Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 18
July 14, 1966
NUMBER 10, PAGE 4-5a

The Church Of Christ

Editorial

Maurice W. Jackson, Jr.

The church of Christ is the church which we read about in the New Testament. However, men are not content with the church remaining and continuing as is revealed therein. Anything that suits their fancy is deleted or added without hesitation or fear. Many times these changes are justified (?) on the basis that "there is nothing in a name", "It is doing good", "the Bible doesn't say not to", "the church decided", or some similar reasoning (?).

Changes Forbidden

Men need to stop and think about what they are doing. Has the authority to alter anything revealed in the Bible been delegated to man? The church is of the divine origin and design. Shame on any man that would question the wisdom of its designer through alteration, and fly in the face of Deity. The seriousness of this is stressed by apostolic writers. The apostle Paul said, "learn not to go beyond the things which are Written" (1 Cor. 4:6 - ASV), or "not to think of men above that which is written" (KJ). The apostle of love said, "whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God" (2 Jno. 9 - ASV). It is our firm assurance that they meant what they said, and said what they meant. We would that this be the full conviction of all men.

Christ Directs

Twice during Christ's ministry God stamped his approval on his Son audibly from heaven (Matt. 3:17; 17:5). God said, "hear ye him." After his resurrection and just before his ascension Jesus said, "all authority hath been given unto me." The Holy Spirit that was given to the apostles after Jesus' ascension, as had been promised (Jno. 16:3), was to teach them all things, and bring to their remembrance all that Jesus had said to them (Jno. 14:26), and to guide them into all the truth (Jno. 16:13). Acts 2:1-4 reveals the fulfillment of this promise. The Spirit came, and they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance. From that day forward, until their death, as they revealed the will of the Lord to men, they did so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Not even the apostles had the right to bind or loose anything without authority from Christ. As they made known the law of Christ, they spoke the words of Christ, and as they wrote, they penned the teaching of Christ. How dare any frail human being to attempt to, add to or take from, the heavenly message? Jesus said his words would not pass away, but that men would be judged by them on the last day (Matt. 24:35 Jno. 12:48).

A Called Out People

The church of Christ was established fifty years after His resurrection. The place was the city of Jerusalem, and according to Acts 2, three thousand were added to the church the very first day (Acts 2: 41,47). The church is composed of "a called out people." Those who have been called out of the darkness of sin into God's marvelous light (1 Pet. 2:9). As inspired apostles preached the "good news" of Christ they called upon men to accept it and obey the word of the Lord. Hence, men were "called out" by and through the gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). This is the only means by which men are "called out" today.

The Plan Of Salvation

The gospel message required of men to "believe" Jesus to be the Son of God (Jno. 8:24; Acts 8:5,12). A "confession" of belief that Jesus is God's Son was demanded (Acts 8:37 - KJ -; Rom. 10:10). Men were commanded to "repent" (Acts 17:30) of their sins, and to turn to God. Then finally, as the door into the church, men were commanded to be "baptized" for the remission (forgiveness) of their sins (Acts 2:38; 10:48). In obedience to these first principles God added them to the church (Cf. Acts 2:41, 47). He will do the same today!

One True Church

These obedient believers were the church. No differing denominations existed, and consequently all the saved were in the one church, the church of Christ. The heaven guided apostles instructed the church to worship God by: (1) Observing (eating) the "Lord's Supper" weekly (Acts 20:7); (2) "Praying" (Acts 2:42); (3) "Singing" hymns (Eph. 5:19); (4) "Giving" of their means (1 Cor. 16:2); (5) and "Preaching" the word of the Lord (Acts 20:7). And as they were further instructed they "continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching."

Not A Denomination

The church of Christ is not a denomination. It is not a part of anything. The church of Christ is the one true church. Hence, as the church of Christ is not a part of denominationalism, neither is denominationalism a part of the church of Christ. Christ prayed that all believers be one (Jno. 17:20, 21). The apostle Paul commanded unity (1 Cor. 1:10). Denominationalism repudiates the prayer of the Lord and the command of the apostle. Denominationalism cannot exist without division, and is thereby contrary and opposed to the religion of Christ. The denominational system will continue to exist, however, as long as men refuse to be content with the Lord's way, and dare to please themselves.

The Plea

"Whatsoever ye do, in word or deed, do all in the name (by the authority) of the Lord Jesus..." (Col. 3:17). Thus, the church of Christ pleads for the original order of things as received from the apostles. The genuine Christian will not alter the instruction of the Lord, nor tolerate even one human innovation. The plea of the church of Christ is, therefore, to "speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11), and to "do all things according to the pattern." Only as the church of the New Testament is duplicated on earth, and the law of Christ implicitly followed are men pursuing the infallibly safe course.

What Is The Church Of Christ?

The church of Christ is simply that body of men and women who believe that Jesus is the Christ of God and who have been immersed into Christ (Gal. 3:26, 27). They wear the name of Christ (Christian) only giving honor to the Head of the body (Col. 1:18; Acts 11:26). They believe and teach only the doctrine of Christ, and obey His commands only (2 Tim. 4:1,2; Heb. 5:9).

Conclusion

My friend, you can believe, accept, and do the same! We plead that you will. You can refuse to do so, and be lost! We plead that you will not. What will you do?

Huntsville, Alabama (Church bulletin)