|
Based on the society in which we live one might think that the Bible
has spoken about thousands of different churches. However, the
Bible speaks of only “one body” (Eph. 4:4) and the one body
is “the church” (Col. 1:18, 24). When you read the
Bible, take note, the Bible does not talk about “a” church
but “the” church. Consider the One True Church:
The Church Was Planned By God.
The church you read about in the Bible was not some afterthought.
A reading of Ephesians 3:10-11 reveals that the church was in the
“eternal purpose of God.” The one true church was
planned by God from the beginning!
The Church Was Predicted In The
Old Testament. A reading of Isaiah 2:2-3 reveals,
“Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain
of the LORD's house shall be established on the top of the mountains,
and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to
it. Many people shall come and say,
"Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of
the God of Jacob; he will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His
paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of
the LORD from Jerusalem.”
The Church Is Revealed In The
New Testament. The prophecy of Isaiah 2 is fulfilled in
Acts 2 with the establishment of the church. On that day in Acts
2 when folks heard the gospel message, believed it, and obeyed it
“the Lord added to the church daily those who were being
saved” (Acts 2:47). For the first time the church is spoken
of as being in existence.
Based on the society in which we live one might think that the Bible
has spoken about thousands of different churches. However, the
Bible speaks of only “one body” (Eph. 4:4) and the one body
is “the church” (Col. 1:18, 24). In our previous
article we have already noted: 1) The church was planned by God
(Eph. 3:10-11); 2) The church was predicted in the Old Testament
(Isaiah 2:2-3); and 3) The church is revealed in the New Testament
(Acts 2). The Bible also teaches us…
The Church Was Built By Christ.
Jesus said, “and upon this rock I will build my church”
(Matt. 16:18). A reading of Psalm 127:1 reveals, “Unless
the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build
it…” Any church built by someone other than Christ
is not the church Jesus said He would build!
The Church Is Headed By Christ.
Paul wrote, “And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the
church” (Col. 1:18). The church you read about in the Bible
has no human for its head here on earth. Christ has all authority
(Matt. 28:18) and man has no right to add to, take away from, or alter
God’s will in anyway!
The Church Was Purchased By The
Blood Of Christ. The Bible plainly states the church was
purchased “…with His own blood” (Acts 20:28).
Peter affirmed as much by saying we were redeemed “with the
precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot” (1 Peter 1:19).
The church you read about in the Bible has marks of identity by
which one may locate “the one truth church.” In our
previous articles we have already noted: 1) The church was
planned by God (Eph. 3:10-11); 2) The church was predicted in the Old
Testament (Isaiah 2:2-3); and 3) The church is revealed in the New
Testament (Acts 2); 4) The church was built by Christ (Matt. 16:18); 5)
The church is headed by Christ (Col. 1:18); and 6) The church was
purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). The Bible also
teaches us…
The Church Is Christ Possessed.
Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18).
The church belongs to Christ. Paul said, “the churches of
Christ salute you” (Rom. 16:16). Because the church belongs
to Christ, it ought to where His name!
The Church Is Independently
Organized. The church you read about in the Bible had no
earthly centralized headquarters. Each church had its own elders,
deacons, and members (Phil. 1:1). Each local congregation does
its own work.
The Church Is Guided By The
Bible. The Bible is the only book God has given us and it
is able to make us complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There is no need
for man made creed books. The Bible alone is sufficient.
The church you read about in the Bible has marks of identity by
which one may locate “the one truth church.” In our
previous articles we have already noted: The church was planned
by God (Eph. 3:10-11), The church was predicted in the Old Testament
(Isaiah 2:2-3), The church is revealed in the New Testament (Acts 2),
The church was built by Christ (Matt. 16:18) , church is headed by
Christ (Col. 1:18), The church was purchased by the blood of Christ
(Acts 20:28); The church is Christ possessed (Rom. 16:16), The church
is independently organized (Acts 14:23) and The church is guided by the
Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible reveals two more marks of
identity.
The Church Worships In Truth.
A reading of John 4:23-24 reveals, “But the hour is coming, and
now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and
truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit,
and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and
truth.” Unless we worship God as He has directed it is vain
worship (Matt. 15:9).
The Church Teaches The
Lord’s Plan of Salvation. Man is required to hear
the Gospel (Rom. 10:17), believe it (John 8:24), Repent of sin (Lk.
13:3), Confess Christ as the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and be baptized for
the remission of past sins (Acts 2:38). Then God requires His
children to “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Tit.
2:12).
If the church of which you are a member does not have ALL of these
marks of identity then it is not the Lord’s church! These
are marks of identity by which one can locate “the one true
church.” Are you a member of the Lord’s
church?
- Keith Welch
|
