Truth Magazine

By Roy E. Cogdill

In last week’s article we set forth the simple pattern of New Testament church organization. 1. Christ is the head over all things to the church-the only head it has and his authority the only authority in it (Eph. 1:21-23). 2. Believers who were saved by their obedience to the Gospel in every community where it was preached were added together to constitute the “church of Christ” in that community (Acts 2:41-47; Acts 4:4, 32; Acts 5:14; Acts 6:7; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:19-26; Acts 14:21-23; Acts 16:4-5; Acts 15:41; Rom. 16:4; Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Cor. 8:1, 19, 23; 2 Cor. 11:8, 28; 2 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 1:22; 1 Thess. 2:14; 2 Thess. 1:4; Rev. 1:4, 11, 20; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Rev. 3:6, 13, 22; Rev. 22:16).

In all of these above passages, the reference is to the community of saved believers who constituted the church in the particular locality or area mentioned. This means that repeatedly in the New Testament the arrangement made by divine wisdom for the church, as a body, unaffiliated with any other in any manner, except in a common faith, salvation, and relationship with deity, existed and carried on the work and worship of the Lord. This is all that is found in the way of an organic body in New Testament scriptures, that is, that can be identified with the church of our Lord.

We have learned, further, that each of these “churches of Christ” had the same organization: (1) elders, bishops, or pastors in every church (Acts 14:23); (2) that they were made up of Saints (Phil. 1:1. 1 Cor. 1:1-2); (3) and that they had men who served in a special sense called deacons (Phil. 1:1. 1 Tim. 3:8-13). Both elders and deacons were men chosen by a divine standard of qualifications and appointed to do the work ordained of the Lord for them to do. Both are essential to the maturity of the church, therefore, and to a proper respect for God’s plan for the operation of the church in its fullest capacity. No man has the right to dismiss these divine appointments any more than any other in the church and it is just as much a matter of apostasy to teach there is no need for them today as to pervert this local organization to serve a brotherhood plan and purpose. Both evidence disrespect for divine authority.

The Work of the Elders

The New Testament teaches concerning the work of “elders,” “bishops,” or “pastors” that they are to have the oversight of the church. These three terms are used interchangeably in Acts 20:17-28. They were the same men in the Ephesian church and doing the same work. The words come from three words in the original language of the New Testament: “elder” is from presbuteros; “bishop” from episcopos; and “pastor”from poimenas. The word presbuteros is defined as it is used concerning this organization of the church –“(3) in the Christian churches, those who, being raised up and qualified by the work of the Holy Spirit, were appointed to have the spiritual care of, and to exercise oversight over the churches. To these the term bishops, episkopoi, or overseers, is applied (see Acts 20:17-28, and Titus 1:5-7), the latter term indicating the nature of their work, presbuteroi, their maturity of spiritual experience. The divine arrangement seen throughout the New Testament was for a plurality of these to be appointed in each church” (An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine).

It is sometimes contended that the word “elder” means only older men. There can be no question that the term presbuteros is sometimes used to denote age, or a person advanced in life. But it does not always mean that and it never makes simply physical age a qualification of “elders” to oversee the work of the churches except as physical age is required in order to develop Christian experience and maturity and to keep one from being a “novice” or a new hand (1 Tim. 3:6).

It is also contended that the work of elders or bishops belonged only to the age of miracles and passed away with that age and that God has not ordained that such should exist in the work of the church today. The men who ordinarily so contend think, however, that the work of an “evangelist” has continued and they have no hesitancy assuming such a work and even becoming officious in their very attitude as such. The fact is that no passage teaches that elders were to cease in the churches when miracles ceased or that the work of an elder in the New Testament day was dependent upon some miraculous endowment any more than any work of the church. In New Testament days all who were charged with special responsibility in the Lord’s Church were distributed extraordinary endowments that they might under the direction of divine guidance perform their service and demonstrate to men the divine will. In this we see that the divine pattern of church government or supervision did not include the continuation of these extraordinary endowments but rather called for their discontinuation when revelation had been fully completed and the church had come to maturity through the knowledge of the divine will (1 Cor. 13:8-13; Eph. 4:7-16).

Under these qualified men the churches of the New Testament day carried out their divine mission. This government was adequate to the fulfillment of God’s purposes in His churches then and it is adequate now. When this divine pattern (elders in every church) is not followed, then the church is left without any play. or means of carrying out the will of the Lord and at the mercy of every novice, untaught, unscrupulous, self-willed, individual that aspires to “greatness in the Kingdom of God” through prominence or by the exercise of authoritative direction or control. The church without this divine pattern of government is “without form and void,” like the earth was before God set things in order in the beginning. Majority control is the only alternative to dictatorial power in the hands of a few (sometimes only one) who assume the right to direct the affairs of the church, when the church has no organization after the divine pattern.

God has assigned the work of elders in the churches of Christ. They have no primary authority to exercise or residual right to direct the work of the Lord’s Church by their own will. Like all other Christians who serve in any capacity they are prescribed, bound, limited, and restrained by what the Lord authorizes and can move only in harmony with his will. One of the qualifications laid down in the word of God is that they must not be “self-willed” men (Tit. 1:7). When any man uses the office of “bishop” to have his own way or to follow his own will, he is not fit to be an elder for the reason that he is disqualified by such a disposition. The fact that there are men who mistakenly are selected or appointed and have such disposition and abuse the privilege of so serving the Lord does not mean that we have the license or right to dispense with the divine plan. There are unworthy preachers too. Must we dispense with preaching the Gospel? There are also apostate churches, so shall we just dismiss the idea of having the church in existence today. There is no justification in running past Jerusalem in trying to avoid Rome and knocking ourselves out on the walls of Jericho. One extreme is no more right than another.

(To be continued)

Truth Magazine XIX: 50, pp. 793-794
October 30, 1975

By Dennis L. Shaver

Men, who consider themselves religious, have devised many ways in which believers in Christ can be united. The cry is “unity,” “unity.” And yet, the ways of unity devised by man can never accomplish the oneness for which Christ prayed in Jn. 17:20-23. Because men are so concerned with “false unity,” they have rejected “true unity,” which can be obtained through God’s way. All one has to do is fill in the blank at the top of this article, and he has devised yet another way for “unity.” Although there are many different schemes to attain “false unity,” there are two we hear more often than riot.

Unity Through Diversity

The definition of diversity is: “1. the state of being diverse, dissimilitude. 2. Variety; a diversity of interests. synonyms: change, difference” (Funk and Wagnalls p. 372, Vol. I). A major denominational group started this kind of thinking long ago, but now it is considered “fashionable” and “keeping up,” to adopt such reasoning. The trick with this kind of unity is to accept everything about nothing, or anything about everything. It is really the same old denominational song of “it doesn’t make any difference” being put into practice. All denominations used to say it does not make any difference, but not all really believed it. Now, they are practicing what they have been preaching. This type of reasoning can produce union, but it will never produce unity. If Solomon were alive today he would say of such reasoning: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death” (Prov. 16:25).

Unity Through Love

Brotherhood and love for all people will supposedly conquer all differences-especially religious ones. Those who profess unity through love act as though love has magical powers in causing differences to disappear. This “false unity” actually hides differences in a cloud of “false love.” It is an easy way out of proving what you believe is what the Bible teaches. When you love someone (as they define love) you will not tell him when he is wrong, and you will never bring up any differences you have; even if you feel strongly about them. Through this form of “false unity” one is never called upon to defend his particular doctrine. One thing we must say for this form of “false unity,” it is very convenient. Especially is this true for those who teach and practice things without authority from God’s word. The best thing this type of reasoning will produce is a surface love. It will not produce love that is needed to obtain “true unity.” As the prophet of God, Jeremiah said: “O, Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23).

Unity through Truth

Now here is a novel way. Unity through truth. It has not been tried, but it is the only way unity will be attained. There can be no unity where there is no truth. Someone might ask, “Why hasn’t this way been tried?” Because this is the way God provided and man always tries his way first. “For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8,9). This is a much quoted, but little understood passage of Scripture. Man is determined to put his thinking and reasoning above the ways and thoughts of God. Until man gives up his “false unity” ideas, there can be no “true unity” for which Christ prayed.

To accept unity through truth, all religious denominations, and even some of our own brethren, would have to give up their unscriptural creeds and practices and unite upon the word of God, the Bible. I am afraid however, that they do not desire unity. What they really want is a way to go ahead and do what they want without anyone calling them into question for a “thus saith the Lord.” A truce is what they want, and not unity. There will never be unity as long as each different group teaches its own doctrine and does “its own thing” in rebellion against God. The apostle Paul declares, “Now I beseech you brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye. all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).

The Corinthians had the same problem as those in denominations, and even some of our brethren, do today-a desire to be true to some organization rather than true to God’s word. Until men give up this attitude, “unity” will never be attained. Unity cannot be accomplished until every individual decides that he wants unity and he is willing to give up whatever he must in order to have it.

The apostle Peter declared, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God . . . ” (1 Pet. 4:11). Of course this would mean giving up such things as instrumental music, sponsoring churches, fellowship halls, youth recreations financed by the church, etc. Why? Because none of these practices, and many more, are unauthorized by God’s word. Their authority is “Where did God say not to?” Such cannot be our plea if we are to be united through truth.

Only by accepting God’s word as truth (Jno. 8:32; 17:17), our guide (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Psa. 119:105), and our standard for unity and authority (2 Pet. 1:3; Jno. 12:48; Matt. 28:18), can we be truly “united.” Until all men will accept truth as the basis for unity, there can be no unity. Truth will not allow compromise. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:36).

This is God’s plan and way for unity-unity through truth. We must all desire unity because Christ prayed for it. However, we cannot allow this desire for unity cause us to compromise or minimize truth. Yes, we desire unity, but only on God’s terms.

Truth Magazine XIX: 50, pp. 791-792
October 30, 1975

By Rufus R. Clifford

If you were to ask a Christian for a copy of the “creed” or “book of rules” of the church of Christ, he could only offer you a copy of the New Testament. The only written creed the church that Christ built has ever had is the New Testament. It was given by the inspiration of God and is sufficient to furnish the man of God unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:16,17). It meets the needs of the whole world (Mk. 16:15). This is the only message we are authorized to use in the conversion of sinners (1 Cor. 9:16; Matt. 28:18-20). Jesus taught that the word of God is enduring and that by it we shall be judged (Lk. 21:33; John 12:48). The authority of Christ as expressed in the New Testament is the only safe guide for the church. It is sinful for the church to submit to any other authority. The gospel is God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16). James says it is able to save (Jas. 1:21). Paul writes that it did save the Corinthians (1 Cor. 15:1,2). The curse of God rests upon the man who preaches another gospel or dares to add to or subtract from it (Gal. 1:8,9; Rev. 22:18,19).

In spite of the plain Bible teaching given above, we find good, religious people subscribing to human creeds. Even those who subscribe to man-made creeds will not claim for them any saving power. They are but the products of human opinion and stand as barriers to the unity of religious people. Man-made creeds are based upon two wicked assumptions: (1) The New Testament is not sufficient to meet the needs and govern the people of God. (2) This supposed insufficiency can be remedied by weak, fallible, erring men. Without such assumptions there is no excuse for the making of human creeds.

Human creeds are objectionable for a number of reasons. (1) They are not inspired of God. (2) They do not meet the needs of the whole world. (3) They are not perfect. (4) They must be revised every few years. (5) We shall not be judged by them. (6) They set aside and make void the Word of God. (7) They teach many things contrary to the New Testament. (8) They keep people divided on the question of religion. They should, therefore, be laid aside forever, or better still burned and forgotten. As long as a single one of them is in force anywhere, division will exist. They are subversive of divine authority and of the peace, unity, and fellowship that should characterize those who desire to please God and go to heaven.

As simple Christians we take the authority of Christ as expressed in the New Testament as our only rule of faith and practice. It is the one creed that needs no revision. We invite all people to meet with us on the New Testament in order that we may be united in work and worship.

Truth Magazine XIX: 50, p. 791
October 30, 1975

By Ron Halbrook

When the apostle John wrote the short but rich letter known as 2 John, he said he was writing “for the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever” (v. 2). Before leaving this earth, Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit (whom he called also “the Spirit of truth”) to directly and miraculously guide the apostles. “He will guide you into all the truth”-or, “the truth in all its parts.” Christ kept his promise. The apostles spoke “as the Spirit gave them utterance,” which means they spoke “not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth” (Acts 2:4; 1 Cor. 2:13). They not only spoke the truth in all its parts, they were also guided or inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the truth in all its parts (2 Tim. 3:1617; 2 Pet. 1:13-15; 2:1-2). Men should not place one another or human thoughts “above that which is written” (1 Cor. 4:6). “Whosoever transgresseth (goeth onward, ASV), and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn. 9).

One who speaks “for the Truth’s sake” will teach only the doctrine of Christ, only what Christ revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and inspired men who wrote the Bible. We must give book, chapter, and verse for all we teach or else apologize for teaching anything for which we cannot give book, chapter, and verse when it is pointed out to us. We have no right to claim God is revealing through us new truths in the form of “prophecy,” “visions,” and “dreams.” Rather, we must strive to teach the whole Truth as God has already delivered it .through men who were inspired with prophecy, visions, and dreams. We dare not claim the Spirit is whispering a “revelation” in our ear or heart, nor in the clouds or sky or any other such place. In 1 Tim. 4:1, Paul (an apostle, miraculously inspired by the Holy Spirit) said, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly . . .” And then Paul told us exactly what the Spirit said. “Expressly” means “in stated terms” or “in words.” The words Paul wrote are the words of the Holy Spirit, All the revelations of the Holy Spirit are found in exact words of the Spirit in the Bible. Therefore we can not claim any new messages from the Spirit, but can preach and teach the exact message of the Spirit, the whole message of the Spirit, the only message of the Spirit . . . which message is found in the Bible alone. The Spirit spoke the truth in all its parts (according to the promise of Christ) to inspired men in the First Century, and they wrote it down by miraculous direction of God. We write for the Truth’s sake only when we teach the truth revealed by the Spirit in the Bible, “the holy writings.”

2 Tim. 3:15 sneaks of “the holy scriptures” or “the holy writings.” Verse 16 says of these writings, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect (or mature, complete), throughly furnished unto all good works.” Let us determine to teach `for the Truth’s sake” strive to teach only “for doctrine” what is found in “the holy writings.” We can then reprove, correct, and instruct in righteousness only according to what is found in “the holy writings.” The truth will make us free. The gospel will save. The words of the Lord are spiritual and life-giving. Only as men teach the Lord’s word do they teach for the Truth’s sake.

Truth Magazine XIX: 50, p. 790
October 30, 1975