testament the early church met on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). They partook of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in order to commemorate the death of the Savior (1 Cor. 11:23-29).
The church of Christ has a distinctive organization.
A study of the New Testament church and its organization reveals that God intended for each church to be overseen by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23) when men met certain qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9). These elders were also described as “overseers” or “bishops” (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1). They were also called “pastors” because it was their responsibility to feed the flock that was among them (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). It is clear that elders possessed authority to rule over the local flock (Heb. 13:7, 17) but they were prohibited from abusing their position to the point of lording it over the flock (1 Pet. 5:3). Furthermore, the New Testament never depicts one elder (pastor) as possessing more authority than the other elders with whom he served. In the New Testament church, serving under the oversight of the elders included deacons, evangelists and other members of the congregation (Phil. 1:1). If you look at most religious groups today, they do not meet this description and are usually under one man rule or a governing board.
Conclusion
Many today have become so used to denominationalism that it is hard for them to think predenominationally, or before the establishment of these denominational groups. Can the church that belongs to Christ be found today? Indeed, it can be found. Look at the churches in your community and ask the following questions:
1. What church in this community has no creed but Christ?
2. What church in this community has no manual, catechism, or book of discipline but the New Testament?
3. What church in this community requires the same terms of admission as did the New Testament churches?
4. What people in this community wear the same religious designations as those worn in New Testament times, preferring to be called Christian only?
5. What church in the community follows the Biblical pattern of church organization in having elders lead the flock, while the preachers, deacons and members serve under the elders, who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ?
6. What church in this community insists that the commandments of God be obeyed as they were in New Testament times?
7. What church in this community meets upon the first day of the week to study the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship by praying, singing, giving, breaking bread and drinking the fruit of the vine?
8. What church in this community possesses all the earmarks of a New Testament church?
If you will answer these questions prayerfully, carefully, and scripturally, then the church of your choice will conform to the church of Christ’s choice!
Before God ever said "let there be light" (Gen. 1:3), He had already predetermined that there would be “the church” (Eph. 3:9-11; 1 Pet. 1:20; Acts 20:28). In the Old Testament there were numerous prophecies which predicted the coming of the church as recorded by the inspired prophets of God. One example of such a prophecy is when God told David that after he was dead and buried one of his descendants would "build an house for my name" (2 Sam. 7:12-13). According to 1 Timothy 3:15, the house of God "is the church of the living God." Therefore, the Bible teaches that after David was dead and buried the church would be built. Additionally, the location of the beginning of this church was foretold. The Old Testament prophets revealed that this church would be established in "the last days" in the "top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall come 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" (Isa. 2:2-3; cf. Micah 4:1-4). Thus, these passages show that the church would be established: (1) after David was dead and buried; (2) in the last days; (3) in Jerusalem.
In Matthew 16:18-19, after hearing Peter confess that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus said: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.
From this passage we may learn the following things: (1) The church of Christ had not yet been built; (2) The church would be built upon the truth that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God; (3) The church is the same thing as the kingdom. We understand the church and the kingdom are the same thing (4) The church would be governed by the apostolic authority conferred upon the apostles by Jesus Christ.
Since the church is the same thing as the kingdom, when John the Immerser was preparing the way for the Lord by proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven was "at hand" (Isa. 40:3-5; Matt. 3:1ff), John was declaring that the establishment of the church was "at hand." During Jesus’ ministry, he said "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). After calling the twelve apostles, He dispatched them on a mission to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, saying, "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 10:7). He sent out the seventy, instructing them to tell their hearers "The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" (Luke 10:9). The coming of the kingdom was so near that Jesus promised some that they would not die until they had seen the kingdom come with power (Mark 9:1). Just prior to His ascension Jesus commanded His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until they received power from on high (Luke 24:49). This power would come upon the apostles after the Holy Spirit came upon them (Acts 1:8).
When we find the event in recorded Scripture where all of the above criteria are found, then we can truly say that we have found the time when the church of our Lord Jesus Christ was established. We find such a passage in Acts chapter 2. Consider the evidence. The power of the Holy Spirit fell upon the apostles (Acts 2:1-4). The events on the day of Pentecost took place in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5). Devout men, out of every nation under heaven were gathered together (Acts 2:5). Peter stated they were in “the last days” (Acts 2:16-17). Peter made reference to the fact that David was dead and buried (Acts 2:29). Peter gave great emphasis to the fact that Jesus was both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36; cf. Matt. 16:18-19).
Upon seeing and hearing these facts the crowd cried out “Men and brethren, what shall we do? (Acts 2:37)” The reply came swiftly and surely, “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 Spirit” (Acts 2:38). About three thousand souls gladly received this word and were baptized (Acts 2:41). Then, the Scriptures declare that these souls were added to the church. Therefore, the church was in existence in Acts chapter 2 because people were being added to it.
We know that a church was established on the day of Pentecost, but what church was it? Perhaps the better way to ask the question is “Whose church was it?” It was the church which belonged to Christ. After all, He is the builder of the church (Matt. 16:18), the purchaser of the church (Acts 20:28) and the head of the church (Col. 1:18).
The early recipients of salvation on Pentecost did not go their separate ways and divide up into different denominational organizations. They knew nothing of the man-made names and titles that are so popular in the religious world today. They were not associated with any denominational church, but they were members of the church of Christ, not a modern day denomination known as the Church of Christ, but the actual church of Christ established on Pentecost. Consequently, when Paul wrote the Romans he said, “the churches of Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16). He was not referring to a group of denominational churches that had chosen to identify themselves with a particular denominational name. Paul spoke against religious division patterned after men and named after men (1 Cor. 1:10-13). When Paul referred to “the churches of Christ” he was referring to that group of individuals who had been called out of the world to become members of the church built and bought by Christ, the church of Christ!
The conclusion is simple, any church that originated after Pentecost, that does not follow the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 Cor. 14:37) is a man-made church, and man should have no desire to be a part of it.
The church of Christ has a distinctive pattern.
Manmade churches follow “the doctrines and commandments of men” (Matt. 15:8-9), but the Lord’s church follows “the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9). The first century Christians did not follow the Law of Moses because Jesus had nailed it to the cross (Col. 2:14). The old covenant was replaced by a new covenant, a better covenant with better promises (Heb. 8:6-13; 9:15-17). The church of Christ in Jerusalem was guided and governed by the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42). The things that Paul taught the Corinthian church were said to be “the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). The church was never loyal to the creeds, manuals and catechisms of uninspired men.
The church of Christ has a Biblical plan of salvation.
The method of salvation, preached by the early church, is not difficult to understand. A combination of the following passages teaches that men needed to hear the Word of God (John 6:44-45; Rom. 10:17; Acts 2:37), believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the only Saviour (John 8:24; Acts 4:12), repent of sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess Christ (Acts 8:35-37; 1 Tim. 6:12), and be immersed in water in order to be forgiven by the blood of Christ and enter the church of Christ (1 Pet. 3:20-21; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41,47).
The message of salvation taught by many in the religious world is vastly different that what is found in our New Testament. For example, multitudes are instructed to pray “the sinner’s prayer,” asking Jesus to come into their heart to save them from their sins. This prayer is in direct opposition to the revealed will of God. The “sinner’s prayer” is a doctrine of men, and is never found in the inspired Scriptures. When convicted sinners on the Day of Pentecost cried out asking what to do to be saved, Peter did not invite them to bow their heads and invite Jesus into their heart. Rather, he commanded them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
The church of Christ has a distinctive worship.
Regarding the matter of worship, the Lord’s church is vastly different from many in the religious world today. Our emphasis is to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). The early church engaged in five acts of worship. Let us consider each of them briefly, noting in particular what is different about them as compared to denominational groups today.
1. Preaching. There were no drama troupes or “praise teams” leading the worship of the early church. Rather, it pleased God for preaching to be the avenue by which His people would learn of His will for them (1 Cor. 1:21; Acts 2:42; 20:7).
2. Singing. The distinctive practice of the Lord’s church is to follow God’s command to sing and make melody in the heart (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In the year 666 A.D. Pope Vitalian approved the use of an organ in the worship of the Roman church. It was not until the apostasy developed and the papacy was formed did mechanical music find its way into the church worship. There is no mention of its use in the New Testament church nor any mention of it by the apostles. For hundreds of years after the death of the apostles there is no mention of its use.
3. Praying. The early church continued steadfastly in prayers (Acts 2:42). These prayers were directed to the Father through Jesus Christ (1Tim. 2:5).
4. Giving on every first day of the week. God has devised a distinctive plan for the church to raise money—for every member of the church to give on the first day of every week as they prospered (1 Cor. 16:2). You will never find Christians being commanded to “tithe” as found in churches today. Additionally the early church never conducted raffles, bake sales, car washes, or chili suppers to make money.
5. Christians observed a memorial of Jesus by partaking the Lord’s Supper every first day of the week. According to the New Testament the early church met on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). They partook of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine in order to commemorate the death of the Savior (1 Cor. 11:23-29).
The church of Christ has a distinctive organization.
A study of the New Testament church and its organization reveals that God intended for each church to be overseen by a plurality of elders (Acts 14:23) when men met certain qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9). These elders were also described as “overseers” or “bishops” (Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1). They were also called “pastors” because it was their responsibility to feed the flock that was among them (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-2). It is clear that elders possessed authority to rule over the local flock (Heb. 13:7, 17) but they were prohibited from abusing their position to the point of lording it over the flock (1 Pet. 5:3). Furthermore, the New Testament never depicts one elder (pastor) as possessing more authority than the other elders with whom he served. In the New Testament church, serving under the oversight of the elders included deacons, evangelists and other members of the congregation (Phil. 1:1). If you look at most religious groups today, they do not meet this description and are usually under one man rule or a governing board.
Conclusion
Many today have become so used to denominationalism that it is hard for them to think predenominationally, or before the establishment of these denominational groups. Can the church that belongs to Christ be found today? Indeed, it can be found. Look at the churches in your community and ask the following questions:
1. What church in this community has no creed but Christ?
2. What church in this community has no manual, catechism, or book of discipline but the New Testament?
3. What church in this community requires the same terms of admission as did the New Testament churches?
4. What people in this community wear the same religious designations as those worn in New Testament times, preferring to be called Christian only?
5. What church in the community follows the Biblical pattern of church organization in having elders lead the flock, while the preachers, deacons and members serve under the elders, who serve under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ?
6. What church in this community insists that the commandments of God be obeyed as they were in New Testament times?
7. What church in this community meets upon the first day of the week to study the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship by praying, singing, giving, breaking bread and drinking the fruit of the vine?
8. What church in this community possesses all the earmarks of a New Testament church?
If you will answer these questions prayerfully, carefully, and scripturally, then the church of your choice will conform to the church of Christ’s choice!