What Is the Church Christ Established?

SECTION 3 · THE RESTORATION

After all the divisions, who belongs to Christ’s church?

We have followed centuries of church history.

We have seen local elders, regional bishops, councils, popes, reformers, denominations, and movements that hoped to leave denominational divisions behind.

And we have seen some of those movements develop disagreements and divisions of their own.

Now we need to return to a much more basic question:

WHAT IS THE CHURCH CHRIST ESTABLISHED?

Is it an institution governed from one earthly headquarters?

Is it a collection of congregations that use the same name?

Is it a movement that can trace its history to a particular reformer?

Is it an unbroken succession of church leaders?

Or does the New Testament describe the church in a different way?

For this study, we will begin with the words of Jesus and His apostles.

The question is not whether our preferred church organization has a long history.

The question is:

WHAT DOES THE NEW TESTAMENT MEAN WHEN IT SPEAKS OF CHRIST’S CHURCH?

1. WHAT DID JESUS SAY HE WOULD BUILD?

Read Matthew 16:13–18.

Jesus asked His disciples who they believed Him to be.

Peter answered:

“Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16, KJV

Jesus then said:

“upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” — Matthew 16:18, KJV

Notice whose church it is.

Jesus did not say:

PETER’S CHURCH.

PAUL’S CHURCH.

LUTHER’S CHURCH.

CALVIN’S CHURCH.

CAMPBELL’S CHURCH.

He said:

“MY CHURCH.”

Christians disagree about the meaning of the rock in Matthew 16:18 and about the authority given to Peter in the following verse. We examined those questions earlier in this series.

But whatever conclusion we reach about Peter, this much is unmistakable:

CHRIST BUILDS THE CHURCH.

And the church belongs to Him.

2. WHAT DOES THE WORD “CHURCH” MEAN?

The Greek word commonly translated church is ekklēsia.

It refers to an assembly or gathering of people. Its particular meaning depends upon the context.

Acts 19:32 even uses the word for a disorderly public assembly at Ephesus.

So the word itself does not mean:

A religious building.

A denomination.

A worldwide headquarters.

Or a particular organizational structure.

Those ideas have to come from the context. They cannot simply be inserted into the word.

When the New Testament speaks of Christ’s church, it speaks of people who belong to Him.

That does not mean those people have no organization.

No leadership.

No responsibilities.

No assemblies.

It means we should not begin by thinking of a building or an institution and then assume that is what the New Testament means by church.

THE CHURCH IS FIRST OF ALL PEOPLE.

3. DID JESUS ESTABLISH SEVERAL COMPETING CHURCHES?

Read Matthew 16:18 again.

Jesus speaks of:

“my church.” — Matthew 16:18, KJV

Now read Ephesians 1:22–23.

Paul says God:

“gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body.” — Ephesians 1:22–23, KJV

Then read Ephesians 4:4–6.

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” — Ephesians 4:4, KJV

Paul continues with:

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” — Ephesians 4:5, KJV

The New Testament presents Christ’s people as one body under one Lord.

It does not present several competing bodies, each belonging to a different human founder, as alternatives from which Christians are supposed to choose.

But now we have to be careful.

The New Testament also speaks of many churches.

How can there be one church and many churches?

The answer is important.

4. HOW CAN THERE BE ONE CHURCH AND MANY CONGREGATIONS?

Paul writes:

“Unto the church of God which is at Corinth.” — 1 Corinthians 1:2, KJV

But in Galatians he writes:

“unto the churches of Galatia.” — Galatians 1:2, KJV

And Revelation 1 speaks of seven churches in Asia.

So the New Testament uses church in more than one sense.

There is the one body belonging to Christ.

And there are local congregations of Christians in particular places.

Those ideas do not contradict each other.

The congregation at Corinth was a church.

But Corinth was not the entire body of Christ.

Neither was Ephesus.

Or Philippi.

Or Thessalonica.

A local congregation is a gathering of Christians who worship, learn, encourage one another, and share the responsibilities of life together.

But no local congregation should confuse itself with the whole body of Christ.

A CONGREGATION CAN BE PART OF CHRIST’S PEOPLE WITHOUT BEING ALL OF CHRIST’S PEOPLE.

5. WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH?

Read Ephesians 1:20–23.

God raised Jesus from the dead, seated Him at His right hand, and placed all things under His feet.

Then Paul says God:

“gave him to be the head over all things to the church.” — Ephesians 1:22, KJV

Colossians says:

“And he is the head of the body, the church.” — Colossians 1:18, KJV

Who is the head?

CHRIST.

The New Testament does not describe Jesus as an absent founder whose authority had to be transferred to another person because He could no longer lead His church.

Jesus said:

“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” — Matthew 28:18, KJV

And after giving His disciples their commission, He promised:

“lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” — Matthew 28:20, KJV

The New Testament gives responsibilities to apostles, elders, evangelists, teachers, and other servants.

But no servant becomes the head of Christ’s body.

THE CHURCH ALREADY HAS A HEAD.

6. DOES CHRIST’S HEADSHIP MEAN THE CHURCH NEEDS NO LEADERS?

No.

Read Ephesians 4:11–16.

Paul describes people given to equip Christians for service and build up the body.

Now read Acts 20:17 and 28.

Paul called for the elders of the church at Ephesus and told them:

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.” — Acts 20:28, KJV

Peter tells elders:

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof.” — 1 Peter 5:2, KJV

Then he reminds them that Christ is:

“the chief Shepherd.” — 1 Peter 5:4, KJV

The church has leaders.

But a leader is not the Lord.

An elder cares for the flock.

HE DOES NOT OWN IT.

A teacher explains the word.

HE DOES NOT BECOME THE SOURCE OF TRUTH.

A congregation should respect faithful leadership.

But no human leader is beyond examination.

Christ remains the Chief Shepherd.

7. DID THE APOSTLES BELONG TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHURCH?

No.

The apostles had a special commission from Christ, but they were not members of a separate body.

Read Ephesians 2:19–22.

Paul describes believers as members of God’s household:

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” — Ephesians 2:20, KJV

The picture is one household.

One building.

Christ is the cornerstone.

The apostles had a foundational role in making Christ known and delivering His teaching.

That does not mean every later church leader possesses the same commission or authority.

But neither does it mean later Christians can ignore what Christ taught through His apostles.

Acts 2:42 says the first Christians:

“continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” — Acts 2:42, KJV

If we want to understand the church Christ established, apostolic teaching is not optional.

8. WHEN DID PEOPLE BEGIN TO BELONG TO CHRIST’S CHURCH?

Read Acts 2:22–41.

Peter preached the crucified and risen Christ.

When the people realized what they had done, they asked:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?” — Acts 2:37, KJV

Peter answered:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.” — Acts 2:38, KJV

Luke then says:

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” — Acts 2:41, KJV

Then read Acts 2:42–47.

These believers continued in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.

And Luke concludes:

“And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” — Acts 2:47, KJV

Luke does not describe them selecting a denomination.

They heard the gospel.

They responded to Christ.

And the Lord added them.

That should make us ask a very important question:

WHO ADDS PEOPLE TO CHRIST’S CHURCH?

Luke’s answer is not difficult.

THE LORD DOES.

9. DOES JOINING A RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATION MAKE SOMEONE A CHRISTIAN?

No.

A religious organization may have a membership list.

A congregation may receive members.

It may keep records.

It may establish reasonable procedures for knowing whom it is responsible to shepherd and serve.

But having your name on a list is not the same thing as belonging to Christ.

Paul says:

“Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” — Romans 8:9, KJV

Read Galatians 3:26–29.

Paul says:

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26, KJV

Then:

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” — Galatians 3:27, KJV

These passages describe a relationship with Christ.

That does not make congregational accountability unimportant.

But a congregation must not confuse its membership roll with Christ’s complete knowledge of His people.

A congregation may record whom it recognizes as members.

CHRIST KNOWS WHO BELONGS TO HIM.

10. IS THE CHURCH A BUILDING?

No.

Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and:

“the church that is in their house.” — Romans 16:5, KJV

Read Colossians 4:15 and Philemon 1–2.

Churches met in homes.

Why?

Because the church was not the house.

THE CHURCH WAS THE PEOPLE MEETING IN THE HOUSE.

Paul tells the Corinthians:

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16, KJV

Ephesians 2 describes believers as:

“builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” — Ephesians 2:22, KJV

A congregation may meet in a house.

A rented room.

A school.

A storefront.

A beautiful cathedral.

Or a building it owns.

The building may be useful.

But the building is not the church.

And calling it a church building does not make the bricks holy.

GOD’S PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH.

11. IS THE CHURCH A FAMILY?

Yes.

Paul tells Christians:

“ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” — Ephesians 2:19, KJV

He later refers to:

“the house of God, which is the church of the living God.” — 1 Timothy 3:15, KJV

That family language matters.

Christians are not customers of a religious business.

They are brothers and sisters.

That means responsibilities come with the relationship.

Paul says:

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2, KJV

John writes:

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18, KJV

A congregation may have impressive facilities, programs, budgets, and organization.

But if brothers and sisters are suffering unnoticed beside one another, something is wrong.

A FAMILY CARES FOR ITS PEOPLE.

12. IS THE CHURCH ALSO CALLED A KINGDOM?

The New Testament connects Christ’s people with His kingdom.

Paul says God:

“hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” — Colossians 1:13, KJV

John says Jesus:

“hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father.” — Revelation 1:6, KJV

And Hebrews says:

“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace.” — Hebrews 12:28, KJV

The words church and kingdom are not interchangeable in every sentence.

They are different pictures emphasizing different truths.

The church picture emphasizes Christ’s people as an assembly or body.

Kingdom language emphasizes His rule.

But the people who belong to Christ’s body also live under Christ’s kingship.

We do not need to make Jesus King.

He already reigns.

Our responsibility is to recognize His authority and obey Him.

13. IS THE CHURCH CALLED CHRIST’S BRIDE?

Yes.

Read Ephesians 5:25–32.

Paul writes:

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” — Ephesians 5:25, KJV

The relationship between husband and wife becomes a picture of Christ and His church.

Revelation also uses marriage imagery to describe the relationship between Christ and His people.

The picture emphasizes love.

Commitment.

Holiness.

Belonging.

But remember that it is a picture.

We should not turn every detail of an earthly marriage into a rule for church organization.

Paul’s central point is unmistakable:

CHRIST LOVES HIS CHURCH.

He gave Himself for her.

That should affect how we treat people who belong to Him.

14. DOES THE CHURCH REPLACE ISRAEL, OR DOES CHRIST BRING JEWS AND GENTILES TOGETHER?

Read Ephesians 2:11–22 carefully.

Paul reminds Gentile Christians that they had once been separated from Israel’s commonwealth and strangers to the covenants of promise.

But through Christ those who were far away have been brought near.

Paul says Christ:

“hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.” — Ephesians 2:14, KJV

And His purpose was:

“for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace.” — Ephesians 2:15, KJV

Then:

“that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross.” — Ephesians 2:16, KJV

Now read Galatians 3:26–29.

Paul concludes:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” — Galatians 3:29, KJV

Paul’s emphasis is not on Gentiles having one Savior and Jews another.

The cross brings both to God in one body.

Christians disagree about how these passages relate to other biblical promises concerning Israel. Those passages should be studied carefully in their own contexts.

But Ephesians 2 clearly presents reconciliation through one Christ into one body.

15. DOES EVERYONE WHO CLAIMS TO BELONG TO CHRIST ACTUALLY BELONG TO HIM?

No.

Jesus warned:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21, KJV

A religious claim is not enough.

Paul writes:

“The Lord knoweth them that are his.” — 2 Timothy 2:19, KJV

Then:

“And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” — 2 Timothy 2:19, KJV

So we have two truths to hold together.

First:

NOT EVERY CLAIM TO BELONG TO CHRIST IS TRUE.

Second:

THE LORD KNOWS THEM THAT ARE HIS.

A congregation must examine teaching and conduct.

It may need to correct someone.

It may even need to withdraw fellowship in circumstances Scripture addresses.

But final judgment belongs to Christ.

We should not accept every claim without examination.

And we should not pretend we possess Christ’s complete knowledge of every person.

16. WHAT DOES THE PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND TARES TELL US?

Read Matthew 13:24–30 and Jesus’ explanation in verses 36–43.

Jesus tells us exactly what the field represents:

“The field is the world.” — Matthew 13:38, KJV

That matters.

The field is not the church.

The good seed are:

“the children of the kingdom.” — Matthew 13:38, KJV

The tares are:

“the children of the wicked one.” — Matthew 13:38, KJV

And the harvest is:

“the end of the world.” — Matthew 13:39, KJV

Jesus describes both remaining until the final harvest.

So we should not turn this parable into:

“THE CHURCH MUST NEVER DISCIPLINE ANYONE BECAUSE THE WHEAT AND TARES MUST REMAIN TOGETHER.”

Jesus said the field is the world.

For congregational discipline, read passages that actually address congregational discipline, such as Matthew 18:15–17 and 1 Corinthians 5.

The distinction is important.

CHRIST WILL MAKE THE FINAL SEPARATION.

Meanwhile, congregations still have responsibilities He has given them.

17. DOES CHRIST’S ONE BODY REQUIRE ONE WORLDWIDE EARTHLY HEADQUARTERS?

The New Testament identifies Christ as the head of His body.

It describes congregations in different places.

It describes elders shepherding particular flocks.

It also describes communication and cooperation among congregations.

What it does not explicitly describe is one permanent earthly headquarters governing every congregation after the apostles.

Christians who defend worldwide hierarchical structures appeal to passages concerning Peter, apostolic authority, succession, and the historical development of episcopal oversight.

Christians who defend congregational independence emphasize passages such as Acts 14:23, Acts 20:17–28, Titus 1:5–9, and 1 Peter 5:1–4.

We examined many of those arguments earlier in this series.

But here is the important point:

ONE BODY DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY MEAN ONE EARTHLY ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS.

That conclusion must be demonstrated from Scripture rather than assumed.

Christ’s headship is explicit.

Any additional claim of authority must be examined.

18. DOES THE CHURCH NEED AN UNBROKEN LIST OF HUMAN LEADERS TO REMAIN CHRIST’S CHURCH?

Some Christian traditions emphasize historical succession in the appointment of bishops and ministers.

Others emphasize continuity in apostolic teaching.

Those are different claims.

Read 2 Timothy 2:2.

Paul tells Timothy:

“the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men.” — 2 Timothy 2:2, KJV

And those faithful men were to be:

“able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2, KJV

Read Titus 1:5–9.

Paul instructs Titus to appoint qualified elders who can hold firmly to faithful teaching.

Those passages establish the importance of faithful teachers and qualified leaders.

They do not provide a complete historical list of officeholders from the first century to the present.

So keep two questions separate.

If someone claims an unbroken historical succession:

EXAMINE THE HISTORICAL EVIDENCE.

If someone claims faithfulness to apostolic teaching:

EXAMINE THE TEACHING.

Neither claim becomes true merely because a church organization makes it.

19. IF A CONGREGATION DISAPPEARS, DOES CHRIST’S CHURCH DISAPPEAR?

No.

Read Revelation 2:1–7.

Jesus warned the congregation at Ephesus:

“I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” — Revelation 2:5, KJV

That warning concerned a real congregation.

A local church could cease to stand faithfully before Christ.

But Jesus’ promise in Matthew 16:18 was not that every local congregation would continue forever regardless of its faithfulness.

Congregations may decline.

Divide.

Move.

Disappear.

Or abandon the teaching they once held.

The continuing existence of Christ’s church does not depend upon the uninterrupted institutional survival of one local congregation.

Nor does age prove faithfulness.

A congregation can be old and wrong.

It can be new and wrong.

THE QUESTION IS NOT HOW OLD IT IS.

The question is whether it belongs to Christ and follows His teaching.

20. CAN A CONGREGATION CLAIM TO BE THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH?

A congregation may believe its teaching and practice agree with the New Testament.

It should be able to explain why.

But saying:

“WE BELIEVE THIS IS WHAT THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES”

is not the same as saying:

“EVERY PERSON OUTSIDE OUR IDENTIFIABLE GROUP IS OUTSIDE THE BODY OF CHRIST.”

That is a much larger claim.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

Paul describes one body with many members.

Read Romans 12:3–5.

Paul warns Christians:

“not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think.” — Romans 12:3, KJV

Christians have every right to examine teaching.

They may conclude that a doctrine is wrong.

They may conclude that a practice contradicts apostolic teaching.

But loyalty to our group must never replace loyalty to Christ.

A congregation’s name does not give it authority to determine the complete limits of Christ’s body.

Its age does not.

Its history does not.

Its organizational independence does not.

THE LORD KNOWETH THEM THAT ARE HIS.

21. DOES THAT MEAN DOCTRINE NO LONGER MATTERS?

Absolutely not.

The first Christians:

“continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine.” — Acts 2:42, KJV

Paul warned:

“If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” — Galatians 1:9, KJV

He told Timothy:

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine.” — 1 Timothy 4:16, KJV

Doctrine matters.

Truth matters.

The gospel matters.

But that does not mean every disagreement is equally serious.

Romans 14 shows Christians disagreeing over food and days without forming separate churches.

Galatians 2 shows Paul confronting Peter when his conduct was:

“not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel.” — Galatians 2:14, KJV

So we cannot decide the seriousness of an issue simply by saying:

“WE DISAGREE.”

We have to study the disagreement.

Does it concern the gospel?

Does it contradict an explicit command?

Is it a matter of conscience?

Is it an inference?

Is it a practical arrangement?

WE HAVE TO LET THE TEXT TELL US HOW SERIOUS THE ISSUE IS.

22. WHAT MAKES A LOCAL CONGREGATION A CHURCH?

Read Acts 2:41–47.

People received the apostolic message.

They were baptized.

They continued in teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

Read Acts 14:21–23.

Paul and Barnabas made disciples, strengthened them, and appointed elders in the churches.

Read 1 Corinthians 11:17–34.

Paul addresses Christians:

“when ye come together in the church.” — 1 Corinthians 11:18, KJV

The New Testament describes Christians gathering.

Learning.

Worshiping.

Sharing.

Caring for one another.

Correcting one another.

And developing qualified leadership.

What does it not identify as the defining feature?

Owning property.

Registering a denominational name.

Having a headquarters.

Possessing an impressive building.

But the New Testament does not present Christianity as permanent isolation either.

Christians share life with other Christians.

THE CHURCH IS NOT SIMPLY A PLACE WE ATTEND.

It is a people to whom we belong and toward whom we have responsibilities.

23. CAN A FAMILY WORSHIPING AT HOME BE A CONGREGATION?

The New Testament certainly describes churches meeting in homes.

Paul mentions:

“the church that is in their house.” — Romans 16:5, KJV

See also Colossians 4:15 and Philemon 1–2.

So a dedicated religious building is not necessary.

A family can pray.

Sing.

Read Scripture.

Remember the Lord.

Teach its children.

Encourage one another.

And worship God in its home.

But we should distinguish two questions.

CAN A FAMILY WORSHIP GOD AT HOME?

Certainly.

WHEN SHOULD A HOUSEHOLD GATHERING BE DESCRIBED AS AN ESTABLISHED LOCAL CONGREGATION?

That requires looking at the circumstances and the responsibilities the gathering is undertaking.

The New Testament gives no universal minimum number of households that must be present before Christians may gather for worship.

And nowhere does Scripture say:

“WHEN YOU CAN AFFORD A BUILDING, YOU BECOME A REAL CHURCH.”

The building serves the people.

The people do not exist to serve the building.

24. WHAT ABOUT CHRISTIANS WHO CANNOT SAFELY ASSEMBLE IN A PUBLIC BUILDING?

Some Christians live where public Christian worship is dangerous.

Others may face severe restrictions, illness, disability, or circumstances that make ordinary public assembly difficult.

The New Testament’s house churches remind us that worship does not depend upon owning or entering a public religious building.

Read Hebrews 10:23–25.

Christians are told:

“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.” — Hebrews 10:24, KJV

Then:

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” — Hebrews 10:25, KJV

And the purpose includes:

“exhorting one another.” — Hebrews 10:25, KJV

Notice the emphasis.

Christians need one another.

They encourage one another.

They stir one another toward love and good works.

The passage does not command Christians to own a building.

And it does not require believers to expose one another needlessly to danger simply to meet in a particular kind of place.

If Christians must meet quietly in a home, they can still encourage one another.

If circumstances force believers into very small gatherings, Christ is not impressed by the size of the room.

THE BUILDING IS NOT THE CHURCH.

25. CAN CHRISTIANS USE TECHNOLOGY TO HELP ONE ANOTHER?

Of course.

Christians have always used available means of communication.

The New Testament itself contains letters written to Christians separated by distance.

Paul wanted his letters read to congregations.

He told the Colossians:

“And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans.” — Colossians 4:16, KJV

A printed Bible helps communicate Scripture.

A telephone can connect Christians separated by distance.

Radio can teach people who cannot be physically present.

An online meeting can allow people to see, hear, pray with, and encourage one another when circumstances prevent ordinary gathering.

But technology does not automatically answer every question.

Watching a recording is not identical to participating in a congregation.

A live online conversation is not identical in every respect to sitting in the same room.

Questions about the Lord’s Supper, congregational oversight, and other shared responsibilities still deserve examination.

So avoid both extremes.

“IT IS TECHNOLOGY, SO IT CANNOT BE USED.”

That does not follow.

And:

“TECHNOLOGY CAN DO EVERYTHING PHYSICAL FELLOWSHIP DOES.”

That does not automatically follow either.

Ask what the tool actually accomplishes.

Then use it to help Christ’s people carry out the responsibilities He has given them.

26. DOES THE CHURCH EXIST TO PRESERVE ITS OWN INSTITUTIONS?

No.

Jesus said:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” — Matthew 28:19, KJV

He told His disciples to baptize and teach people to observe what He commanded.

Ephesians 4 describes the body growing toward maturity in Christ.

Galatians says:

“let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” — Galatians 6:10, KJV

Buildings may help.

Budgets may help.

Schools may help.

Publications may help.

Organizations may help.

But none of them is the goal.

A church building is an aid.

IT IS NOT AN ADDITION TO THE CHURCH.

And it certainly should not become the church’s master.

If maintaining a building consumes resources while people next door go hungry, Christians should examine their priorities.

If preserving an institution becomes more important than teaching truth, caring for people, or correcting wrongdoing, something has gone wrong.

The temple itself became only a building when God’s presence departed from it.

And under the new covenant, God’s people are His dwelling place.

GOD DOES NOT LIVE IN OUR BUILDINGS.

His people are the church.

27. HOW SHOULD WE SPEAK ABOUT CHRISTIANS IN OTHER CHURCH TRADITIONS?

Truthfully.

That means understanding what another church actually teaches before criticizing it.

It means distinguishing:

WHAT A DENOMINATION OFFICIALLY TEACHES

from:

WHAT ONE CONGREGATION TEACHES

and from:

WHAT ONE INDIVIDUAL BELIEVES.

Disagreement does not give us permission to invent motives.

Paul tells Christians:

“speaking the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15, KJV

And:

“the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.” — 2 Timothy 2:24, KJV

That does not mean we surrender conviction.

It means we explain our convictions without misrepresenting people.

And there is one more requirement.

If we want someone else to reconsider a tradition he inherited, we must be willing to reconsider one we inherited.

Otherwise we are not really saying:

“LET’S FOLLOW THE TEXT.”

We are saying:

“YOU QUESTION YOUR TRADITION. I’LL KEEP MINE.”

That will not do.

28. WHAT, THEN, IS THE CHURCH CHRIST ESTABLISHED?

Now bring the passages together.

The church belongs to Christ.

He built it.

He is its Savior.

He is its head.

His people are described as:

ONE BODY.

GOD’S HOUSEHOLD.

A SPIRITUAL HOUSE.

A BRIDE LOVED BY CHRIST.

They hear the gospel and respond to Christ.

They live under His authority.

They gather in local congregations to worship, learn, encourage one another, and carry out the responsibilities He has given them.

Qualified leaders serve and shepherd those entrusted to them.

But those leaders do not replace Christ as head.

Congregations may own buildings.

Have legal identities.

Keep membership records.

Maintain budgets.

Support schools.

Publish material.

And cooperate with other congregations.

Those arrangements may help Christians carry out their responsibilities.

THEY DO NOT DEFINE THE ENTIRE CHURCH CHRIST ESTABLISHED.

And no modern religious organization establishes its claim merely by pointing to:

Its name.

Its age.

Its founder.

Its size.

Its building.

Its historical succession.

Or its claim to have restored the original church.

The central question remains:

DO WE BELONG TO CHRIST, AND ARE WE FOLLOWING THE TEACHING HE GAVE THROUGH HIS APOSTLES?

29. WHERE DOES OUR HISTORY GO NEXT?

We began this larger study by asking how local overseers became regional bishops and how later church structures developed.

We followed the rise of councils and popes.

We watched East and West divide.

We followed Reformers who challenged inherited authority.

We watched new denominations develop.

Then we followed Christians who tried to leave denominational divisions behind and restore New Testament Christianity.

And they too had to interpret Scripture.

That brings us to one final question before we leave this part of the series.

Nearly everyone we have studied could say:

“WE FOLLOW THE BIBLE.”

But they did not all reach the same conclusions.

So how can we tell whether we are following the biblical text or merely defending an interpretation we inherited?

And how do we keep our attempt to escape human tradition from becoming another human tradition?

That question applies to bishops and popes.

Reformers and restorationists.

Catholics and Protestants.

Denominations and independent congregations.

And it applies to us.

That takes us to our next study:

HOW CAN WE FOLLOW SCRIPTURE WITHOUT CREATING ANOTHER HUMAN TRADITION?

TEXT B4 TRADITION

Read First. Conclude Later.

RETURN TO MAIN SERIES: ONE CHURCH, SO MANY DIVISIONS—WHAT HAPPENED?

NEXT STUDY: HOW CAN WE FOLLOW SCRIPTURE WITHOUT CREATING ANOTHER HUMAN TRADITION?