What is the church
of Christ?
One of the most thrilling concepts emerging from the Holy Scriptures is the
reality that God created man in full knowledge of human sin. The omniscient
mind of God had realized for all eternity the sum of human transgression, yet
the Sovereign Creator was not deterred by His comprehensive awareness of mankind’s
willful and determined acts of disobedience, choosing instead to demonstrate
His sovereign power by overcoming evil with love, goodness and righteousness.
God is love ( I John 4:8 ). The love of God is dramatically revealed through
the eternal scheme of redemption which made possible the reconciliation of an
unholy people with the holy and just Creator. The church of Christ is the assembly
of the redeemed from the earth’s population, the collective body of the
saved who have been reconciled to God in accordance with His eternal purpose.
Although evil gained an advantage over mankind, God had determined from the
days of eternity how He would gloriously achieve absolute triumph over evil
by accomplishing the reconciliation of the total number of earth’s inhabitants
that was sufficient to His purpose in creating man. The coming of Jesus Christ
as the propitiation for sin and the establishment of His church are both central
themes in the scheme of human redemption. The apostle Paul spoke of the divine
intentions of God, saying, “To me, the very least of all saints, this
grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages
has been hidden in God, who created all things; in order that the manifold wisdom
of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities
in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which
He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord” ( Ephesians 3:8-11 ).
The church is not a mere “after thought” with God, nor is it a hastily
devised “Plan B” as asserted by many today within the realm of apostate
Christendom; rather, Paul speaks of the church of Christ as an integral component
in the successful accomplishment of God’s eternal purpose. The cross satisfied
the divine penalty demanded by sin. Peter explained how Christ “bore our
sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness”
( I Peter 2:24 ). The body of Christ is the only refuge where freedom from sin
is available; for in Him, the debt of sin has been paid in full. Salvation is
wholly dependent upon Jesus Christ, and apart from Him, forgiveness is simply
not possible. This is why phrases such as “in Christ,” “in
Him,” “in Whom” ( referring to Christ ) are found more than
169 times in the writings of the apostle Paul alone. No man can be saved who
remains outside the body of Jesus Christ.
How one may enter Christ ( receiving the free gift of salvation ) is clearly
set forth in the Scriptures. The Great Commission given to the apostles prior
to the ascension of Christ highlights the prerequisite acts of obedience to
which each must submit in order to be saved. The apostles were ordered to preach
the gospel to the world, teaching the necessity of belief, repentance, and baptism
for the forgiveness of sins ( Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:46-49
). Paul explained the Lord’s plan frequently, insisting that sinners are
“baptized into Christ” ( Romans 6:3 ), whereby the sinner actually
becomes “clothed with Christ” ( Galatians 3:27 ).
The promise of divine inspiration accompanies the orders given to the apostles
in each passage detailing the Great Commission, enabling them to carry out the
work assigned to them by Christ without error or mistake. As more clearly articulated
in the promise of John 14:16-18, Christ would be with the apostles, baptizing
them in the Holy Spirit to equip them sufficiently for their appointed work
of revealing and confirming the gospel of Christ to the world ( cf. Acts 1:1-8
). It is impossible to understand the church of the New Testament without proper
knowledge of the role the apostles sustain to the church.
The apostles succeeded in preaching the gospel to all nations within forty years
of the death of Christ ( cf. Colossians 1:5, 6, 23 ). What many fail to realize
is that the apostles continue to succeed in their work of preaching the gospel
to all the world today by means of the fully revealed, all-sufficient written
word, wholly confirmed by them as the word of God ( cf. I Thessalonians 2:13
). The same gospel proclaimed by the apostles orally is now contained in the
written New Testament, and it remains the only gospel that is able to save man
from his sins ( cf. II Thessalonians 2:13-15; Galatians 1:6-12 ).
As Christians of succeeding centuries continue to discharge the duty assigned
to the church of holding fast to the apostle’s doctrine and entrusting
it “to faithful men, who will teach others also” ( II Timothy 2:2;
I Timothy 1:13 ), the apostles of Jesus Christ continue to fulfill their work
of preaching the gospel to all nations as ordered in the Great Commission given
to them ( Acts 10:40-42 ). This important distinction involving the work of
the apostles explains why Christ promised the apostles, “Truly I say unto
you, that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man
will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging
the twelve tribes of Israel” ( Matthew 19:28 ).
Although acceptance of Christ is understood as an essential doctrine of Christianity,
the church of Christ is often disparaged as quite unessential. One of the greatest
lies of Satan is that fallen man can embrace Christ separate and apart from
the church of Christ. However, as the serious student reviews the Old Testament,
the truth becomes evident that God not only predicted the coming of Christ,
He likewise foretold of the establishment of Christ’s kingdom –
the church of Christ – beautifully depicting the church as the house of
God where sinful men would be admitted as sons through obedience to the will
of God ( cf. Isaiah 2:1-4 ). Daniel foretold the establishment of this kingdom
while interpreting king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream ( Daniel 2:31-43 ), revealing
that it would be in days of the Roman kings that God would set up a kingdom
that would never be destroyed ( Daniel 2:44, 45 ).
The kingdom spoken of by Daniel would have its beginning shortly after the “Son
of Man” was witnessed ascending with the clouds of heaven to appear before
the “Ancient of Days,” receiving for Himself “dominion, glory,
and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and men of every language might serve
Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His
kingdom is one which will not be destroyed” ( Daniel 7:13-14 ). From these
Old Testament prophecies it may be determined that the house and kingdom of
the Lord would be established in Jerusalem during the reign of the Roman kings,
and following the ascension of the “Son of Man” into glory.
When John the Baptizer and Jesus came preaching “the kingdom of heaven
is at hand” ( Matthew 3:2; 4:17 ), it was clear that Old Testament prophecies
concerning the kingdom were quickly approaching fulfillment. Jesus soon announced
that He would “build” His church, and that He would give “the
keys of the kingdom” into the hands of the apostle Peter ( Matthew 16:18,
19 ). He further indicated that the kingdom would be established during the
lifetime of His earthly contemporaries, specifically stating that some who were
standing in His presence that day would not die before they witnessed the kingdom
come with power ( Mark 9:1 ).
Immediately preceding His ascension from the mount called Olivet, the apostles
were commanded to remain in Jerusalem, waiting for the promise of the Father
which would be bestowed upon them, clothing them “with power from on high”
( Luke 24:49; Acts 1:5 ). The apostles would then embark on their commission
of preaching the gospel, first in Jerusalem, then in all Judea and Samaria,
and even to the remotest part of the earth ( Acts 1:8 ). Following these instructions,
the Son of Man “was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud
received Him out of their sight” ( Acts 1:9 ). Two angels suddenly appeared
announcing that Christ had been taken up into heaven ( Acts 1:10, 11 ).
The year was A.D. 30, during the days of the Roman kings ( namely, Tiberius
Caesar, Luke 3:1, who reigned A.D. 14 - 37 ). This was the time foretold by
Daniel ( 2:44 ). The place was the city of Jerusalem ( Acts 1:8, 12 ) as prophesied
by Isaiah ( 2:3 ). Peter further identified this period as “the last days”
( Acts 2:16, 17 ) as also mentioned by Isaiah ( 2:2; cf. Joel 2:28-32 ). In
fulfillment of all that had previously been promised concerning the coming kingdom
and house of the Lord, God poured out the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, anointing
them as witnesses of the resurrection and ambassadors of Jesus Christ ( II Corinthians
5:20 ). In the midst of the very first gospel sermon, Peter utilized “the
keys” given to him by Christ to unlock the door of the kingdom ( Matthew
16:19; 18:18 ). He did this by commanding repentance and baptism in the name
of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins ( Acts 2:38 ). “So then, those
who received his word were baptized; and there were added about three thousand
souls” ( Acts 2:41 ).
The church of Christ was now in existence, having been purchased by the blood
of Christ ( Acts 20:28 ) and built upon the bedrock truth that Jesus was indeed
Christ, the Son of the living God ( Matthew 16:16-18; cf. Romans 1:1-4 ). On
the initial day of her existence, the church of Christ consisted of approximately
3,000 members – all of Jewish descent – representing more than a
dozen nationalities and provinces ( Acts 2:9-11, 41 ). As both Isaiah ( 2:3
) and Daniel ( 7:14 ) had foretold concerning the kingdom and house of the Lord,
many people from all nations and languages would enter that they might learn
the ways of the Lord and serve Him. From that first day forward, Luke reports
that “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being
saved” ( Acts 2:47 ). The day of Pentecost in Acts 2 marks the beginning
of the church of Christ, and following the events of this day in the New Testament,
the church/kingdom/house is always spoken of in the present tense, reflecting
the reality of its existence ( e.g., Acts 14:22; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:13
).
The church of Christ was not intended to consist of only Jewish bloodline citizens,
but as the ancient promise to Abram included: “And in you all the families
of earth shall be blessed” ( Genesis 12:3 ). Although the Jews were called
first to enter the church, the Gentiles were to be called, also. The household
of Cornelius became the first Gentile converts to Christianity. Upon hearing
the gospel preached, the entire household of Cornelius was commanded to be baptized
in water in the name of Jesus Christ ( Acts 10:34-48 ). As Paul would later
write, Christ had made “the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,
and might reconcile them in one body to God through the cross” ( Ephesians
2:15, 16 ). Both Jew and Gentile were now granted equal access to “the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground
of the truth” ( I Timothy 3:15 ).
Paul insisted that the church of Christ is the body of Christ over which Jesus
has all authority and rule as head ( Ephesians 1:22, 23 ). He further stated
that there is but “one body” ( 4:4 ). This being true, it is therefore
certain that there is one and only “one church” purchased and built
by Christ. When religious division first reared its ugly head in the city of
Corinth, Paul asked some very probing questions. “Has Christ been divided?
Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or where you baptized in the name of
Paul?” ( I Corinthians 1:13 ). Paul argued for unity in the church, basing
his argument upon the fact that Christ had not been divided, no one else died
for it, and every person belonging to the church of Christ had been baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ.
The plea for church unity resounds from Paul’s address to those early
Christians who were attempting to divide the church: “Now I exhort you,
brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there
be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in
the same judgment” ( I Corinthians 1:10 ). Church division ( denominationalism
) is sinful, and such was not tolerated by the apostles guiding the infant church.
Wherever the gospel of Christ was preached and obeyed, the church of Christ
was set up in that place. Sectarian division was denounced, and those determined
to persist in wayward practices were abandoned as false teachers and apostates
( cf. 2 John 9-11; 3 John 9-11 ).
The gospel of Jesus Christ makes Christians only and the only Christians ( Acts
11:26 ). There is no scriptural authority for a hyphenated Christian ( e.g.,
Baptist-Christian, Methodist-Christian, Lutheran-Christian, etc., etc. ). These
fellowships have their roots in the teachings of men, not in the gospel of Jesus
Christ preached by the apostles inspired by the Holy Spirit. The church of Christ
does not subscribe to Creed books, Church manuals, Disciplines, or Catechisms,
but to the inspired doctrine of Christ found in the New Testament. There are
no synods, councils, conventions, or governing bodies handing down precepts
or decrees to be followed, but each congregation of the church of Christ is
autonomous and self-governing, adhering solely to the inspired, inerrant, infallible
word of God – the only authoritative guide for restoring fallen man back
to the Creator ( I Thessalonians 2:12, 13 ).
Under the authority of Christ as the Chief Shepherd ( I Peter 5:4 ), a qualified
group of men function as the earthly overseers or elders, managing the local
church ( I Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9 ). Three terms are used interchangeably
in the New Testament to identify these men and their role in the church. The
Greek term episkopoi is often translated as bishop or overseer. The term presbuteros
is rendered elder or presbyter, and the term poimen as shepherd or pastor. The
present day “pastor” system seen in the denominations is as much
a departure from the New Testament pattern of church organization as is the
Catholic ecclesiastical hierarchy system. No single individual may assume the
role of “the pastor,” whether by title or practice, over a congregation
of God’s people. Neither may the church delegate one man to be the sole
manager or overseer. As Greek scholar, W. E. Vine, noted: “The divine
arrangement seen throughout the NT was for a plurality of these to be appointed
in each church” ( 1996, p.195 ).
The term “church of Christ” is not a denominational title describing
yet another man-made institution ( like “Baptist Church” or “Community
Church” ) ; rather, the term “church of Christ” is a designation
of ownership. The church belongs to Christ, and “He is also head of the
body, the church” ( Colossians 1:18 ). Paul spoke collectively of the
various congregations as “the churches of Christ” ( Romans 16:16
), each of which individually is a “church of Christ.” It is unfortunate
that many congregations posting signs over the last century have began identifying
themselves with the more formal title “Church of Christ.” Though
perhaps intended to offer respect, the capitalization of the word “Church”
in this phrase immediately makes this a proper name or title, equal then to
every other named human institution. It is little wonder why sectarian bodies
now view the “Church of Christ” as merely another denomination.
It has been a self-inflicted blow that only benefits sectarianism.
The church of the New Testament has no official name, because such is not required.
Since there is only one church, a name is not needed. For example, the earth
has only one moon. The term “moon” is not a name, but is descriptive
of “a natural satellite revolving around a planet” ( 2004, The American
Heritage College Dictionary ). The planet Jupiter has 64 moons. The four largest
were given names when first discovered in 1610, and at present, all but the
latest 14 to be discovered have received names ( see “Moons of Jupiter,”
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ). The earth’s solitary moon does not
require a name because it is the only natural satellite in orbit. Likewise,
the church of Christ does not require a name because it is the only body of
the saved on earth.
The New Testament uses several expressions to refer to the church, e.g., “church
of God” ( I Corinthians 1:2 ), “church of the living God”
( I Timothy 3:15 ), “the body of Christ” ( Ephesians 4:12 ), “the
kingdom of His beloved Son” ( Colossians 1:13 ), and by far the most common
expression, simply “the church” ( Acts 8:1 ). None of these constitute
a proper name, but all are designations descriptive of the church. The term
“churches of Christ” ( Romans 16:16 ) is simply a plural form of
these singular concepts.
In all the phrases that speak of the “church of God” or the “churches
of Christ,” the words “of God” and “of Christ”
occur in the genitive case in the Greek. “The genitive normally marks
the noun as the source or possessor of something” ( Heiser, 2005 ). An
example of a genitive noun in a similar statement is the phrase “blood
of Christ” ( I Peter 1:19 ). The genitive shows the blood belongs to Christ.
The same is true regarding the church. The phrase “church of God”
is not a name, but simply a designation of ownership. Christ, as God incarnate,
owns the church. There is only one church in existence, and that body ( the
body of Christ ) is comprised of all people who follow the New Testament teaching
regarding entrance into the church and continued faithfulness in true worship
and devotion to Christ throughout life.
The church of Christ proudly wears the name of Christ – individually as
Christians and collectively as the church. Christ prayed for unity among believers
( see John 17:20-23 ). Peter emphasized the importance of the name of Christ,
stating, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other
name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved”
( Acts 4:12 ). He would later write, “If any man suffers as a Christian,
let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name” ( 1 Peter
4:16 ). God is not glorified by man-made titles that honor human founders and/or
doctrinal bias.
The church of Christ must honor the name of their Builder, Owner, Savior, and
Head. It is not merely a posted sign that proves a church belongs to Christ,
but the careful obedience to the teachings contained in the New Testament concerning
the church. When Christ addressed the seven churches of Asia Minor ( Revelation
2, 3 ), five of the seven were reproved for their unfaithfulness – whether
doctrinal corruption or simple apathy. Jesus warned all five wayward churches
to repent, or else He would remove their candlestick and become their enemy
( 2:5, 16, 22; 3:3, 19 ). Although the people might persist in assembling together
under the guise of being the church, their status as the church of Christ would
be terminated absolutely by Christ Himself, effectively severing the saved relationship
they once enjoyed in the body of Christ.
What is the church of Christ? It is the great body of the redeemed that are
called out of service to the devil and into the service of Jesus Christ. The
Greek word is ekklesia, from ek, “out of,” and klesis, “a
calling” ( see Vine, 1996, p. 42 ). The word ekklesia refers to “a
gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place; an
assembly” ( Thayer, 1958 ). The church of Christ ( in a local sense )
is seen visibly in the public assemblies enjoined weekly by each congregation
in accordance with apostolic instruction. The church of Christ ( in the universal
sense ) is the gathering of all those called out of sin and assembled into the
body of Jesus Christ which constitutes the saved of earth’s population.
Christ exclaimed, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek
and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy,
and my burden is light.” ( Matthew 11:28-30 ). Every person reading this
article may become a member of the New Testament church. By carefully studying
the New Testament and obeying the plan of salvation as revealed in the preaching
of the apostles, God will add you to the church. Afterwards, be diligent to
assemble with those who imitate the simple and unpretentious pattern of worship
commanded in the Scriptures. We encourage every person to cast off the denominational
trappings of perverted, entertainment oriented, self-made worship which is warned
against in the Scriptures ( see Colossians 2:23 ), and return to the simplicity
of true worship as authorized for the church of Christ.
The eternal scheme of redemption offers salvation to those who belong to Christ
Jesus ( Galatians 3:26-29 ). The Lord promised to build one church. Are you
a member of the church of Christ? If not, decide today to submit yourself to
the authority of Christ, being baptized into Him, and becoming part of His body,
known simply as the church of Christ.
References :
Heiser, Michael S. ( 2005 ), Glossary of Morpho-Syntactic Database Terminology
( Logos Bible Software )
“Moons of Jupiter” ( no date ), Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,
[On-line],
URL: http: /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moons_of_Jupiter
Thayer, J. H. ( 1958 ), Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament ( Edinburgh:
T. & T. Clark ).
The American Heritage College Dictionary ( 2004 ), fourth edition ( New York:
Houghton Mifflin Company ).
Vine, W. E. ( 1996 ), Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary ( Nashville,
TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers ).
By Unknown Author
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