Back To The Original Church
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThe church of the first century as established by Christ through His apostles, was not a denomination, but simply and purely the church and spiritual body of Christ upon the earth. On this, most all will agree. But on the necessity of returning to that status, and on the means of doing this, few will agree.
Divesting ourselves of denominationalism does not come easy. But, if we really want to be acceptable with the Lord, and Scriptural, it is a necessity (John 17:20-22; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4,17; Ephesians 4:1-6; Gal. 1:6-8).
Let us stop trying to justify our denominational divisions, organizations, and traditions not found in the New Testament. God does not give one person the right to believe one thing and his neighbor the right to believe another as far as salvation is concerned. In that Great Day, all of us are going to be judged by the same Book, and we know what that Book is — the Bible.
We have no authority from God to form a denomination or invite anyone to join such a denomination (no one has such authority, for it has not been divinely given to man). In fact, when we truly obey God, we are made one, not a part of any or many denominations (Ephesians 2:16; Colossians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 2:38-41,47).
Therefore, let us search out the old “land marks.” Let us humbly return, giving up denominational pride; yes, let us be identified only with that one church which has already been established in the first century (against such the gates of hell did not prevail — Matthew 16:18). Let us be one “in Christ.”
There is much divesting and returning that needs to be done, and must be done.
Are we up to it?
—James E. Gibbons, editor, The Sword and Staff