Truth Magazine

By Irven Lee

The Lord built His church and paid for it with His blood. He is its head and has all authority in it. It is not my church, your church, or our church. It is not ours to plan its mission or work, nor do we enter it except by pleasing God so that, He of His own free will, adds us to it. We do not plan the terms of enhance any more than we plan the organization, work, or worship. Every one is accepted on the Lord’s terms or he is excluded\from it and has no-inheritance in it (Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; Eph. 5:23-25).

God is no respecter of persons, so He does not reject one because of the color of his skin or the color of his hair. Neither the conduct of his ancestors nor his own past life makes it impossible for him to become a child of God. He can be born of water and of the Spirit and, by the grace of God, enter the kingdom. He can be adopted into this great family and join with other redeemed people in crying, “Abba, Father.” God is interested in one’s present humility and worthy plans for the future. A man’s sins can be washed away in the blood of Christ and be remembered against him no more (Rom. 2:6, 11; John 3:5; Rev. 1:5).

He that believeth not shall be damned. It is absolutely impossible for one who does not believe to please God. There are a few things that we must believe. We must believe that God is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. Unbelievers are without excuse, and the lukewarm who show no zeal for the Lord’s church are an abomination to Him. We are not only to accept God, but we are to accept Jesus as His Son. The well established fact of the resurrection of Christ is the sign of signs to confirm His Sonship. In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. In this land of Bibles there are some who do not believe, so they do not study His word. If we look at this sad fact from another point of view, we could say that some do not study His word, so they do not believe. Faith comes by hearing the word of God. The Bible will produce precious faith in those honest and good hearts who study His word, but it will not produce faith in any one while it lies on the shelf collecting dust (Mark 16:16; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 1:20; Rev. 3:14-22; John 8:24; Col. 2:9; Rom. 10:17).

Repentance is also one of the essential terms of entrance into the church according to the Lord’s own plan. God is not willing that any should perish but that, all should come to repentance. It is a matter of “repent or perish.” God commands all men everywhere to repent, but He leaves man the power to refuse. It is man’s choice. He can set his mind on things above and, by controlling himself, he can press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God. Peter made his Jewish audience, on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, aware of the fact that they had killed the Prince of life and that God had made Him both Lord and Christ. When the Jews were pricked in their hearts and cried for help, they were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Peter was opening the door for those who believed his sermon by using the keys of the kingdom. By accepting the terms given they could enter the kingdom (Luke 13:5; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 17:30; 2:38).

Heaven had no objection to Peter’s giving the terms of entrance to those who had demanded the death of Jesus. Christ had prayed that they might be forgiven. They could now have this and other grievous sins forgiven by the grace of God and the blood of Christ. It was the will of Christ that repentance and the remission of sins should be preached to all nations. This is indeed a great commission, and it reminds us again of the great love of God and of our dying Savior. People may reject repentance and be lost, but they are all invited to gladly receive the word and be saved (Luke 23:34; 24:47).

The goodness of God and the godly sorrow of man lead to repentance, but the godly sorrow is not repentance. The reformed life follows repentance as night follows day, but the reformed life is not repentance. The change of will brought about by the godly sorrow and leading to fruit meet for repentance is what our Lord was commanding when His qualified ambassadors bound repentance as one of the necessary conditions of pardon which makes church membership possible (Rom. 2:4; 2 Cor. 7:10).

It is interesting how so-called Protestant churches can teach salvation by faith only and still recognize repentance as necessary. These two important ideas are not the same. Some can teach salvation by grace only, along with faith only, and still require repentance. The unfortunate addition is the word “only.” We are saved by faith, grace, and repentance, but the word “only” does not belong even at the conclusion of this list. The Church instructed the apostles that they teach baptized believers to observe all things whatsoever He had commanded them. The devil would have us stop short of accepting all the terms of admission to and service in the family of God (Matt. 20:18-20; James 2:14-26; Eph. 2:8).

Our Lord asked the men who thought they had the highest authority at the temple about the baptism of John. He asked if it was from heaven or from men. We might ask about the baptism which is in the name of, or by the authority of, Jesus. Is it from heaven or from men? How could it be of men if it is in the name of Jesus? We should have no room to quibble over its importance or necessity if it is commanded by Jesus who is head over all things to the church. In giving the Great Commission to the apostles, He asked them to teach and baptize all nations. Actually they were to baptize those who would gladly receive the word among all nations, for obedience is individual in nature. Each will give account for the deeds done in his own body at the final judgment. The gospel is to be preached to every creature in all the world, but “he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Every soldier in the army of the Captain of our salvation is a volunteer. None can be scripturally baptized except by his own consent (Matt. 21:23-27; 2 Cor. 5:16; Mk. 16:16).

Peter’s answer to the question of those guilty listeners on the day of Pentecost was important to them, but it has also been very important to all true seekers after the way of safety in the following centuries. If he had his opinion only, or the opinion of some other man or group of men, it would not be very important. If the Holy Spirit guided him in binding the will of the Father and of the Son on earth, it was a very important answer. Those that gladly received the word on that day of Pentecost were baptized. The same has been true of all honest and true men who have had hearts open to receive the word since that day. Everyone: was told to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins. Those who were so guilty and were convinced of their sins were eager to have those sins washed away (Acts 2:36-41, 47).

The Lord added to the church daily those that were being saved. They could eat their bread with gladness and singleness of heart after they were added to the church because only saved people were added, and the Lord was the one who did the adding. He keeps the records; no hypocrite has mocked and deceived Him and, thus, had his name added to the Lamb’s book of life. Men have added the names of some hypocrites to their lists of church members, but God does not go by their lists. He knows what is in man’s heart (Acts 2:47).

When Philip preached Christ to the people of the city of Samaria and confirmed his message by the signs God allowed, there was great joy in that city. When they believed Philip as he taught them concerning the kingdom and the name of Christ, they were baptized. How did they know to be baptized if this picture of the burial and resurrection was not included in preaching the truth about Christ and His kingdom (Acts 8:5-12)?

When Philip received orders which led him to the nobleman from Ethiopia, he preached Jesus to him and, from this one sermon, the sincere man learned to ask for baptism. He was not refused. Philip and the Ethiopian went down into the water, Philip made his way to Caesarea and the new convert went on his way rejoicing. He had changed from the Jewish religion to the teachings of Christ. That is a turning that can be called repentance. He confessed his faith in Christ as the Son of God. Those at Jerusalem on Pentecost, those who heard Philip at Samaria, and the Ethiopian treasurer were baptized as penitent believers.

Saul was a penitent believer after the Christ appeared to him; he was told by Ananias to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins. The same message should be given to all who desire to be saved. The Lord adds the saved to the church. He is no respecter of persons, so the terms are the same for all (Acts 22:4-16).

The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. He left His church on earth with the task of upholding the truth that can make men free. There are, not. two sets of rules, one of which guides a man to salvation and another which guides him in becoming a member of the church. Saved people are added to the church. Each gospel preacher who preached in the days of the apostles taught faith which one was willing to confess with the mouth, repentance which would lead to a new life, and baptism which was a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Sometimes mention may not be made of faith or repentance in the brief accounts of conversions given in the book of Acts, but they are clearly implied from the things said. Baptism is the commandment most often rejected by men, and it is the term most often mentioned. Evidently God knew that men would-tend to reject it, so He was that careful students could not overlook it (Luke 19:10; 1 Tim. 3:15; Rom. 10:9, 10; Rom. 6:1-18).

When God made it abundantly evident that He would accept Gentiles on the same terms that were required of the Jews, Cornelius was commanded to- be baptized. The Philippian jailer and his family were baptized after Paul and Silas preached the word of the Lord to them. They also believed and repented. The faith is mentioned, and their actions necessarily implied the repentance. Lydia and her household were baptized when their hearts were opened by God’s truth. Many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptized. Let all of us follow the Bible pattern. Men have offered many plans, but the Bible is right. None is in the church except those who have entered through the strait gate into the narrow way that leads to life (Acts 10:47; 48; 16:30-34; 16:14, 15).

Questions

1. Can we enter the church by doing our own will? How, then, do we enter?
2. What must one believe to be pleasing to God?
3. Is it enough to accept God and not accept Jesus as His Son? Why?
4. In commanding all men everywhere to repent, what has God required of man?
5. On the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ, what did Peter tell the Jews they should do to be saved?
6. Is godly sorrow repentance?
7. What did Christ instruct the apostles to teach all bap tized believers?
8. Who does the adding to the church and who is added?
9. Will all whose names are on lists as church members be added to the Lamb’s book of life? Why?
10. What did each gospel preacher, in the days of the apostles, teach about faith, repentance and baptism?

Truth Magazine XXIV: 1, pp. 14-17
January 3, 1980

By Leslie Diestelkamp

The Bible says, “Worship God,” and it is the responsibility of Christians to discern from the written Word what God wants us to do to express that worship and how He wants us to express it. By precept, approved example and necessary inference, the New Testament reveals the will of God in this matter. Any departure from that which is therein revealed becomes an apostasy. Consequently, each item of apostasy that will be mentioned in this article is indeed a departure from authorized practice. These items constitute departure because (1) authorized activity is omitted, (2) unauthorized activity is added, or (3) scriptural activity is done in a wrong way.

Apostasy is a failure to follow apostolic directives, either by omission or commission. In this article, we shall consider apostasies in public expressions of worship by assembled Christians.

Processes of Apostasy

History indicates that most apostasies. have come through misunderstanding, disrespect or human wisdom. History also shows that most apostasies have come by a very gradual process-step by step, even short step by short step. In view of this process, we must recognize every small departure, not only for what it is, but also for what it may become. George A. Klingman, in Church History for Busy People (p.92), said, “…the changes in the form of worship were brought about gradually and under great protest, destroying not only the original simplicity but also the spiritual unity which characterized the worship of the first Christians.”

Departures from scriptural worship not only came by the short-step method, but also by repeated processes. This is what I mean: After almost every effort at reform and-or restoration, the same processes that had previously brought apostasy were repeated, leading again to departure. Even sincere and well-intentioned people do not seem to learn the lessons of history! While pleading for reformation and hoping for restoration, people are usually caught in Satan’s subtle snare-the magnetic appeal of human wisdom.

One of the most devastating characteristics of departure is the historical fact that trends toward apostasy are usually irreversible. History will bear out that, once churches begin a trend toward unauthorized worship, the trend usually becomes an avalanche, a landslide, or a catastrophe! Therefore, it is very important, as we enter the ninth decade of this twentieth century, that we determine to avoid even the slightest trend toward unauthorized activities in worship.

Departures in the Denominations

Of course, denominationalism is, in itself, a great departure from apostolic ways. But denominations usually become actualities because of apostasies regarding the nature, the action, and the organization of such bodies. Hence, departures in worship have often been consummated within those existing denominations because of their already demonstrated rejection of the full authority of the New Testament.

Klingman, in his Church History for Busy People, quotes the renounced historian Mosheim (p. 46) thusly, “There is no institution so pure and excellent which the corruption and folly of man will not in time alter for the worse, and load with additions foreign to its nature and original design. Such, in a particular manner, was the fate of Christianity. In this century (the second) many unnecessary rites and ceremonies were added to the Christian worship, the introduction of which was extremely offensive to wise and good men.” A few examples of these departures are as follows:

1. The Lord’s supper, because of its utter simplicity as a memorial to the death of Christ (1 cor. 11:24-26), was almost immediately susceptible to changes to satisfy the vanity and the wisdom of men. For instance, in the early centuries, a number of various beliefs seemed to prevail regarding the actual presence of the body of Christ in the bread of the Lord’s table; but only in 1215 was it declared to be the only true doctrine by Innocent III, the Pope. This is called the doctrine of “transubstantiation.” About this same time, the practice began and developed of giving the people only the bread. In the course of time, “the Mass” took the place of the simple remembrance in the Lord’s supper. The Mass came to mean the perpetual sacrifice in which the body and blood of Jesus Christ are actually offered to God today.

2. Instead of the congregational singing authorized in the New Testament and practiced in apostolic days, a performance or display for entertainment gradually began to prevail. One sincere Catholic lady told me many years ago that “we no longer go to do our religion, but to see and hear it done.”

3. The appeal to human vanity naturally led to the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship. A priest in the Greek Catholic church, who was himself a native of Greece, told me thirty years ago that there is no authority for the use of the instruments, in the New Testament, but that “we brought it in in the third and fourth centuries to please the pagans.” Indeed, the earliest references to use of instruments of music in worship seem to be in the second century, but then even the introduction of the flute or harp caused so much trouble that it was generally avoided for some centuries. Some great reformers of the sixteenth century considered the organ as a monument of idolatry.

4. In this twentieth century, some modern denominations have almost completely abandoned spiritual singing in favor of instrumental concerts and other instrumental extravaganzas.

5. In like manner, the modern denominations have perverted the Lord’s supper in at least three ways: (1) by relegating its observance to monthly, quarterly or annually; (2) by the other extreme of making it a means of forgiveness of sins; and (3) by making its observance available in buffet style – the table is always set and anyone may help himself at any time!

Departures In the Lord’s Church

Historically, even the body of Christ drifts toward denominationalism via departures in organization and doctrine, but the step-by-step changes in principles and processes of worship also are observed among the most sincere and devoted. After great strides toward restoration of first century religion and after some of the most significant evangelistic fruitfulness in modern history, the great emphasis upon a “revealed religion” became contaminated by the following departures in worship:

1. In the nineteenth century the Melodian and then the Organ were introduced in Kentucky and Missouri over much protest, but in just a few decades, pianos became common and stringed instruments, orchestras, etc. were gradually brought in too.

2. During those same decades, the congregational singing was often gradually supplemented by solos, choirs and recitals. The trend was not only toward non-involvement of the majority of the assemblies but also toward a display of musical refinement unrelated to spiritual worship.

3. Among God’s people, in this twentieth century, there has been considered trend toward formalism and ritualism, especially regarding the Lord’s supper; thus, (1) there is a tendency to make it a criteria for forgiveness, and (2) there is a trend that minimizes the “togetherness” that was an obvious characteristic of the observance of the Lord’s supper in the days of the apostles (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:17, 18, 20; 14:23).

4. The observance of the Lord’s supper throughout the week and the taking of collections at any time are other departures among some brethren, and even many who do not practice this will not militantly oppose such.

Conclusion

That there is a continuing and ever-present necessity for restoration to New Testament principles of worship can hardly be denied. There must be a constant call, “Back to the Bible,” in every generation and even in every decade.

Let us look with genuine honesty at our own attitudes and activities that have to do with our worship. The New Testament completely provides for our every necessity even in worship, and we have the solemn obligation of discerning the message of God therein revealed. Sincerity must be recognized for its worth as an essential quality of worship, but it must also be recognized for its worthlessness for authority. Zeal must be identfied as an important quality for fruitfulness but it must also be identified as the culprit that will destroy our scriptural worship if that zeal is not bridled.

As we worship God by expressing the homage in our hearts in the, study of the Word, in singing praises, in prayers, in the remembrance of the Lord’s supper, and in giving of our material means, I personally urge that we keep a very close watch regarding the latter two. Let us be sure our giving is not only generous and cheerful but that it is purposeful (1 Cor. 16:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:7, 8). And Let us be sure that custom and convenience do not combine to distort our proper view of the Lord’s supper. Let us be sure that human wisdom does not obscure the very intentof the Lord and the very instruction of the apostles regarding this memorial feast .that serves in a very precise way to bring the people of God together each week.

Questions

1. How is it possible for a Christian to discern what God wants in worship?
2. In what three ways is the will of God revealed?
3. What is apostasy?
4. Why have most apostasies come about?
5. Discuss departures that have taken place in (a) Lord’s Supper and (b) singing, both in denominations and in the church.
6. How can zeal be an important quality for fruitfulness and also be able to destroy our scriptural worship?
7. Name what apostasies you can think of in the following items of worship:

a. Prayer.

b. Singing.

c. Giving.

d. Preaching the word.

e. Lord’s Supper.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 1, pp. 12-14
January 3, 1980

By Keith Sharp

As the Bible unveils the nature and will of God to man, one of the great themes of the Scriptures is worship. Yet, amazingly, although the Word of God tells us Whom to worship and how to worship Him, it never commands us simply to worship. Man, in each age, civilization and location, with a spirit in the image of his Creator and with a yearn for fellowship with his Maker, naturally worships something (Acts 17:22, 23).

Christians properly recognize that one Being and one alone is worthy of our worship – God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe (Acts 10:25, 26; Rev. 19:10). But, how are we to worship God?

We must first define “worship.” The Hebrew word commonly translated “worship” in the Old Testament means “to bow down, do obeisance, serve.” Thus, the psalmist exhorted:

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker (Psa. 95:6).

The Greek word rendered “worship” in the New Testament is parallel, signifying “to kiss the hand to (toward) one, to be reverential, pious, to serve, to venerate, to do homage; make obeisance” (cf. Rev. 11:16). Thus, to worship God is to humble oneself before Him in recognition of the Lord’s infinite greatness while seeking communion with the Father in recognition of the fact that we are His offspring.

The Church of Christ is a New Testament institution. The same blood of Christ which ratified the New Covenant (Matt. 26:28) also purchased the Church (Eph. 5:25-27). That Will of Christ is its only law (Col. 3:17).

Prior to the establishment of the New Testament, people acceptably employed various acts of worship such as sacrificing animals, dancing, shouting and playing musical instruments in worship of Jehovah (cf. 2 Sam. 6:12-15). But this is irrelevant in seeking how the Lord’s church is to venerate the Father pleasingly. We must appeal to the law of Christ, the New Testament, as our guide to acceptable worship.

In John 4:19-24, Jesus taught an adulterous Samaritan woman the principles of New Testament worship. Acceptable worship is offered by “true worshipers” (v. 23), i.e., those who render homage to “the Father in spirit and in truth” (vv. 23, 24). What is worship “in spirit”? The Apostle Paul urges us to be “fervent in spirit” (Rom. 12:11). This means to have an attitude of zeal. Thus, to venerate God “in spirit” is to do so with the right attitude, “from the heart.” As the sweet singer of old proclaimed, “. . . I will praise the Lord with my whole heart . . .” (Psa. 111:1). It is a useless farce to sit in an assembly and mindlessly day dream or irreverently whisper and pass notes while others engage in worship around you. Such is an insult to the divine majesty. One’s intellect and emotions must both heartily enter into the worship.

What is worship “in truth”? The Word of God “is truth” (Jn. 17:17). It is our standard of acceptable worship. We must do homage to God in the way He teaches in His Word. It is wrong to reason “we all worship the same God, but in different ways.” We must all worship the same God in the way He has appointed. When one worships according to his own desires, rather than in harmony with the New Testament, he is guilty of “will-worship” (Col. 2:20-23). He actually venerates his own desires rather than God. To worship the Father in truth we must venerate Him in the way He teaches in His Word.

True worship is “in spirit,” i.e., with the right attitude, “from the heart.” What are the characteristics of worship that is truly “in spirit”?

Such veneration is “with understanding” (I Cor. 14:14, 15). To so worship, we must comprehend what is said and done, appreciate the significance of each act of worship and think about what we are doing. For example, the sermon should be in language simple enough to be understood, and the hearers should realize that it is being spoken for their edification and listen attentively and critically.

Worship in spirit is orderly. Some worshipers seem to place a premium on confusion and disorder. Many members of the church think worship should be “spontaneous.” The order of worship is constantly varied, if, indeed, any order at all is maintained. The majority of those in the assembly have no idea what will happen next. Some advocate just doing whatever comes to mind, whenever it comes to mind. But, the inspired apostle Paul warns:

. . . God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (1 Cor. 14:33).

He commands, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (v. 40). It is wrong to bind a certain order of worship, but it is equally sinful to stagger through the assembly in a sloppy, slovenly, slipshod manner. Order is not bad. It is commanded of God.

Proper worship is “reverent,” i.e., respectful unto God.

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him (Psa. 89:7; cf. Heb. 12:28, 29).

We should dress in a respectful manner. Would you wear the kind of clothes in an assembly where the President of our nation is present that you wear in the assemblies where Christ the great King is a guest? We should act and speak respectfully before God. Our prayers should be with the most reverential language we are capable of uttering.

This worship is sincere. We should assemble out of love for God and desire to commune with Him. David was glad to worship God (Psa. 122:1). Is the hour of worship a drudgery or an occasion of happiness for you? We should not engage in items of worship just to be seen and praised of men (Matt. 6:1, 5). Do you worship to be seen of men or of God?

The beauty in worship which the Lord demands is “the beauty of holiness” (Psa. 29:2). To be “holy” is to be set apart from sin. Christians are a “holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). God does not require that you possess a beautiful voice in order to sing His praises, but He does command that you possess a beautiful life. One cannot live a sinful life and offer. holy worship unto God. You cannot live for the devil six days a week and expect the Father to accept your worship on the first day of the week.

Worship in spirit is instructional. One major reason Christians assemble is “to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24, 25). In our assemblies, “Let all things be done unto edifying” (1 Cor. 14:26). Every act of worship in the assembly should be for the express purpose of instructing and building up the saints, not for entertaining.

Finally, when we worship the Father in spirit, we put pomp aside. The vain show of beautiful sounding choruses, the appeal of expensive decorations and ornate buildings and the worldly lure of liturgy and ceremony have no place in simple, devout New Testament worship. Such “pomp and circumstance” is an appeal to the flesh, whereas true worship is an appeal to the spirit of man (Rom. 8:5-8).

Do you worship the Father in spirit?     Worship In Spirit With understanding Orderly Reverent Sincere Holy Instructional Pomp aside

True worship, homage which pleases God, is to be “in truth” as well as “in spirit.” To be “in truth,” our veneration of the Father must be in harmony with His Word. What acts of worship does the New Testament authorize for Christians?

God approves the teaching and preaching of His Word. When the disciples at Troas had assembled for public worship, “Paul preached unto them” (Acts 20:7). The evangelist is required to “preach the word,” not his opinions, humorous stories, deathbed tales, human philosophy or denominational creeds (2 Tim. 4:1-5).

The Lord authorizes “laying by in store,” i.e., the contribution, as an act of public worship in the first day of the week assembly of the saints (1 Cor. 16:1, 2). This passage reveals five essentials covering the contribution and how the church is to solicit the money with which to perform its work. When are we go give? “Upon the first day of the week . . . .” Who is to lay by in store? “. . . every one of you . . . .” What should we do? “. . . lay be in store . . .” (i.e., give as stewards to receive blessings from our Lord for serving Him). How should we give? “. . . as God hath prospered him . . . .” Why should the contribution be taken? “. . . that there be no gatherings when I come . . .” (i.e., so that the congregation may discharge its mission without an emergency contribution).

True worship includes partaking of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of His sacrifice on our behalf (1 Cor. 11:23-26). This memorial feast is to be eaten by Christians in the assembly on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Just as the command to the Jews to “remember the Sabbath day” (Ex. 20:8) meant each Sabbath day, even so the apostolic approved example of breaking bread “upon the first day of the week” includes each first day of the week.

We should also pray in our veneration of God. Prayer is an essential part of public worship (Acts 20:36). Christians should pray everywhere (1 Tim. 2:8).

Finally, the will of Christ teaches singing as a proper act of worship (Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26; Acts 16:25; Rom. 15:9; 1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:18, 19; Col. 3:16; Heb. 2:12; Jas. 5:13). God has specified the kind of music He desires -singing (vocal) (Eph. 5:19). This eliminates the only other kind of music – playing (instrumental). He also made known the types of songs are to employ – “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (Ibid).

 

 

Our Father will accept only one kind of veneration “true” worship. Such homage is “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:23, 24). Is your worship acceptable unto God? Do you worship the Father in spirit and in truth?

Questions

1. What is the meaning of the Hebrew word commonly translated “worship” in the Old Testament?
2. What is the meaning of the Greek word rendered “worship” in the New Testament?
3. What is worship “in spirit”?
4. What is worship “in truth”?
5. What is worship “with understanding”?
6. Should congregational worship be spontaneous? If’ not, why not?
7. Name the acts of worship the New Testament authorizes for Christians.
8. There are five essentials covering the contribution and how the church is to solicit money to carry out its work revealed in 1 Cor. 16:1, 2. Name and discuss these.
9. Has God specified the kind of music He desires? If so, where is it specified?

Truth Magazine XXIV: 1, pp. 10-12
January 3, 1980

By Dennis C. Abernathy

In our age when the church is thought of as some unimportant, outdated, or take-it-or-leave-it institution, it becomes very important for us to investigate what the Scriptures have to say pertaining to it. It is so important that we stress the beauty of, the wisdom behind, the importance, and essentiality of the blood-bought church of our Lord.

In the beginning, it will be good for us to define just what a metaphor is. Webster says it is “a figure of speech by which one word is employed for another of which it is the image; a method of speech, or description, which likens one object to another by referring to it as if it were the other.” So, the Bible gives us a good “description” of the church, and we shall study it as follows: (1) The Body of Christ, (2) The Kingdom of God, (3) The Household of God, (4) The Temple of God, and (5) The Vineyard of The Lord.

The Body of Christ

In Ephesians 1:22-23, we read, “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” In Colossians 1:18, we find, “And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” Then in verse 24, “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church.” From these passages we establish the fact that the church is the body of Christ, or that the body of Christ is the church.

Often we hear that “one church is just as good as another” or “God is working through all of the various churches,” leaving the impression that God is pleased with all of the churches or denominations that we see. What does the Book of God say? In Ephesians 4:4, it says, “There is one body . . . .” In Romans 12:4-5 we read, “for as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” This refers to the individual members of the body (church), showing that each has a function. But we emphasize the fact that it says one body! The apostle Paul emphasizes this same point in 1 Corinthians 12:20 when he says, “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” How many churches are there today? The Bible is plain! There is one body, hence there is one church.

But as we progress further, we find that Christ is the Head of the body, the church. What would a body be without a head? What are the accomplishments of a body with an idiotic head? It would be apt to do anything, without proper direction. So it is with the church! We see churches today with men as their founders, their heads or their presidents. They have more respect for what these men (or women) say than do the words of the Lord. How far will churches go? Just as far as the human heads direct them to go!

The Bible says that Christ is “the head over all things to the church” (Eph. 1:22). Think of your physical body. Your body reacts as it receives orders from your head, your mind. So it is with the church. It is “subject to Christ” (Eph. 5:24). In other words, the body of Christ or the church of Christ takes orders from its head. This leaves no room whatsoever for man to set himself up as head, president or founder of some church. Remember, too, this subjection is “in all things.” Our liberal brethren need to learn that the church is “subject unto Christ . . . in every thing.” Who would have thought that members of the church of Christ would say, “We don’t have to have authority for every thing we do”? How sad!

Christians, as members, make up the body of Christ. Just as the proper functioning of our physical body is important to the function of the whole body, so it is with the body of Christ. Every member (joint) has a work to do, or must supply his/her part (Eph. 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:14-19; 21-23). The body cannot function without the members. It is not the function of the hand to do the work of the leg or the eye to do the work of the foot, etc. One Christian cannot do the work of another. The church needs workers, not shirkers!

But this body not only needs to work (every joint supplying its part) but it needs to work together! Schism, discord, division, strife – none of these things – should be found in the body of Christ. There should be interest, love, and care for one another (1 Cor. 12:24-27). How sad to see churches today torn asunder by strife and discord! Oh yes, they are teaching the truth on the “issues” as well as on other things, but they just do not practice what they preach due to the bad attitude and lack of love toward and for each other.

Are you a member of the body of Christ? If not, you are lost! Does that sound hard? No more hard than the Bible. It teaches that the body is made up of the saved (Eph. 5:23). If Christ is the savior of the body, what is your condition, my friend, if you are not in the body? Think of yourself as being unreconciled to God (at odds with or in His disfavor). But learn that we are “reconciled to God in one body” (Eph. 2:16).

How do I become a member of the one body? By obedience to the gospel (Rom. 1:16). The initial steps are belief (Jn. 3.16), repentance (Lk. 13:3), confession (Rom. 10:9-10) and baptism (Acts 2:38). The final step puts one into the body, the church (1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:41, 47).

The Kingdom of God

This description of the church has to do with its government. It is a kingdom. First, let me say that the kingdom does exist today and it is the same as the church. Do not be deceived by the error that says Christ was unable to set up His kingdom; hence, He left the church here instead and will one day come back to set up His kingdom. That is not what the Bible teaches, but the vain imaginations of men.

The kingdom exists today because we are “translated into the kingdom of his dear son” (Col. 1:13). One could not be in something that did not exist! (Read also Rev. 1:9.) Also we note that one becomes a citizen of the kingdom in the same way that he becomes a member of the one body (John 3:5; Acts 2).

One of the problems people have with the kingdom/church designation is the failure to understand that Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, and not an earthly, material kingdom (John 18:36; Lk. 17:20-21).

When we think of a kingdom, we think of a king. Christ, of course, is king over His kingdom (Lk. 23:1-3; Jno. 18:37). He is reigning on His throne now (Lk. 1:32-33) with all authority (Matt. 28:18-20) at the right hand of God (1 Pet. 3:22); hence, He is the “blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Dear reader, if the kingdom is not here now, then Christ is not King, and He is not reigning on His throne at the right hand of God and He has no law. Who can believe it? Such a doctrine strips Christ of His authority, as well as of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him.

When we think of the church as a kingdom with Christ as the King, then we (Christians) deem ourselves as His subjects (or citizens in the kingdom). “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God” (Eph. 1:19). As citizens, we must do the will of the Lord. God’s real spiritual kingdom, where Christ rules in the heart, must be entered by doing God’s will; all who remain as citizens in that kingdom must do His Will (Matt. 7 :21).

As we enter the kingdom (through the new brith), we must unite under the banner of our King (Lk. 11:17) and go forth to do battle against His enemies, realizing that we will be victorious in the end (2 Thess. 1:5-10).

The Household of God

This is a metaphor describing the church as the family of God. “But in case I am delayed, I write so that you nay know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth” (1 Tim. 3:15 see also Heb. 3:6). God is the Father of His household (Matt. 23:9) and Christ is a Son over the House of God. “But Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Heb. 3:6). Then, further in Hebrews 2:11-12, we see that we, as Christians, are His brethren.

What are we talking about? God’s family, the church! Those who have been obedient to the truth are God’s children (Gal. 3:26-27), His household, His famly, His church. God has no children outside His family; hence, those outside the church are not members of the family of God. Ephesians 2:19 says, “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

Think, for a moment, of the family relationship or tie. The well-ordered or close-knit family is one that has respect for the family name, they would do nothing to damage it in any way. So it is with God’s children. Our life should always be in keeping with that royal family name we wear (Eph. 5:6; 1 Peter 1:14). Also think of the love that holds the family together. Love will cause us to work for a brother or sister to the uttermost and to see past the faults to the good. We are to love our brethren (1 Jno. 4:7); this love is explained to us in the thirteenth chapter of the First Corinthian letter. How sad it is to see families torn asunder; but what a sad spectacle indeed to see the household of God torn asunder with division, strife and confusion! On and on we could go with comparisons of the human family with God’s spiritual family or house – the church of God.

The Temple of God

When we think of the temple, our minds go back to the temple built by Solomon for the purpose of God meeting and communing with His people. The church of the Lord is the antitype of Solomon’s temple. It would be good.for the reader to go back and study the temple; its construct”bn (the materials and the pattern) and then make the proper analogies.

Suffice it to say that the temple of God (the church of the Living God) must be built according to the pattern given. Does anyone believe that God has not given a pattern by which the temple (or church) is to be built? (Read Ex. 25:40 and Heb. 8:1-5.) This is the problem in the religious world today. Men have built churches according to thier own pattern and it is all in vain. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. . .” (Psa. 127:1). The pattern for denominational bodies may be found in their various creed books and manuals, but the pattern fox the NeN Testament church is found in the New Testament!

In Ephesians 2:20-22, we read: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord: in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.” In I Corinthians 3:11, Paul said, “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Put these together and we have Christ as the foundation and chief corner stone which the apostles and prophets laid and upon which they themselves rest. We know that a building is just as strong as its foundation. The temple of God has Christ as the foundation and is built thereupon. “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). Of course, those who become “living stones” in this house or temple are those who are obedient (he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded, v. 6). Those who are disobedient (or who stumble at his word, v. 8) are no part of this magnificent building!

When you build a house, you must build upon the foundation with the blocks being cemented together in their proper place. So it is with the temple of God. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). If you began to pull stones out of the wall, the building will be weakened and will eventually crumble. So it is in the church. Every “lively stone” or “joint” has a work to do or must supply its part toward the building up of the body of Christ and not toward the tearing it down! When we think of the temple we think of worship. Christians are a royal priesthood who offer up spiritual sacrifices in worship unto God (1 Pet. 2:5).

The Vineyard of the Lord

When we think of a vineyard, we think of fruit-bearing as well as a place of labor. We, as Christians, are workers in God’s vineyard. God has given us a work to do (Eph. 2:10); we, as the sons of God, are to work in our Father’s vineyard (Matt. 21:28-31).

Let me emphasize to you the need to “work in His vineyard.” It is not enough just to work; we must work in His Vineyard! Eph. 3:21 says, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.” Many religious people today are working at many endeavors, but God is not receiving the glory because they are not working in His vineyard. Brethren today are working through various institutions, and enterprizes (outside His vineyard) all the while claiming to work for the Master.

Also, we need to realize the need to be faithful laborers in His vineyard. This involves fruit-bearing. “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God” (Rom. 7:4). “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (Jn. 15:8).

There is little doubt that there are many stragglers (the indifferent and lukewarm) who are wandering around in the vineyard, but they are not faithful laborers! What about them? (Read Jno. 15:2, 6.) But let us pray as the Lord instructed, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest” (Lk. 10:2). The reward or wages will be well worth it. “Say not ye, there are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (Jn. 4:35-36). (Read also 1 Cor. 15:58.)

Conclusion

In summation of these metaphors or descriptive phrases, we find the “fellowship feature” set forth in the body of Christ, the “government feature” in the kingdom of God, the “family feature” in the household of God, the “worship feature” in the temple of God, and the “fruit-bearing” or “laboring” feature in the vineyard of the Lord. There are other metaphors of the church, but we do not have the space to comment upon them. It is our prayer that this article has helped you in some small way to understand better the descriptions of the church given in the gospel.

Questions

1. What is a metaphor?
2. Describe the body of Christ by comparing it to the human body.
3. Comment upon the one body in comparison with the many churches today!
4. How does one enter the one body (church)?
5. How does we know that the kingdom exists today and that the church and kingdom are the same?
6. If the kingdom does not exist today, is Christ King? Is He reigning? Does He have all authority?
7. Discuss briefly the doctrine of premillennialism.
8. Does God have children outside His family or household?
9. Who is the foundation of the temple of God?
10. What kind of workers are we to be in the vineyard of the lord?
11. Study further and see how many more metaphors of the church you can find in the Bible.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 1, pp. 6-9
January 3, 1980