Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 8
April 4, 1957
NUMBER 47, PAGE 8,9b

The Divine Organization Of The Church (I)

C. G. Caldwell, Sr., Manchester, Tennessee

In this, and the articles which are to follow, I shall endeavor to point out some of the teachings of God's word on the above subject, "The Divine Organization of the Church." In attempting to do this, however, I claim no particular originality or special merit, and certainly will present nothing new on the subject; but will strive earnestly to present the truth as it is revealed in the Bible, and as I have been taught it by godly men, whose faith in God, and whose knowledge of the scriptures cannot be questioned.

As a gospel preacher of several years experience, and from careful observations during these years of labor with, and among God's people, I am convinced of a real need for a more careful study of this important theme, both on the part of many individual Christians, as well as numerous congregations as a whole. In these articles we shall consider some Bible teachings regarding the church, its head, its officers, and its members, with a view to better understanding the duties and sacred relationships, individually and collectively involved.

Unquestionably, a lack of knowledge, and consequent failure on the part of many to recognize and properly observe the true teaching on this subject, is one of the basic roots which has troubled and divided the Lord's church from its beginning. Had not this deficiency obtained, it is altogether possible that Romanistic Ecclesiasticism (Catholicism) with all of its contingent evils (Denominationalism) would never have had its being in the world. Faithful and intelligent adherence to the divine plan of church organization would have prevented the digression of a century ago, and would today, eliminate most of the dangers confronting the church, particularly the obvious trend toward modernism, institutionalism, and various other "isms" so prevalent among us, and which are undermining and, in some cases, destroying the faith of entire congregations.

In bringing His church into existence, the Lord resolved on, and made provisions for the salvation of all who would be obedient to His just and righteous demands. He resolved also that they themselves should have an important agency in this work. The entire plan is so devised and perfected, as to demand oneness of purpose and unity of action on the part of all who enter into it. The old proverb, "In union there is strength" is true, and it is never more true than in the church. The truth is, little or nothing can be accomplished in any enterprise or endeavor without order and cooperation; and it is even more true in religion than in politics, education, business or other secular enterprise.

In structure, the New Testament church is the most simple organization on earth, yet it is the strongest and most durable. Civilizations may come and go, kingdoms may rise and fall, but the Lord's church will endure forever. (See Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:28.) One great weakness in the organizations of men is their "top-heavy organizations." In their efforts to become strong they have become weak through over-organizing. In very great measure, at least, brethren are following the same pattern, and unless this tendency is checked, and a return to the "old paths" soon begun, we will see the churchsecularized and weakened to an extent undreamed of a quarter or half century ago. That divine institution which Jesus came to earth to set up, and for which He gave His life, is the very embodiment of simplicity, and any departure from the original pattern will result in great injury, even the destruction of the body.

Christ's Relationship To The Church

In discussing the organization of the church, it would be impossible to reach safe and definite conclusions without a consideration of the position Christ occupies, and the relation He sustains to the church. The relationship of Christ to His church is essential and indispensable in ascertaining the truth regarding the work, worship, organization, and all other phases and/or aspects of the Christian Polity. Though the church is very simply organized, it contemplates the mind and activity of all the saved of all ages, contributing their respective parts and talents to the cause as a whole. Since the whole is the basic and only consideration, there can be no room for varied and contradictory decisions and announcements proceeding from different quarters.

In the New Testament, the church is spoken of in two senses: The whole (general) sense (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:25, etc.), and the local sense (I Cor. 1:2; Rom. 16:16, etc.). The whole church is composed of all local congregations, and all local congregations are composed of all individual children of God in that locale. Hence, the whole church is made up of all the redeemed of the earth, while the local church is made up of all the saved people in a given community. Considering, therefore, the wide scope of this government, extending throughout the earth, and incorporating all ages of its existence, it is evident that in order to maintain its dignity and uphold its divine nature, there must be an infallible standard of authority beyond which there can be no appeal on the part of any individual or group in the government. In all matters pertaining to the church or kingdom, Jesus Christ is that standard of authority. (See Matthew 28:18; 17:5; Acts 3:22, 23; Ephesians 1:20-23, etc.)

There are two kinds of authority, primary authority, and delegated authority. Hence, there is a sense in which authority may be held which does not militate against the claim made by Christ. Christ held, and still holds, all primary authority but lie could and did vest in certain ones delegated authority. Immediately after claiming "all authority," He commissioned the apostles to "go .... and teach . . . all things whatsoever I command you." (Matt. 28:19, 20.) To Peter He said, "Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven." (Matt. 16:19.) Thus to the apostles He delegated authority which made their teaching as infallible as His own. The orders given by them, therefore, are just as binding as those given by Christ and are, in fact, the identical orders He himself prescribed.

In promising the Holy Spirit to guide them He said, "He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26.) Again, lie said, "He that receiveth you receiveth me." (Matt. 10:40.) To us, "God . . . hath . spoken ... by his Son" (Heb. 1:1) and these things thus "spoken . . . by the Lord .. . (were) confirmed unto us by them that heard." (Heb. 2:1-3.) Thus it is unmistakably evident that "all authority" stems from Christ.

The chief significance of the church rises from its relationship to Christ. He is its supreme authority, its head, its lawgiver, its Prophet, Priest and King.