THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Christ Is Central

      We believe in Jesus Christ–not just in his existence, but as Savior of the world.  Because we believe that only in and through him is salvation possible we feel it necessary to study his life, his actions, and his teachings and apply the principles discovered therein to our own lives and the world about us.  Only as mankind comes to a unified understanding and application of his teachings which offer abundant life to all can the world fulfill the purpose of its creation.  We wish to share the knowledge and understanding we have of this Jesus the Son of God as it has been shared with us.

Preparation for His Coming

      The record of the Old Testament clearly shows the great desire of God to reveal his mind and will to men.  This revelation went far beyond the modern Christian concept of inspiration: God actually spoke to his people, though he used many methods.  Prophet after prophet received the word of God to deliver to his generation, and little by little God sought to lead men to a greater understanding of himself and his purposes.  The ultimate in the revelation of God was to be Jesus Christ on earth, actually demonstrating the nature of God in the flesh and blood form.  The prophets received this knowledge and testified of his coming so that men might be prepared to receive him.  The well-known prophecy of Isaiah is typical of the revelation of God concerning the advent of Christ: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

      Many other people were informed of God as the time approached for Christ’s coming: Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was told by an angel of the glorious motherhood that was to be hers; Joseph, who was also assured through angelic ministry that it was acceptable to take Mary as his wife; Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, whose unborn son leaped in the womb in recognition of Jesus; the shepherds, who heard the host of angels sing on the night of his birth; and the Wise Men, who studied  the ancient prophecies and followed the new star.  All were recipients of the revealment of his coming.

      Since the birth of Jesus this revelation concerning him has not ceased, but has continued wherever and whenever men have sought God.  When Jesus was forty days old his parents took him to the temple in Jerusalem to present him to God according to the requirements of the law.  There a devout man by the name of Simeon recognized him by the power of God and blessed him as the Christ (Luke 2:22-34).  Today men testify to this same revelation, for God has not changed in nature or purpose.  Throughout the life of Jesus this was a common experience to men who were associated with him.

Preparation of Jesus

      There is no doubt that Jesus realized at an early age what his unique work was to be and made extensive preparation for it throughout his entire life.  At the age of twelve years he demonstrated that he had already studied the Scriptures sufficiently to be able to discuss them with the doctors and scribes in the temple.  We are told little else, however, about the years of his youth except that “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).  As the time of his ministry approached, Jesus made more specific preparation for it.  He went to John the Baptist for baptism.  Even when John felt unworthy and said that he had need to be baptized of Jesus, the Master insisted, “Suffer it to be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15).  He recognized that John was truly a man sent from God and commissioned to do this work.  God revealed his pleasure with this act, for “the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:16,17).

      After his baptism Jesus made his final preparation before engaging in active ministry.  He withdrew into the wilderness to commune with God and learn from him what his message to men should be.  Later, in teaching, Jesus said, “My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me” (John 7:16).  Undoubtedly he received it in revelation from God as he fasted and prayed for forty days in the wilderness.  Throughout the years of his ministry, Jesus continued the practice of drawing apart to seek the mind of God that he might reveal it to others.

Preparation of Disciples

      The drawing power of the personality of Jesus must have been marvelous; for we read of disciples called from every walk of life, leaving their fishing boats and tax tables to follow him.  To this group of men came the growing realization that this was the long-awaited Messiah until Simon Peter had to burst forth, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16).  Jesus blessed him for the possession of this knowledge because it had come from God by revelation.  It could have been received in no other manner (I Cor. 12:3) and therefore demonstrated that Peter was achieving a spiritual stature that enabled him to commune with God.

Jesus Built a Church

      This ability to receive knowledge (revelation) from God, especially the knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, was named by Jesus as the underlying strength of his work.  “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18).  Many have since testified to the strength and effectiveness of this foundation.  Paul wrote: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1: 11, 12).

      There is a belief among many people of the world that Jesus did not build a church or organize his disciples in any particular manner; but this idea contradicts the words of the Master who first announced his intention to build his church and later in prayer to God said: “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4).  The task which Jesus left to his disciples was enormous:  to preach the gospel in all the world to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.  How could this ever be accomplished unless his followers were organized in an institution designed for this purpose?  Every task of men is accomplished by specialized organizations: to educate children we organize a system of schools, to sell something a sales organization is built, and to manufacture a product an industrial firm is established–all with their own particular purposes, officers, and systems.  To carry the gospel of Jesus Christ to every part of the earth would certainly require a highly specialized organization.  Let us see from the Scriptures of the Bible how the Church of Jesus Christ is organized and what parts it contains.  It will help us to visualize it as a complete unit if we compare its features to the parts of a physical building.

Jesus the Cornerstone

      The cornerstone of any building is one of special significance.  It usually has engraved upon it important information concerning the building; many times the cornerstone witnesses the purpose of the building itself.  Paul was certainly correct in writing to the Ephesians that Jesus is the chief cornerstone in the foundation, for in him is found the purpose of the church, in him is found that which is of real significance.

The Foundation

      In the Scripture just referred to, Paul describes the church as being built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets.  These are two of the many ministerial officers within the church, all of which are obviously intended to continue as long as the church continues; for again, Paul speaks of these officers and others and says that their work shall go on “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

      The continuation of these offices in the church necessitates the replacement of men who die or become disqualified for service.  This raises the question: How shall men be chosen to serve as ministers in his church?  Jesus set the pattern when he chose the first twelve apostles.  We read in Luke 6: 12 and 13 that he spent an entire night in prayer and then designated the twelve men God had called.  From then on the spirit of revelation was employed in calling men to the ministry.  The calling of Matthias to replace Judas (Acts 1:24) and the calling of Barnabas and Saul (Paul) (Acts 13:2) demonstrate this very clearly.

      In the foundation of a building each stone is very important, for each has its portion of the weight to support.  The ministry of the church of Jesus Christ is comparable since each different officer has a particular responsibility in meeting the needs of the entire organization.  Here is a list of the different ministers mentioned in the New Testament church:

          Apostles          Matthew 10:1-4

          Seventies         Luke 10:1

          Elders               Acts 20:17, 28

          Evangelists     Ephesians 4:11

          Teachers          Ephesians 4:11

          Prophets          Ephesians 4:11

          High Priests    Hebrews 5:1

          Priests              Hebrews 7:11, 23

          Bishops           I Timothy 3: 1-7

          Deacons          I Timothy 3: 8-13

      As in a school there are different kinds of instructors–history, English, mathematics, etc.–to give the students the most complete education possible, so in the church there are many different kinds of ministers to bring help and guidance in the many different areas of life where ministry is needed.

The Church to Continue

      The ministry of these men was to continue within the body of the church “Till we all come in the unity of the faith . . . unto a perfect man,” a condition that has not yet been achieved.  Each officer of this “body of Christ” (Eph. 1:22, 23) was necessary:

      “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

      “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.”–I Cor, 12:18, 21, 22.

      These men functioned in their offices (Rom.11:13; I Tim. 3:1, 10).  As in earthly governments, when one officer dies another is selected to replace him and enters into all the responsibilities and powers of his predecessor, so in the “kingdom of God” was the same principle true.  For example we read of at least sixteen men functioning in the office of apostle (Matt. 10-2-4; Acts 1:25, 26; 13: 1, 2; 14:14; Gal. 1:19).  Even though tragic events were later to destroy the body of the church[1] yet it was the will of God that the church in its completeness of divine organization should continue to function until perfection was obtained:

      “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it; and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”–Eccles. 3:14.

The Doctrine of Jesus

      Every great philosophy, every science, art, and religion is developed from certain basic principles.  The science of mathematics has four which form the basis for solving all math problems.  The teaching (or doctrine) of Jesus is an expansion of six basic concepts concerning the relationship between God and man.  These “principles of the doctrine of Christ” are listed (Heb. 6:1, 2) as (1) repentance from dead works, (2) faith toward God, (3) the doctrine of baptisms, (4) laying on of hands, (5) resurrection of the dead, and (6) eternal judgment.  The proper understanding and use of these six teachings of Jesus will bring men back into the presence of God as they were originally created.

      “Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17).  Until men desire a better way of life and a better relationship with God, He is unable to help them.  Jesus inspired men to want the kingdom of God and then showed them that to achieve it they had to change from sinful, selfish ways to righteous patterns of behavior.  This principle was beautifully illustrated in the story of the prodigal son.  The young man had to realize how miserable his existence was, far from his father and his father’s house.  When he earnestly desired the better life available in the presence of his father he went home determined to be a dutiful and obedient son and found his father joyously ready to receive him.  There is no better illustration of repentance; when we truly desire the good life possible for us in the kingdom of God and are willing to make his ways our ways he opens his arms with joy to receive us.

      Faith is the lantern we hold which lights our path one step ahead in our search for God.  Until we reach “the fulness of the stature of Christ” and understand all of the mysteries of God, we must have faith.  There are many disappointments and discouragements in our efforts to serve God which we do not understand because of our limited knowledge and comprehension.  Without a firm belief in the supreme power and goodness of God and the ultimate victory of his purposes we would soon turn back in our attempt to follow Christ.  With such a belief we can draw upon all the power of God to assist and guide us in our efforts.  Truly, faith will remove mountains, heal the sick, raise the dead and overcome the elements; but it must be exercised in our lives if it is to grow.

      Jesus came to be an example to man that we should follow in his footsteps (I Pet. 2:21).  Since this is true it becomes vitally important to study his actions that we might emulate him as he intended, especially in something as important as the act of baptism.  There are several significant things about the baptism of Jesus that we should note if we want to follow his example.  First, he went to “a man sent from God” (John 1:16) and presented himself for baptism by one who had authority from God to perform the act.  He considered it to be absolutely essential, for he said: “Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15), and later he said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).  The mode of his baptism was unquestionable immersion; both Scripture and history bear out this fact.  Indeed, no other form of baptism was authorized by the church until hundreds of years after the time of Christ.  Finally, the baptism of Jesus was twofold.  When he came up from the water the heavens opened and the spirit descended on him for the second or spiritual baptism (Matt. 3:16).  This accords well with Jesus’ instructions to Nicodemus about the necessity of being born of water and spirit.

      After the day of Pentecost, the spiritual baptism was effected in Christ’s church through the fourth principle of his doctrine–laying on of hands.  In the eighth and nineteenth chapters of the book of Acts are recorded instances of the use of this principle by men having authority from God to represent him.  The laying on of hands was used by Jesus and his disciples to bring spiritual blessings in other ways also, such as healing the sick (Luke 4:40), blessing little children (Mark 10:14-16), and ordaining men to the ministry (Acts 13:2, 3).

      These first four principles of the doctrine of Christ–repentance, faith, baptisms and the laying on of hands–are obviously preparatory for membership in the church, and designed to give us spiritual guidance in this life.  The final two, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment, are assurances of God’s provision for us in the life to come.  The Scriptures are replete with promises that all will eventually be resurrected in a physical body to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive the just reward of their works in this life.

The Power of the Gospel

      “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power” (I Thess. 1:5).  The power of the gospel in the New Testament church set it apart from other organizations.  In chapter twelve of the first Corinthian letter Paul listed some of the expressions of power through the spirit of God, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.  Just as sunlight enters into a building through  the windows, the Spirit of God came into the church through the spiritual gifts to give revelation and strength to those in need.  Under the power of these gifts the New Testament disciples were able to literally fulfill the words of Jesus, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover (Mark 16:17, 18).

The Most Important Mark

      All of the parts of the Church of Jesus Christ which have been described are important in identifying it; but one thing looms above all others as a distinguishing mark.  Jesus said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).  It is the love of God for mankind that draws us to him.  This same love in our lives will bring us closer together and reach out to others in an ever widening circle.

      It was for this purpose that Jesus organized his church, that he might regenerate men, that he might reconcile them to each other, that in all things peace, unity, and love might prevail.  The church was the divinely constructed channel through which his love and intelligence and power moved directly in the days of the Son.  In our seeking and asking for “the old paths” (Jer. 6:16) should we be content with less than the same divinely established officers, the same potent and effective doctrine, the same glorious powers that blessed the obedient, the same rich fellowship that existed with mankind and Deity?  Is this not the same channel in which his power and love will ever flow?

      “I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever:  nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.”–Eccles. 3:14.

      It should be the desire of everyone to seek the church of Jesus Christ, beautiful in its completeness and simplicity.  All should willingly unite with it and labor with God in bringing about his purposes.

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