By Larry Ray Hafley
When disciples of the Lord are faced with questions involving the gospel plan of salvation, they often respond, “What did they do in the New Testament?” When the issues of faith, repentance and baptism are brought to the commands and examples of the New Testament, the answers become clear. They believed on the Lord (Acts 16:31-34); they repented and were “baptized into Jesus Christ,” “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Those who love not the truth can only sneer and jeer.
When brethren are confronted with questions about the worship of the church, they respond, “What did they do in the New Testament?” When it is shown that first century Christians sang praises and made melody in their heart, and that they broke bread “upon the first day of the week” (Acts 20:7; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16), and that they gave freely of their means, without sales and suppers (1 Cor. 16:2), then the truth is out and the contrast with the denominations is plain and glaring.
When saints meet with question regarding the church’s involvement in social and physical recreation with gymnasiums, dining rooms, and ball fields, they frequently ask, “What did they do in the New Testament?” When it is pointed out that the New Testament says nothing about such matters, it becomes impossible to finish this article.
Guardian of Truth XXVII: 9, p. 262
May 5, 1983