Truth Magazine

By Robert F. Turner

Church scholars generally agree that the nature of the church began to change very early in its history, and that this change was directly related to the development of a bishopric system. This soon became more than a change in church government. It resurrected the essence of the priestly system of Judaism and put an elevated class of brethren (the priests) between the “lay” member and God. This ruling class became “the church”; so that by them “the church” acted, authorized, approved or forbade. “The Church” (the priesthood) controlled the sacraments (“channels of grace”); and became the only means by which salvation may be obtained (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia). It is not surprising therefore, that in the very early efforts of the Protestant reformers the priestly system was much discussed, and the “priesthood of believers” became a rallying cry. The sufficiency of the Scriptures, the importance of one’s conscience, and Jesus Christ as sole mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5) – all are violated by a priesthood (or “church”) that officially interprets, and though whom the “laity” must approach God. When the reformers declared that all saints are “priests” with all rights pertaining thereto, they were hitting at the very heart of the apostate church. Today we are so far removed from the essential elements of this ancient conflict that its principles seem poorly understood, and seldom evoked. So, we study “priesthood.”

Vine says a priest is “one who offers sacrifice and has charge of things pertaining thereto.” Westcott goes deeper, saying man’s consciousness of sin, variously realized, hinders his approach to God (the unseen power), and promotes a shrinking from it. He seeks harmony with God, and “the provision of this access is the work of the priest.” From very early times heads of families served as priests with God’s approval. We have examples in Israel’s patriarchs: Abraham (Gen. 12:8), Isaac (26:25), and Jacob (35:1). But there were others also: Noah (Gen. 7:20), Melchizedek (14:18), Job (Job 1:5), and Jethro (Ex. 18:1,10-12). Even in pagan societies, perhaps by degeneration from the original concept, there has been the shaman, “medicine man,” or guardian of an oracular shrine. These mediate and serve at an altar on behalf of others.

Just prior to the giving ot the Law, and before the Aaronic priesthood was established, God said Israel should be unto him “a kingdom of priests” (Exod. 19:6). This seems related to an earlier command: “Sanctify unto me all the first-born” (Exod. 13:2). However, later, when the Levites were set apart, it was “instead of all the first-born” (Num. 3:12,41; cf. 8:15-18). The Israelites were so filled with fear at the giving of the Law that they asked for a mediator between them and God (Deut. 5:23-27), and some scholars suggest Israel forfeited its general priesthood by rebellion and lack of faith. Whatever the case, we know the Aaronic priesthood was established to represent the people of Israel before God and their access to God was via these priests. But messianic prophecies foretold a more general priesthood (Isa. 61:1-6) and suggested that men of other nations would be taken “for priests and for Levites” (Isa. 66:18-21).

In the New Testament the language of Exodus 19 is applied to Christians. We are “a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ . . . an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession” (1 Pet. 2:5,9). This better priesthood is both royal and holy for Christ our High Priest is both King and Priest, after the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 7). John says Christ “has made us kings and priests” (Rev. 1:6; 5:10, KJV), or “a kingdom and priests” (ASV). Paul writes: “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service” (Rom. 12:1, AS). Clearly, “a kingdom of priests” finds its realization in spiritual Israel.

The Hebrews writer tells us the figurative nature of the Aaronic priesthood is replaced by the real thing, and explains that Christ entered not into the holy place made with hands “but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Heb. 9:9,24). He concludes that we should have boldness to “enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” or “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” being sanctified by his blood (10:19f). We may “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (4:15f). Christ made possible a direct relationship between each saint and his God. No “priestly order,” no “church” stands between the child of God and his Father. He is a priest, and his prayers and service go directly to heaven’s throne.

Now, what are the consequences of this direct priestly relationship which true saints have with God through Jesus Christ? It does not negate their obligation to one another – to assemble, work and worship together, to show concern for one another, and to function collectively in a local church. Rather, it negates the institutional concept of “church” and emphasizes our individual responsibility to the Lord. There can be no proxy worship or service. Each saint (priest) is obligated to “offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually … to do good and communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:15-16). Understood and practiced, this would erase the “audience” concept of “attending church,” and make us a vibrant serving priesthood.

If all are priests this eliminates clergy-laity distinctions. There can be no hierarchy in the church for “one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren” (Matt. 23:8). All members, even preachers, are brethren, and neither “Brother” nor “Reverend” are preacher titles. Scriptural overseers and deacons have different tasks to perform, and should be esteemed “for their work’s sake” (1 Thess. 5:13), not for rank that puts one over another (Matt. 20:25-28). All priests can baptize, serve the Lord’s Supper, teach, etc., dictated only by work abilities and orderly arrangement (1 Cor. 14:40), and not as official “administrators.” Neither “the church” nor some special bishopric system is needed to authorize or validate our worship – as taught by Roman Catholicism. Little wonder the “priesthood of believers” was a critical issue in Reformation history.

That same Reformation history, records shameful perversions of this principle: by civil authorities, as they escaped “church” control, and by peasants who rebelled against authority in general. Today some use individual equality to deny scriptural oversight, orderly worship, even the local church itself, but such selfish abuses must not cause us to compromise this all important fundamental. Divine control and priesthood are fully compatible, and should result in more dedicated service according to God’s pattern. The priestly types of Judaism were strictly regulated and “no man . . . that hath a blemish shall come nigh to offer the offerings of Jehovah” (Lev. 21:21). Shall we of the antitype be less concerned about purity and the responsibility this places upon us?

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 24, pp. 741, 753
December 21, 1989

By Greg Gwin

There are some folks in the Lord’s church who have a problem about attaching any sign to the meeting place or erecting any sign on the church owned property which reads “Church of Christ.” Their contention is that the church is not the building, rather it is the people. Such signs, they argue give the wrong impression – even teach a false doctrine – to the community. They maintain that the sign must read, “Church of Christ meets here.” Think about that for a moment.

Yes, we certainly agree that the church is not the building; it is the people. If you have any doubt about that, read what Peter said (1 Pet. 2:5,9) or see what Paul taught (Eph. 1:22-23). The church may own a building and meet in a building, but the church is not a building. The church is the people.

The question, however, is whether putting a sign on a building which reads “Church of Christ” gives the wrong impression to those who may pass by and see it. We think not! On a trip downtown one might see a sign on a building which says “U.S. Federal Court.” What does that mean? Is the building the court? No! It means that the court meets there – and we all understand it. At the mall one reads on a building, “J.C. Penny.” Does anyone think for a moment that J.C. Penny is (or was) a building? Obviously not! All such signs are used to convey a message about what takes place in those buildings – and the meaning is clear. Why then is it any different when the sign reads, “Church of Christ”? The meaning is clear to all observers – this is a place where a church of Christ meets.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 24, p. 740
December 21, 1989

By Johnie Edwards

Northern California was hit with an earthquake on Tuesday, October 17, 1989 around 7:04 p.m. Ellettsville, Indiana time. The quake lasted for about fifteen seconds and registered 7.1 on the Richter scale. It has been estimated that the damages may run into the 10 Billion Dollar figure. About all of the news people were asking if this was the big one. Those in the know about such things say the big one is yet to come. I got to thinking about the big one; yes, it is to come!

Bible Earthquakes

The Scripture speaks of several earthquakes. One occurred in the twenty-seventh year of Uzziah, king of Judah. “And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the day of Uzziah king of Judah: and the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with thee” (Zech. 14:5). Perhaps the most remembered earthquake was at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. “And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” (Matt. 27:51). Such miracles as “the graves being opened, the resurrection” and the like caused the centurion to say, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matt. 27:52-54).

The Prison Keeper and An Earthquake

A great earthquake was involved in the story of the conversion of the Philippian Jailor. Paul and Silas had been put in prison and as they were singing and praying at midnight, “Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed” (Acts 16:26). This earthquake led to the jailor asking, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30) As an unbeliever, he was told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31). In order for him to be saved, “they spake unto him the word of the Lord”; his repentance can be seen in that he “washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his straightway” (Acts 16:32-33). The world has been taught that this man was saved at the point of faith, but a careful reading of the conversion will indicate to the honest person that he heard, believe, and obeyed the word, being baptized the same hour of the night, which was about midnight.

God’s Shaking of the Earth

The Hebrew writer said, “Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven” (Heb. 12:26). Down through ages past God has shaken the earth as he took out of the way false gods, passed judgment upon his people of the Old Testament, removed nations and the like. The big shake is yet to come!

The Big One to Come

At the end of time there surely will a shaking of the earth as “the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall be raised first” (1 Thess. 4:16). Can you imagine the earth being opened up as every grave will be opened. “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which an that are in the graves shall hear this voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (Jn. 5:28-29). As the recent earthquake in California found folks buried under rocks of concrete, I am-reminded of the time of God’s judgment when people will cry “and say to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 6:16-17)

The Unshakable Kingdom

There is not too much safety here on this earth but there is a place which cannot be shaken. The church of the Lord is unshakable! “Wherefore receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved (shaken), let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire” (Heb. 12:28-29). You are encouraged to become a member of this unshakable kingdom.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 24, pp. 737, 751
December 21, 1989

By Franklin T. Puckett

One of the most widely held beliefs of our day is the teaching that a man is saved by faith alone. Nearly all of the denominational creeds have the idea imbedded in their articles, either clearly stated as in the Methodist Discipline, or else clearly implied. It is taught that a man is saved miraculously, the very instant he believes in Christ, and that this belief is wrought in his heart by the action of the Holy Spirit. Man, in this view, is wholly passive and unable to do anything at all to bring about his salvation. It is all the work of the Holy Spirit. Neither the man’s obedience, nor the commands of Christ are taken into consideration. It is purely a miracle.

This is surely one of damnable of all false doctrines which curse the land this day. It does more to produce indifference in the hearts of the people than anything I know. It leads men to deny the essentiality of the church altogether. So strong a grip has the doctrine secured on the hearts of men that it is a very common experience to hear devoted religious people say, “Oh, the church is not important,” “The church does not save,” “One can go to heaven just as well without being a member of the church as he can in the church,” etc. Now if by the word “Church” such people mean some denominational institution, then surely no Bible student anywhere would argue with them. On the contrary, every informed person will agree fully with the idea that membership in a denomination (any denomination) is not essential to salvation.

But no person who has reached the age of accountability, and has transgressed God’s law either by omission or commission, will ever reach heaven without being a member of the church which is revealed in the Bible. I call your attention t the fact that Jesus Christ is the “Savior of the body” (Eph. 5:23). It is Christ who saves; Christ who is the Savior; and not the church. “The church” does not save; the church is the thing saved! “For the husband is the head of the church, being himself the savior of the body.” What does Christ save? He saved the body. But what is “the body”? It is the church (Col. 1:18, 24; Eph. 1:22-23). Christ is the head of the church – his body. And it is this body which is saved by Christ.

The conclusion is clear from this that if one does not belong to the church, he does not belong to that of which Christ is the Savior. It was the church which was purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28); and it is “to the church” that the saved are added (Acts 2:47). There are no saved out of the church; there can be none. For everyone who is “saved” is “added” to the church by the same one who saves him – God.

The church was purchased by the blood of Christ. Unless we are willing to say that Christ was swindled when he bought the church, we must recognize that the value of the church is equal to the value of the blood of Christ. If the church is not valuable, then Christ was cheated when he purchased it with his own blood. The church is a “blood bought” institution. If one is to be saved by the blood of Christ, one must be a part of the church, his spiritual body, which was purchased by that blood. If one is a sinner, at enmity with God, then salvation and peace and reconciliation are to be had only in the church, the blood purchased possession of Jesus Christ. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace, and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Eph. 2:14-16).

Where are people reconciled to God? In the one body, the church. Where is peace found? IN the one body, the church. The Bible says the body is the church, and that peace and reconciliation are to be had in the body, and not out of it. Talk about being “saved by the blood of Christ!” My fired if you are ver saved by the blood of Christ, it will be because you have come into that body where you are reconciled to God by the cross of Christ. The blood which was shed for our redemption can save us only in the church. There is no other way.

Does the church save? Of course not. It is Christ who saves! But what does he save? He saves the body, the church, God exercised great power when he raised Jesus from the dead and “made him to sit at his right hand in heavenly places, far about all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:20-23). So the church is the fullness of Christ. It was not some human institution or some man-made denomination which he purchased with his blood; it was “the church.” It is over this body that he reigns as head; it is here that the fullness of God dwells. It is here and here only that salvation is premised to the penitent sinner.

We are pleading with people to become members of the New Testament church. We are pleading that men and women in our day do exactly what they did in the days of the apostles. These people then heard the gospel, believed it, repented of their sins, and were buried through baptism for the remission of sins. And when that happened God added them to the church. Here they were reconciled to God, washed and made clean by the blood of Christ; they were then heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. They were in the church – the saved of God.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 24, p. 743
December 21, 1989