Christ and His Church
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) These are the words of Jesus Christ, spoken to Peter and in the hearing of the rest of the apostles. Please note our Lord used the singular form of the word rock and the singular form of the word church. Therefore, there is but ONE ROCK upon which He built but ONE CHURCH. Regardless of what man desires, regardless of how much argument man wishes to make to the contrary regarding “churches,” this is what Jesus said – one rock upon which He built one church!
Notice He said, “MY church.” Therefore, it belongs to HIM and no one else. Souls who are obedient to the gospel of Christ, that is, have heard, believed, repented of their sins, confessed Christ as being the only begotten Son of God, and have been immersed in the waters of baptism for the remission of their sins (see Acts 2:38 – 47) are a part of His church (1 Peter 1 – 10; 1 Corinthians 12:13; et al), but they do not own it and have no right to change its doctrine or practice. All that is said and done by its members (those comprising this blood-bought body - Acts 20:28) must be with His authority (Colossians 3:17). Further, its members must prove all things and hold fast that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are not permitted to add to His word, nor to deplete from His word (Revelation 22:18 – 19). The inspired Paul said, “And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10) There is no question that Jesus is the head of the body, the church (Colossians 1:18), appointed so by God the Father (Ephesians 1:15 – 23). Thus, man has no authority to add or subtract from the perfection of the Lord’s body, which is the church of Christ!
The word “perfect” in the KJV of the bible usually means “complete.” That being so, then why do so many contend Jesus requires man’s designs to complete (i.e., perfect) His body, kingdom, bride, house – His church? There is not a single institution made by man that the church requires to complete its God-ordained work – not one! Some have contended that statement is not so, for they contend the home is an institution built by God and that the Lord’s church can and does support the home. I challenge you to provide a single passage of New Testament Scripture that says so! While indeed God created man and woman and commanded them to multiply and replenish (i.e., fill) the earth, only in the case of widows indeed is the local church of Christ obligated to provide financial support (1 Timothy 5: 3 – 15). Yes, preachers may be supported by the Lord’s church (1Corinthians 9) but in that same passage, it is not required of the church, and we know even Paul was not averse to making tents. Neither should today’s preachers if they need additional funds to support their families! To be plain, the Lord’s church is authorized to be benevolent to needy saints (2 Corinthians 9), evangelize (1 Corinthians 9; Philippians 4: 10 – 20), and if absolutely necessary, provide for expedient matters (2 Corinthians 8: 1- 15). Not once do we find institutions of man utilized to govern the distribution of these funds; nor do we find authority supporting the support of any man-made institution, regardless of how worthy their intentions of good works.
In years past, and occasionally even now, some “label” me an “anti” as if I am opposed to entertainment (i.e., camps), higher education (i.e., colleges), or care for the fatherless (i.e., orphans) or care for the elderly or infirm (i.e., old folks’ homes, hospitals, etc.) Let me state plainly I am not opposed to any of these entities! I have in the past and continue now to support a variety of these institutions, and frankly, quite generously as my finances will permit. But make no mistake: Finding no authority for the Lord’s church to support such institutions, regardless of their intentions to do good, I cannot support the Lord’s church is using the finances collected by laying by in store upon the first day of the week (1 Corinthians 16: 1- 2) AS A RIGHTEOUS ACTION OF THE CHURCH!
James 1:27 says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Note two things in this passage: 1) The care of orphans and widows is during “their affliction.” That means their immediate care and needs. While pain and heartache due to the memories last, the affliction of their needs will pass. 2) Even institutions operated by members of the Lord’s church must meet the regulations and ordinances of local, state, and federal law. How does supporting these institutions avoid being spotted by the world?
The Lord’s church is unique. It is spiritual (1 Peter 2: 1- 12) and not temporal. Therefore, its rule and regulation, its permissions, and prohibitions are ordered by its spiritual Head, which is Christ Jesus! It isn’t that the Lord’s church is “tight with its money” and/or “coarse with what it believes and teaches,” but rather that we are limited to what we can say and do for the Lord’s cause. (Colossians 3:17) If He hasn’t authorized it, we can neither say it nor do it! (ibid) This isn’t just with the monies collected on the Lord’s Day, but with every action of every member of this sacred body, house, bride, kingdom (all synonymous terms) – His church! Granted, some take liberties in this reality. I fear for them! I’d much rather remain very strict with His word and follow it carefully. After all, it is HIS church – I’m just a part of it!