The Church of God
J. a. sneeD
ISBN: 9781648172212
The Church of God By
J. A. Sneed
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Sneed, J. A., 1855-1943.
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1. Church of God (Holiness) Doctrines. 2. Church of God (Holiness) History. I. Title. II. Series.
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J. A. SNEED,
Edito,;ial ...Staff t~t-tftl, Clf[TRCH llliR~-1 I ..JJ.
HERALD PRINT
COLLEGE MOUND, MO. 1913.
INTRODUCTION.
Th 1s l i ttl 1)()() k 11.11 l.,,~()11 ,,r 1·it.t('1\ fear of Go{l, t(l fill ~111. ,111fill<~<l1>1:i<~<:. • Ill ,vo1·ltl, 1·el:1.ti,·e t<) tl1t~ c•l1,11·t1<.i.te1·, ,,·<>1·1~:tJl( l
Inision t)f 11 the Ne,,· 'l,es t,1111e11 t Cl1111·e 11. ,,re l)t\ speal( it careft1l in,·estig,1tit)11 <)f it~ (~011t~11t~ and prtt.y Goel ,,,ill 1nt1.ke it. cl !)lessing to Hi, cause, a11d ,ve 11<,,, ... dedi<•t1.teit to all lo,·e1·s oi· Bible tr11tl1.
The .....~uthor, . ,J. A. SNEED.
CH rl l' 1l!'R I
1,H~~ ~\~l-!~,,T]I;'Sl"A~l·lr-'i\:7~ CH[;'RCH, H()l1T CO~\··.~7~11·(/,9'TJ-:,'JJ£l~VD 11~.. llr0/(K.
So far as the limits of the present wo1·k will permit, we will give a brief synopsis of the New Testament Church, its constitution, purpose and character relative to the great work of salvation.
Those who have not studied the church question carefully from a New Test.ament standpoint are easily persuaded that the nulllber and character of the churches existing are ample to accommodate the peculiar tastes and traditional views of all; all that is necessary is to join one whose ritual is most congenial wit.h the early training, and we have a church that will impart all the spiritual and social benefits that. will be needed all throug_h life. But nothing is more foreign to the Scripture or the spiritualit,,., usefulness and a happy ending of probation and final rewards hereafter.
But after all that has been said, taught and written relati,,.e to the church question it is still in a confused and transient state. The real iIDport of the Church, the manner in which it is established, what it stands for and the posi-
tion it l1olds in tlic g·r·eat ,vor·k of redelllption, l1a,,.e l.lee11 ecli1)sed 1))~ 1111man tradition and custom that give shape and character to l1uInan organizations tl1at are called churches. Tl1e requirements of her membership is to adhere to, support and be g·o,.,erned by l1er formulated creed. Creeds are com1)osed of doctrine and precept formulated b),. man as a basis of faitl1 for united co-operation. C1·eed making implies that the Bible is incomplet.e as a standard of cl1urcl1hood. 4\.nd because of this, no doct1·ine of tl1e Bible is 1no1·e abused and less understood than tl1at of tl1e Cl1urcl1.
T·he entire Roman Catl1olic s,"rstem is built ., upon a false interpretation of tl1e '' keys of the kingdom of Hea,Ten. '' Howe,.,er, this feature of tl1e subject will be discussed in its proper place.
Protestantism also l1as slipped fro1n New Testament simplicit)?, upon which scriptu1·al cl1urcl1l1ood alone can be built, by fo1l111ulating creeds wl1ose doct.rine are t.he wo1~1~s of men; _as t.l1ough no scripture exists for the establisl1ment of t.he Churcl1, embodying· its order, ordinances and minist1') 1 • ,vhereas e,·ery doctrine, p1,.ecept, ordinance, minist.1.·)-~arid discipline relative to the establishing of the New Testament Cl1urch is as explicit, plain and elaborate as tl1at of repentance.
HOW CONSTITUTED.
Tl1e door of admittance to any P1--ot,est~,nt denomination is bJr joining, subscribing t<) lier creeds in faith, government and order. But tl1ese cannot impart, neither do t.hey rc(.Juire spiritualitJ,. as a condition of meinbershi1). '_rl1e major part of the denominatio11al })eo1Jle lay no claims to the experience of regenerating grace. And Jret her constituents antic1p11.te a home in Heaven on account. of having· j,>ined the denomination, Inisnan1ed the Chu1·cl1; notwi tl1standing Jesus said, '' Exce1~>ta n1a.11 lJe born again lie cannot see the king'don1 of God.''
But our present task is to sl1c,,vtj1e Cl1t1rch in its ,·arious aspects froni a .New Testalllent standpoint, as divinely created, divi11el~~equipped and under divine go,rc~1·nn1ent. Tl1e onl)r condition for Inembership in tl1c~ Ne,v 'festt1n1ent Cl1urcl1 is the '' new l)i1·tl.1. '' 'J~l1e new birtl1 is tl1e impartation of tlJe God life in th.e soul. And this, and this only, inducts the individual into the Churcl1, and into divine favor, inl1erent1~~possessin~· all tl·1e 1-igl1ts of CJ·1111..cl1 membership.
Tl1e Cl1tt1·ch i.n its incipien,J~T is not dependent upou its office1~s,tn<1 ordinances for its existence. These are given for its organic equipment and will be treated under their proper head.
''Then said Jesus unto tl1em again, ,,~~ril)r,
THE CHURCH OF GOD.
veril)", I sa),. unto )"OU I am the door of tl1e sl1ee11 * * * b)~ Me if an)' man enter in lie sl1all be saved and 8l1all go in and 0111· and find pasture,'' J ol1n 10 :7-9. J esu8, under the S),.ml>ol of sheepfold taug·l1t tl1e onl~r acce1)table wa)T into the Cl1urch "~as h~,. Him, and l1e tl1at ente1·ed that way sl1ould be sa,,.ed; but to climll Ul) some other wa,,. tl1e same would be a t.hief and a rol)be1'.
• Tl1e teaching· of Jesus relati,,.e to tl1e creation of tl1e Cl1urcl1 is l)eautifull~,. enfo1·c•(~dlly the inspired prOJlhet; ''And of Zion ((~.~l1t11·cl1) it sl1all be said: Tl1is and that nian "\',~asllOl'n in l1er, and t.l1e Highest Himself shall estal·,Iisl1 l1er, '' Psa. 87 :5.
Tl1e lo,·e life of God of wl1icl1 we become IJa1'takers in spiritual birth prepares the indi,,.idual, symbolized as '' lively stones,'' to be built U}) a spiritual l1ouse, an 1101)~ priestl1ood, to offer spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to ltod bJ" Jesus Christ,' 'I Pet.2 :5.Tl1e text just quoted not. onIJ~ portrays character of cl1urcl1 membe1·sl1i1:),but also the purpose for wl1icl1 tl1e Ch111·cl1 was esta.blished, viz., t.he offerin·g of Sf).iritual sacrifice-God is spirit and tl1e~~tl1a.t ,, ..Jrs11ip Him must worsl1ip Him in spirit a.nd in t1·utJ1. '' For b): one Spirit are we all bapt.ized intc, one bod~,.,'' tl1e Cl1urcl1. '' And He is tl1e I·lea(l of tl1e Bod)~, tl1e Cl1urcl1, Wl10 is t l1e beg·inning,
tl1e first born from. the dead, that in all things He Inight l1a,,.e the pree1ninence, '' Col.. 1 :18.
Now this text declares Christ to be the l1e:1dof tl1e Churcl1, which i1nplies that in .E-Ii1n is vested all the governing power; hence, the Churcl1 Dlust be subject to the divine head in all things. So in the very nature and constitution of t.he Church, it cannot be leg~islt1tive, ''sovereign or supreme.'' Jesus, tbe di~.,ine head is alone sovereign. '' And the g<>ve1,in:1ent shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The l\{igl1ty God, The Everlasting Fatl1er, The Prince of Peace,'' Isa. 9 :6. This text is a barrier against substituting creeds for the New rre:-,tament faitl1. The Ineaning of creeds is divisio11. B11t is Christ di,~idcJd? Nay, ,yerily; but di, 1 isions are fostered as men arrogate to then1sel.,1 es legislati,·e pre1~ogatives that belong excl11si,sreI,:r to the di,,.ine Head of the Church. '' F101· as • the bod)~ is one, and hath 1nany 1ne1nbers, ancl all the meillbers of that one body, being many are one bod)T; so also is Christ,'' I Co1·. 12 :12.
Inspiration uses as a t·ype of tl1e Cl1u1·cl1 t:·11e plt)Tsical bod)·, composed of man)'" n1e1nbers, filling ,·arious offices; yet l)u 1~ on.e bod),.. Here we l1a,?e beauty, compact11ess, union and unit)~ of all the Inembers, joined a.nd bound togetl1er ligaments, ner,"es a11d
10. Tl-1E CHURCH OF GOD.
sin(~\\Ts,d1·a"7'i11g·life f1·om tl1e heart. 1,J1e 8ensi ti,,.(~ l·>atter~,.connecti11g· all the members 1)),, ne1·,~eHiH located in tl1e l1ead. S,) if ftll~'"tl1ing l1aJ)J)en8 to a mernl)er of tl1e boJ ..,· it is t.eleg1·a1)l1edto tl1e b'l·ain and fro,1·1the l1~·ain 1,-,8..ll tl1e 1ne1nber8; and t.l1e wl1ole bod)~ is 1>1.'ought int O s ..m 1')at.l1~.. ''r i t 11 t 11e a fHi Ct ed i) <1rt·' w] 1i Ie t11e l1ea1·t, tl1.e 1111mping Htati<>n of life sends its ,var·m l)loocl into tl1e ,,·ou11t-l<.;c·i111<-~rr1l)r~~to l1eal it. Tl1e b1·ain is tl1e ner,·e ceritf_.1·and is locat.ed in tl1e ]·1ead; and tl1e mind i~ tl1e product of t·]1e ll1·ain, wl1ile tl1e will is 1ni11<lconcentrated, g·i,,,ing direction to tl1e wl10J,~l·;o<l)·.
W e1,.eit not f 01,.tl1e go,,,e1·ning·J.lo"·<--~1·loca te(l in t11e l1ead, t.l1ere could be no intellig·<:.~1,1~f.,(~tion.
B~,,using tl1e law of procreation as a figure we will mo1·e readily comprel1end tl1e 1.,u1--1Jose and ,,~ork of tl1e God head in creati11g· tl1e Cl1urcl·1. Tl1e first member of tl1e bod,· for med ., is tl1e l1ear1~,then tl1e l1ead and the t1.·l11.1k wit!1 all t.l1e mernbers that Inake t1p t.l1e bl>d~T i1s a wl1ole. The heart is located in tl1e ce11te1·()f ·tl1e bod)r and is the fountain of all pl1~rsi(~al 1ife, sending its vitalizing power tl1rougl1 e,yery member of the bod)~. In tl1e head i~ lo<~ated the machiner)~ of reason tl1at direct~ tl1e opera.tion of each member and of tl1e bod,~ as a wl1ole. How beautiful},~ this illustra1:es t,i1e • work of the Godl1ead in redeeming t.110 w(,rl<l.
HO\V CONSTITUTED. 11.
God, "\Vho is the source of all life, the l1ea.rt of infallibility, whose attributes are absolute perfect.ion, gave. His Son Whom He m.ade l1ead ,1f the Churcl1, to save and bring back into di"' ine favor and fellowship, lost humanity. Now as tl1e gift of the Son is the expression of Ctod 's lo,,,e life, so the Church is the creation of }l.is grace, through Jesus, His Son, by the oper·ation of the Holy Ghost tl1at imparts the li1:e of the Son to the lost indi,?idual. Each incli,yi,lnal thus saved is constituted a membe1~ o·f J-·lis body, ,·italized and under the controlli11g· iJ1fl11ence of the Holy Ghost; hence, the word Church in its general form embodies all tl1e saved of earth, and connects them by tl1e ll<lnds of divine love; l1ence, to conclude afte1~ tl1e modern idea of Church, that the const;.t,11ency coinposing Cl1urch membership is a mongrel class of those wl10 are saved and unsaved })eople; is a contradiction of the plain Gospel. So tl1at. the New Testalllent Cl1urch, without a single except.ion is made up of justified rae11 a.nd women. Hence, spirituality is to the Church wl1at the heart is to the body. ,vhen the heart ceases to act, tl1en the body .instant!}· dies. When spirituality ceases to ,ritalize the individual members of the Church, tJ1ey die. Consequently, obedience and faith on t·l1e part of the indi,?idua.l are prerequisite to 1.l·1e
perpetuation of life flowing from the grea,t heart of God through His Son, and imparted by the Holy Ghost to the individual. The local Church of any community is composed of tl1e saved, in that locality who are regenera1~cd, born into the Church, possessing all the riglits and graces of Church membership; tl1is i11l~er .. entl),. seeks for cooperative fellowship in di, ..ine worship, and when in scriptural order as a local Cht1rch, they have their officers, pasto1·s and deac()n, and obser,,.e and practice the 01·dinances of the Churcl1. In this caJJacit~· tile congregations are called golden candlesticks, among wl1orn the Lord walks.
'' But speaking the truth in love, ma)~ grow up into Hiin in all t.hings which is the l,ead, e,,.en Christ; from Whom the whole bod),. fitly joined together and compacted h)~ that wl1ich every joint supplied, according to t.he niea.sure of e,,,·ery part, maketh increase of the bod~,-unto the edifying of itself in lo,,.e,'' Eph. 4:15, 16. Thi8 is tl1e Church in its general form e111bodying in itself the law of demand; hungering and ihirsting after right.eousness, the law of supply .
The la.w of spiritualit),, demands freedom f1·om carnal it)~. ~rhis grace is promised. '' Husba11ds lo,re your wi,,.es, e,,,en as Christ a.lso Io,·ed t]1e Church, and ga,,,e Himself for it, that He 1.11ight sanctif),, and cleanse it by the washing of ~-at~r
HOW CONSTITUTED.
by tl1e Word, tl1at He might present it t·) llimself a glorious Cl1urch, not. having spot or wrinkle, or an)· sucl1 thing; but tl1at it sl1ould be 1101)~ and witl1out bleIIlish,'' Eph. 5 :25-27. '' For botl1 He t.hat sanctifieth and they ,v11<>ttre sanctified a.re a.II of one, for which cause 11.eis not asl1ained to call thein brethren. '' This grace, which is so richly provided for the Church brings us back into spiritual pu1'it}· and holiness. '' Let us m.ake Inan in our image and likeness.''
CHAJ:J1~'R 2
~,urtl1er observation on the Churcl1 relati,re to its organic character, in carrying for,,,ard tl1e work of soul saving on the basis of tl1c '' pillar and ground of the truth.'' The organic arrangement of the Church b)T tl1e Ho IJr Ghost is as perfect as the mechanism of the human body. This is to sa)r each member, as set in the body by the Holy Ghost has a special function to perform that harmonizes with t.l1einterest with every other member, and yet cannot be performed by any one else. And if neglected the entire bod)" will suffer loss. Here is individual responsibility in,·olving tl1e interest of the Church as a whole. Too
14. THE
CHURCH OF GOD.
often 1nen suff e1· tl1ei1.. tl1eo1--izing~to leact tl1em fartl1e1.. and fartl1er f1·om tl1e di\~ine S)Tstem of Cl1u1..cl1 government, showing less reason than tl1e basest insect following tl1e law of inst.inct. Solomon said, '' Go to the ant, t.l1ou slugga1 ..d; conside1 .. l1er ways and be wise; wl1icl1 ha,,.ing no guide, o,,.e1--see1 .. , 01--ruler, 1)ro,...idetl1 l1e1--meat in the su1nmer and gathe1--etl1 l1ei--food in tl1e l1a1--\,.est,''Pro,,.. 6 :7, 8. True to instinct, tl1is little creature provides f-01-- tl1e future against ·the dav of trouble. How diffe1,.ent with so man,~ •' calling them.selves m.en of reason, h1.,.letting· the sumn1e1--of life pass without becom.ing reconciled 1o all tl1e will of God; and yet we are warned of a judg·ment awaiting all men and f1..01n wl1icl1 tl1ere ca.n be no appeal.
This, 1n a large measu1--e, is applical)le to tl1e de11ominational world, wl1ose time is more tal{en Ul) witl1 festi,Tals, shows and bazaa1--s a~ a means of 1--aisi.ngmoney to run Cl1urcl1 macl1.i11er~T,tl1an in l)ra~·ers, intercession and weeping· o,?e1--lost souls. But Jesus g·a,·e tl1e Cl1111 ..el1 the ke,· note of her mission wl1e11 I-le d1..o,·e out. al of the temple a.t J er·usalem t.l1e sellers of oxen, sheep and do,yes, and o,·ert.l1rew tl1e tables of the mone)T chang·ers, sa)Ting, '' Take these things hence; make not M)y>Fatl1er's l1ouse a l1ouse of mercl1andise. '' ,v11at a fearful arraignment and castigation Cl11~istad1ninist.e1..ed to t.l1e fo1---
inal wo1..sl1ippe1--sat Jerl1salem; and )Tet tl1at is the spi1"it of p1 ..esent da)~ church work, feasting, 1..evelling and social barte1~ing in souls tl1at ml1st be Inade 1101},,.01'1tu1'ned into l1ell, to suff e1· tl1f~ vengeance of eternal fire. If we take as an illustration an a1)iary of bees, a colon)r of feeble insects, tl1en we g·et tl1e di ,rine idea of New Testament cl1u1..cl1l1ood. ~~11the bees except tl1e drones ,vo1·l{ and the)"' all work in honey making. Tl1e1·eis a clas8 known to bee men as fiel,l worke1"s wl1ose work is exclusively in tl1e fie]cl, culling fro1n tl1e flowe1..s tl1e swe~t that is in tl1e heart of t11.eJ)etal, and ,~ar1..J,,ing it. to tl1e l1i,Te. Tl1is class of bees illustrat.es tl1e ,,.a1--iol1s01..de1--8 of tl1e rninist1 .. llut especially tl1e e, 1 angelists -tl1e 1)i.onee1·s of GoRpel e,·angelism. TJ1ere are two elelllents c·onnected ,vitl1 e,,.e1..y flowe1·, poison and l1one),.; t.l1e poison, wl1icl1 is s11fficient to l{ill, is on tl1e Sl1rface 01' 01)en llloom of the flowe1~,l)ut t.J1el1one)r is in tl1e l1eart of tl1e petal, to wl1icl1 instinct. leads tl1e l)ees 11ner1~ingljr in t.l1ei1'searcl1. So the New 'festament teaches tl1e minist1,.)· to deal witl1 the l1earts of Inen and not so mucl1 witl1 tl1eir heads and stomacl1s. '' As a man tl1inketl1 in his I1eart., so is l1e.'' Bee 1nen f u1·t.l1ertell us there is a claR8 of bees tl1at. seldom lea,~e the apiary; tl1ey a1 ..e known as cell builde1·s, l1oney refiners and cappers. Now if tl1ere were no cell builders there
18. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
would be no l1oney depository; and were it not for the refiners the honey would sour. You see honey haR to have two works of grace. Wl1en it iR refined or sanctified th.en it is sealed and it will keep in any cliille or season. This illustrates the New Testainent Church when in scriptural order.
The evangelist goes out in the world's fields and gat.hers in souls froin spiritual death, get~ then1 Raved and sanctified and ready for divine service when set in scriptural order. The churcl1es are not only supposed to build place~ of worship, but with their n1inistries, prayers, exhortations and tears lead the new con",.erts into the experience of entire sanctification tl1at they ma)~ be sealed with the Holy Ghost. Tl1is gi,,.es us a ,riew of the Cl1urch 's niission whicl1 is not onl,r to be a hoine for new born souls ., w l1e1·e tl1ey may be fed and t.rained in tl1e ways <,f righteousness but is also compared to a travailing motl1er. '' When Zion travails, sons and daughters sl1all be born.'' '' And of Zion it shall be said, This and tl1at man was born in her; and the Highest, Himself, sl1all establisl1 her. The Lord shall count wl1en He writeth up the people, that tl1is man was born there,'' Psa. 87 :5,6.
When the Church lets up in J1e1·effo1·ts and intercessions for the spiritual birtl1 of souls,
HOW CONSTITUTED
17.
sl1e will l)ecome fruitless and wicked like t.l1ose entering wedlock and yet persist in preventing the la.ws of J)rocreation rather than a.ssume t.l1e glories of J)arentl1ood. '' .Ll\nd tl1e Lord added to tl1e Cl1111--cl1.dail)T such as we11tebeing saved,'' Acts 2 :47. rr11ei11c1"easeof the Cl1urcl1 is according to tl1e numller of spiritual birtl1s. '' ~~xcept a man be born again, he cannot see t.l1e kingdom of God.'' F~,,,er)r newl)? con,~e1·ted soul needs tl1e tende1· nursing of SJ)irit11al fat.l1e1·sand mot.l1e1·s. In tl1e na.tu1·al f amil,r all ., tl1e olde1,.1ne1nbe1--sclaim tl1.e pr·i,Tilege of n111·sing tl1e ne,, 1 born hal)~y; b11t in tl1e CJ1u1·cl1, wl1icl1 is der1ominated as God's SJ)i1--itual famil}~, tl1e1·ea1·e not. 111an~-r applicat.ions to te11i1 the new bo1--nballes. Tl1e most. of the s1)i1·itl1al. babi.es are su1Jposed to t.ake ca.re of tl1en1sel,·e~. Consequent})~ tl1e1·eis a g1..eat scou1·ge of deatli among ne"T llOl"Il(Jl1rist.ians. Even t.l1e sainted Paul, in tl1e da.)Ts of Cl1u1~c}1simplicit)~, la.ment• ed the fact there were not many nu1"Ring f at.he1~s and mothers.
Tl1e Cl1u1·cl1,if sl1e would prosper, must g(_~t back to New 1~esta1nent simplicit.y. Tl1e nu1..sing and edif )Ting· st.andard. And t.l1en tl1e1·e will not be so man)y dwarfs, cripples and dead formalist.8 ",,earing tl1e badge of churcl1 membersl1ip.
'' For by 011eS1>i1·i t. are ,ve all ba.1)tized into
18. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free,'' I Cor. 12 :13. Thus the Holy Ghost, in His official capacity blots out national lines and breaks down race prejudices, brings down broad cloth on a level with jeans, and silk by the side of calico, to t.he end man may learn that God is no respecter of persons. '' But in every nation, he that fearetl1 God and worketh righteousness, is accepted of Him,'' Acts 10 :34, 35.
We will take another Bible view of the Church, photographed by the inspired Word as a whole, '' of whom the whole family in Hea\"en and earth is nained, '' Eph. 3 :15. This text gives a clear view of the catholicity of tl1e ()ne Church. Catholicity means uni,,.ersal, com1)0sed of the saved of all the nations, ages and climes, taking in tl1at part of tl1e Cl1u1·c]1 tl1at has already been translated from labor to 1~eward. Now aH families are built bv t.l1elaw of eJ procreation, each child in the elements of its nature, being the counterpart of its pa.rents, so the Church of tl1e living God is built by tl1e divine architect tl1rougl1 regenerating g·1'ace. Every new born soul is the counterpart of tl1e God life and a membe1· of the divine family. Hence an heir of God and a joint l1ei1· witJ1 Jesus Christ. How exalted the privilege of New Testament Church fellowship!
HOW CONSTITUTED.
19~
One of tl1e n1ost t1nexplainable tl1ing~, seeing tl1e1..e is 110 Sc1"i})tu1..e wl1erewitl1 to explai11 it, is tl1e g·e11e1..al doct1"ine and l)l"actice t.l1at Cl1t11--cl1111e111l)ersl1i1) is const.ituted b) ... joining s0111e01--g'anized bod)---of l1un1an c1--eation called Cl1u1~c11,}.)ledg·ing·faitl1 and fidelit)~ to l1e1" dogmas and wit,h the belief that she is the gateway to Hea,yen a11d a sl1ield froin damnat.ion. B11t we call on a.11tl1e denominat.ions in tl1e wo1..ld to sl1ow one J)assage of Scriptt1re from tl1e i~ew ~ 1 esta111e11t".,.ar1'a11ting'sucl1 a proced11re as leg·islati11g~ fo1' tl1e conscience and faitl1 of men in. tl1e. se11se of joining· them into tl1e Cl1urcl1. '1Vl1at, tl1en, wl1en tl1e)~ are entreated to join tl1e Cl111rcl1 tI1·e~...a1 ..e 1..eq11ested to pe1~form an im.possibilit.~·. Tl1e)T n1a)T witl1out an~T cl1a11ge of l1ea1--t,as is too f1..equentl)T tl1e ca.se, join a religious sect; but does tl1at make them member::; of tl1e Cl1urcl1 ag·a.inst whicl1 J esuH said tl1e gates of hell should not prevail? ~~For· l }1ave e3pou.sed )Tou to one l1usband tl1at I ma),. })l'esent ),.Ou as a cl1aste , 1 irgin to Cl1rist, '' II Co1~. 11 :2. Now as t.l1e Scripture declares t.l1e Cl1urcl1 to be the Bride of the LaII1b, tl1en for tl1e membe1..s of tl1e Bridegroom to go and join a man made denomination, sa,Tours stronglJr of spiritual idolatr,?". '' For this cause sl1all a man •' leave his father and mother and shall lle joined to his wife and the,T two sl1all be one flesl1. •
20. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the Church,'' Eph. 5 :31, 32. Paul, in the text, takes the bond of wedlock to illustrate the holy union between Christ and the Church. '' Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ-? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid,'' I Cor. 6 :15. The text gi,,.en declares the character of Churchhood God l1as established, and that only of which He appro,,,es.
In the New Testament Church there is not one unsaved person, as will be clearly seen fron1 the New Testament demands. ,.,Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with un• righteousness! And what communion hath light with darkness! And what concord hath Christ with Belial ! Or what part hath lie that believeth with an infidel f And what agree-ment hath the temple of God with idols! For ye are the temple of the livjng God; as God hath said, I will dwell in tl1ein and I will be their God and they shall be M)'"people. Wl1erefore, come out from among them and be ye separate, sa.ith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will be a father unto Jrou and )ye sha.11be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty,'' II Cor. 6 :14-16. In this passage we have the divine standard, conditions and requirenients bJ~ which New Testament Cl1urcl1 Ineinbersl1ip is to be established and fellowsl1ip maintained, no allusion being Inade to joining an~· tl1ing·; but. a <let.aching requirement that would send creedism to its death, as we are to be joined to t.l1e Lord alone. Having so far gi,,.en a general description of tl1e Cl1urcl1, we will now deal with it more specifically in its co1·porate form. Wl1at is meant by corporate relation is a congregation of sa,,.ed belie,.,ers in script.ural order, assembling together statedly for di,,.ine worsl1ip, eacl1 one possessing all the right.s and pri,,.ileges of membership, it being manifest God l1as implanted the law of holy fellowship in ever)T regenerated heart, so that local congregations are formed out of the one general Cl1urch. This is a necessity, because of geographical conditions whicl1 separate indi,,,iduals; and )~et all should ha,·e the privilege of Church fellowship. But local congregations do not destro,~ or in,,.alidate the oneness of the en.. tire bod)~. But the visibilit)r of the One Churclt becomes man if est tl1rough tl1e p1·actical operations of a local congregation whose go,·ernment and order are uniform and the same throughout the world. Their order, ordinances ind ministrations are t-he same. Hence, one
congregation in scriptural order is a fac simile of e,rer,~ other cong1--egation. ~-
In the local congregation God requires eac.h to accept the doctrines and ministries which He has pro,,.ided for tl1e Cl1urch and by whicl1 visibility is given to lier work. Tl1ese having been divinely pro,rided, become lJinding and mandatory upon tl1e Cl1urcl1. So tl1at no cr·eed can be fo1--mulat.ed for tl1e relig·ious faith and government of t.l1e Cl1t1rcl1witl1out interdicting divine wisdom, gi,·en as a Hea,~enl)" 1)1--e1·ogati, 1 e fo1--specific g·o,·er·nment.
Tl1e div·ision·s and l1ostile s1)irit among religious peo1)le g1--o,vsout of t.l1eir legislation, as binding· U})On the consciences of men, with but litt.le 01 no tl1ougl1t t.l1at God's ,v ord is law; l1ence, l)i11ding, in tliat it. clea.1--IJTsets. fortl1 e,y_ er)'" leg·itirnate oblig·at.ion toward God and man. So tl1at l1uman legislation is not only superfluous, but also a cl1allenge t.o tl1e di,,.ine prerogati,?e to inHtitute and e(iuip Hii Cl1t1rcl1. Notwitl1stitnding t.l1e Scriptures plainly state, ''He hatl1 set tl1e members, e,Ter)Tone of thelll, in tl1e bod)r as it ha th 1·>leasedHim.'' Now as all men1be1·sI1a,re not tl1e same office, neitl1er OCCUP)'"ing tl1e same position nor perfo1·ming· tl1e same functions, Jret tl1e)'" are all personal fact.ors in the one l)Od)~. In tl1is sense tl1e law of parity a})l)lieHto al], not admitting· of l1111nan fo1·mulas
as a condition of fellowsl1.iJ) or position. Tl1e s1>irit of fellowsl1i1) is one of tl1e attrib11tes of regenerat.i11g grace, wl1ile ent.ire sanctification eliminates from our natt1re all carnal instructions, and b~· it we are 1"einvested witl1 tl1e image of l1oliness, wl1erebJT we can love God witl1 our ransomed powe1's and our· neigl1bo1's as oursel,,.es. Tl1is bring·s on exl1ibition tl1e ,·isible oneness for wl1icl1 Jesus pra)·ed-'' Tl1at tlie)T all Illa)~ be one,'' one in experience, wo1--l( and g-o,·ernment. A visible union of all tl1e pa1--ts, filling the requirements laid upon tl1e Cl1urcl1 as a wl1ole. Tl111stl1e niembers become amenable to tl1e congreg·ation witl1 wl1ich tl1ey are identified for tl1ei1 11 moral condt1ct. And if discipline becomes necessa1--~~,it sl1ould be administered b)T the congregation with which tl1e member is identified. (But this feature of the subject will be more fullJT treated in its proper order.)
The Cl1urcl1 in its organic character is tl1e conr-;er,·ato1--of tl1e fait.11.,doctrines, ordinances and ministries ''once deliv~red to the saints.'' '' Tl1at )·e ma}~ know l1ow ye oug·l1t to bel1a,"e in t.l1e l1ot1seof God, which is the Churcl1 of tl1e Ii\,._ ing God, tl1e pillar and ground of tl1e trutl1, '' I Tini. 3 :15. Eacl1 individual observes strict scriptural decorum while carrying forward the worl{ assigned l1im b)· t.l1eHoly Ghost.
24. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
In Re, 1 • 1.:20 the Church in its corporate. form is compared to a golden candlestick in tl1e rig.lit hand of God. This gives emphasis to t.l1e la.nguage of Jesus to His disciples when He declared, ''Ye are the light of the World.'' Hence, gold and light are the New Testalllent Church symbols in its organic form. ''For as we l1a.,,.eman)" meinbers in one bod)T, and all tl1e members have not the same office, so we lleing 1nan~· are one bod)" in Cl11·ist.,and e, 1 ery one members one of anotl1er,'' Rom. 12 :4-8. And in the next paragraph lie classifies a number of lines of work in the Cl1urc]1,and enjoins tis, if we are called tl1ereto, to perforn1 it according to tl1e ability God givetl1.
Tl1uH t.l1e Churcl1, b)T its di,.,ine organism, is ma.de the custodian of doctrine, order, ordinances and ministries. It is God's spiritual tl1eocrac)T,of which Jesus· is declared to be the Head, with the government upon His shoulder. '' And His. name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, Tl1e Migl1t)r God. The E,~erlastiug Father, The Prince of Peace,'' Isa. 9 :6.
In regeneration, eacl1 member is in,?ested witl1 tl1e supernatural life. In sanctification, the membership is stamped witl1 t.J1eimage of His l1oliness. This is t.l1e cl1aracter of the rnemllership of t.l1e New Testament Cl1urch, "~J1iel1i8 one and eoo1>e1·ati,,,e11nde1· tl1e one~
HOW CONSTITUTED. 25
head. '' And gave Hiin to be tl1e head over all things to t.l1e Cl1urcl1, which is His body, the fulness of Him tl1at filleth all in all.'' Epl1. 1 :22, 23.. In tl1is text we are given a view of the glories of the one General Cl1urch, enriched and connected b)r tl1e graces of tl1e divine Spirit and under the government of t.he one divine head, Christ, and Whose spiritual character is exhibited through the local churches in scriptural order; a perfect harmony and unity of all her integral parts; a oneness of the whole, ''Wl1icl1 is His Body, the fullness of Hiin that filleth all in all.'' This is the divine oneness tl1at does and must inherently exist in tl1e lives of all God's saved and sanctified ones. The basis of unit),. is the blood of cleansing that makes l101)'", and not Churcl1 polity. Churcl1 machiner)~ was gi,,,en tl1e associated meIDbership for the purpose of practical})? serving God, and not as a condition of fellowship.
C~HA J>l1~'R 3
1H l!_' I~\~/..')'1'/( }r, / 7'..,; CH A l(A C~1h'R A J'\1D HO 11-rC /{A'A lJ;;'D.
One of tl1e rnost essent.ial and res1)onsible agencie8 of tl1e Cl111rcl1is t.l1at of lier ministr) ....
Scri1)tt1rall)~, it means preacl1ers of tl1e Gospel. 'l.,l1isis tl1e on])~ purJ)ose of its creation. A professed ministr)?" tl1at does not preacl1 tl1e whole Gospel is a misnomer, a sl1am. Jesus said to tl1e l1umbled Sa11l, '' Fo1· tl1is purpose I have raised tl1ee 11p to be a minister and a witness.'' Witnessing· is giving testim.ony to t.he Gospel in personal expe1..ience. '' The l1usbandman that lallo1·etl1 must be first partaker of the fruits.'' llence, Gospel and testimon)T to personal ex}Je1·ie11ceare the minister's weapons of spiritual warfa1·e, b)~ wl1ich \yictories are to be won and tl1e mouths of tl1e gainsaJ'ers stopped.
Ag·ain, the ministr)"" is not a l1umanly created bod)y, independent of tl1e Cl1u1·cl1and enjoying special preferments; b11t is tl1at. part of the Cl1urch advanced to tl1e ministerial station b)~ God for a special wo1--l{. But in tl1e fello'\\·sl1i1) of tl1e Churcl1. tl1e~· l1old membersl1ip in common witl1 otl1e1·s, and are amenable fo1' tl1eir moral conduct to tl1e congreg·at.ion witl1 wl1om
tl1e)Tare identified. N e,,.ertheless, in filling tl1eir mission, tl1ey are frequently called beyond the bounds of their home congregation; hence, the people t.o whoin they l1ave gone witl1 tl1e Gosp·el could ar1--est tl1e1n for in1mo1--alconduct or hereR)- and b1~ingtl1E'ffibefore thei1--l1ome cong·regation for t1--ial;or take such other steps as woulil gi,?e tl1en1 scriptural hearing; and that before two or more accredited witnesses. For the com-mand is, '' Be ye clean tl1at bear the vessels of tl1e J...,ord.'' A pure ministry is essential and })1·ere(1uisiteto a pure Church.
So far, we have in a general way outlined tl1e n1inistry, its work and responsibility. This we will follow witl1 a more concrete description of its order and work. Jesus, after His resurrection, prior to His ascension to Heaven gave this commission to the ministry: '' Go ye, tl1eref ore, and teach all nations, baptizing tl1elll in the name of tl1e Fat.her, and the Son and of the Holy Ghost; teacl1ing tl1em to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And lo, I am with )~ou alwa)~, even unto the end of the world,'' Matt. 28 :19, 20. Tl1is commission cov~ers tl1e Gospel age and cannot be changed, amended or rescinded, abrogated or annulled, without offering high-handed treason against the divine government. Hence, the ministry is under binding obligation to faithfully carry out
the commi8si<>n as deli,~e1·ed b) 1 Christ. Had prope1· 1·ega1·dbeen placed upon the commission, anti-ordina11ce would never ha,ye found a place among the people of God.
The ministr)'", like the Gospel, is of di, 1 ine origin, being chosen by Our Lord f rorn among His people; )'et enjo)Ting all the rigl1ts and privileges of Cl1urch fellowship. '' And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some eva.ngelist.s, and some teacl1ers, for t.he perf~cting of tl1e saint.s, for t.he work of the ministr)·, for the edif ),.ing of tl1e bod)'" of Christ,'' Epli. 4 :11,12. Tl1is is t.he general order of the ministr)'", and their work is clasisfied under th1·ee headR, namel)y, perfecting the saints, e,.,angeliz .. ing tl1e ,vorld, edif) 1 ing, building up and encouraging the Church. This work is expressl)· committed b)r the Lord to His chosen ministry, and not tl1e Cl1urch as a body. This will be clearl)· 8een b)T furt.her obser,?ation of the subject. '' F.,or wl1osoever shall call upon the naille of tl1e Lord shall be sa,yed. How then shall they ca.II on Him in Whom they ha,ye not belie,yed t And how shall the)r belie,,,e in Him of Whom the)T l1a,ye not l1eard 1 And how shall they l1ear without a preacher·f And how shall they Jlreach, except the)r be sent 1'' Ro1n. 1.0:13, 14. This quotation in essence embodies that of tl1e commission and shows it can only
THE MINISTRY.
be practical!)~ consummated througl1 a God 01~dainedministry.
''-Pray, )'"e,therefore, tl1e Lord of the l1arvest, t11at He would send forth laborers into His l1arvest,'' Luke 10 :2. In this text the Lord laid a binding obligation upon the entire Churcl1, to pray the Lord of the harvest to send fortl1 laborers to prAa·ch the Gospel, for the har,·est represents the hum.an family. '' To turn IDen from darkness to light, and from the power of Sa.tan unto God; that they may recei,l"e forgiveness of sins and inheritance among them wl1ich are sanctified by faitl1 that is in l\le,'' Acts 26 :18. Hence, the Ol1urch is to pra)'" for the raising up of this standard of ministr)y. But 1nodern religionists have largelJT cl1anged the divine form, and instead of praying tl1e Lord to raise up a holy ministry; the~Y'assullled the prerogative to send those wl1om the)' ha\,.e educated to their standard of faitl1. And the result is, there is very little genuine New Testament discipleship raised up. Formalism is accepted in lieu of spirituality. ''But no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God as was Aaron,'' Beb. 5 :4. God chose Aaron f roin tl1e thousands of families of Israel, which constituted His theocratic go,Ternment, to be their priest. And Paul uses this as an example, to show tl1at un-
30. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
der New Testament economy, God calls to the ministry such men only as are pleasing to Him. Hence, no religious body: conclave, creed or school can create, educate and s·end forth an acceptable ministry, that has not first been called of God as was Aaron. This is not a depreciation of education and training for the ministry. But the$e should be sought as a means to greater usefulness in the work of the Lord. '' Study to show thyself aprpoved unto God; a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,'' 2 Tim. 2 :15. The Scriptures enjoin the ministry to stud)r to the end they may be able to scriptural!,~ divide the Word of God. So that everv &i grace or gift, natural or acquired, must be consecrated to God and subject to the control of the Holy Gl1ost, in order to spiritual sufficiency in tl1e great work of soul sa,ring, establishing the cl1urcl1 and conser,ring it in tl1e grace of holiness.
The pr·esent da~T ministr~,. is largel)r de-ficient in that they l1ave substituted science, culture, sociability and pleasing 1nodes of worship as tl1e necesasry prerequisite for IDinisterial equipment. Whereas, tl1ese are but ad-juncts to the divine call that make t.he thunders more terrific and the lightning's of the Gospel more ,Ti,rid, till the sot1ls of men are
sti1'red ,vitl1 awful fear and the eyes melte<l with 11enitential tears, till the parcl1ed groun,] becomes pools and t.]1e thirsty lands streams o·f water.
We will now speak of the ministry as classified by tl1e Gospel. The evangelist will be first in point of orde1... They are the advanced guards, opening up tl1e Gospel battery against a lost world. Hence, we should not conclude for a Illornent tl1at tl1e evangelist is a secondclass preacl1e1~in point of doctrine and limited in gifts and a knowled_ge of the Holy Scrip-tures. Howe,yer tl1is standard seems to be largel}y accept.able among some classes of Holiness people. If a fellow professes to be saved and sanctified, ca1"ries a Bible and vociferates on a l1igl1 l{e)... , pumping air more than Gospel truth, conimon sense, doctrine or prudence, he :s general!~ ...accepted as an evangelist; especially if his ,Tocabula1")~is well stocked with the slang of the slums, bosh, tl1at is the devil's blockade against the Gospel. The evangelist, as a Gospel pioneer to tl1e unsaved should be a perso11 of deer) piet.),., tl1orougl1ly indoctrinated with the Hol),. Sc1--iptures, able to preach it in its fullness, to tl1e end JJeople will get scripturally sa,,.ed; instead of mere human, emotional stirrings t.l1at too f1"equently, is labelled salvation, and ,l'anisl1es l1efo1~etl1e protracted effort
T.HE CHURCH OF GOD.
closes. ~\n e,·angelist ma)'" or may not be a11 elder in tl1e Cl1urcl1 of God, llut should J)OS·· ses8 t.l1e ra1·eHt graces, gifts and persuasi,·e powers. We are full)'" persua.ded that the establisl1ing' of a Cl1urcl1 upon a scriptural basis:, partiall)r dependH upon t.l1e scriptural indoctrination t.l1e)?first recei,~e from the evangelist. The s111)e1·ficialteacl1ing of the cl1ild blocks tl1e wa)~ for a tl101·oug'l1education; l1ow mucl1 more is tl1is true in a 1·eligious sense. Paul's solemn cl1arge to tl1e ),.oung· e,Tangelist, Timotl1)", was, ''Preacl1 tl·1e Word.'' No one can be a sc1·i1)tural e,·angelist tl1at is nc>t morall)·, spiritual})· and int.ellectualI)~ qualified to preacl1 a full Gos1->el. Act.ual l1a.rm has g·1·own out of supe1·ficial t1·ifling wi tl1 immort.al souls, rega1·dless of tl1e zeal tl1at cl1a1--acterizedtl1e effo1·t.
~L 1 l1e Gos11el ,vas g·i,Ten f 01· t.he purpose of bring·ing· men back int.o l1armon)T witl1 tl1e wi]l of God. ~lnd unless t11e Gospel is presented to tl1e 1>eOJ)lein it8 Him1)licit.):r,})u1·it.~~ and powe1·, tl1e }.)eo1)lewill contin11e in da1·l{ness, relati,~e to t.l1ei1·lost estat.e and t11e J)Ossibilities of redeeming· g·1·ace.
Sc1·iptu1·all~TH}_)eaking·,tl1e e,·ang·elists are tl1ose wl108e lallor8 a1~eprinci}lall~y g;iven to ne"'· fields wl1e1·e l1oliness ltaR not. been establi~l1ed. It is to be reg·retted tl1is sJJecia] feature of t]1e ,,,.<)1·1{ is not. ca.1--1~iedfo1·"~a1·das it s11ould l)e.
The idea seems to prevail that it is the cl1urche~ that needs the labors of the evangelist Illore than tl1e world does. Tl1is is a mistake for which the evangelist is not wholly to blaIDe. Ev,.angelisni implies l1ardship, sacrifice and privation. Hence, wl1en the Lord commanded t]ie Churcl1 to, '' Pray ye the Lord ~f the har, ...est to send laborers into His harvest,'' it is ev,.ident. Ile ex1)ected the Cl1urch to l1a,,.e mis•• siona1~~,.zeal a.nd lo,·e enougl1 for lost souls to back tl1eir pra}~ers witl1 niaterial support sufficient f 01" tl1e a.d,ra11ced g·uard on tl1e field of battle, t l1e e,Tangelist., Paul, alludes to this wl1en he was in Tl1essalonica: '' The Churcl1 at Phillipi f-;e11tonce and again unto ID)~ necessity,'' Pl1il. 4:16. Ha,~ing a number of years' experience in new fields, we a1,.e not advancing· <.t drea.m)· tl1eor~,.when we saJ~ tl1e e'\~angelist need8 tl1e SUI)l)Ort of the established churches. But t.l1is is largel)· neglected. Tl1e churches ha,·e fallen into tl1is l1alf scriptural idea regarding tl1e ev1'angelist as he is called to the front of tl1e battle. '' Trust in the Lord and He will 01)en tl1e way and provide, and you ca.n depend on us tl1at ha ,,,e tl1e pleasure of home privileges to s}rmpatl1ize witl1 and pra),. f<)r you.'' But their prayers are directed up and seldom on a direct line to the clothing store, flour bin or pocketbook. And after awhile,
:~J ·t JlE Cl-IURCII OF GOD.
wl1e11 tl1e e,·ang·elist l1aH sacrificed wl1at little me1-1ns11el1as, ,1nd is fo1--(!e<ll>~ycircumstances to reti1·e f 1·<lmtl1.e front. of 1.l1ebatt·Je, at least for a 8eaRon, ]1e i8 c1·iticised for not l1aving mor(l fait.11 and a deeper· co11secration. But is lie not doing· wo1']{ b~,. ,vl1icl1 tl1e ,vl1ole Cl1urcl1 is to be benefitted f .L.\nd sl1all 11ot a 8er,·ant of t11.t~ Chu1·cl1 1·ecei,·e adequate SU})})ort from the Chu1..cl1 ,,·11ile 1)1,.eaking·new })at11s and carr)ying tl1e Gos1Jel into tl1e wilder11ess of ]1eathendom and spiritual darkness? Suffice it to say tl1e Chu1·cl1 Ii.as a responsibilit),. on this line that hitl1erto sl1e l1as repudia.ted; and because of this, thousands of souls are still in darkness that would have heard the Gospel and would ha,·e l)een sa,:red.
11£h'
CHAJJ?fiR J.
h'LDh'RS ..Hf P ANJJ H011r
CON ..S 11TUl"J!,'D.
It is not to be supposed the elders are a l1igl1er orde1~ of ministry in point of morals, piety and gifts, but the eldership is constituted out of tl1e New Testament· ministry, who~A scriptural qualification prior to their ord-ination ha,re been proven; they have passed tl1e state of a novice and reaching that point of steadfastness whe1~ethey are no longer vascillating, subject to pride, moved by flattery, or changed bJ· ,~ain sophistry. Hence, ordination to the eldershi p is not to confer grace, gifts and l1ono1• .. arJ· titles of distinction; but a recognition of those Scriptural graces to which can be entrusted tl1e pastoral oversight of churches. For the1~eare orders of ministry that are not eligible to the office of elder. The divine standard of eligibilt)r to this office has been scripturally establisl1ed for all time, witl1 a prohibition aga.inst ordaining anyone whose life, piety, gifts or executi,re abilities fall below the Bible standard in cl1aracter and practice.
From tl1e eldership pastoral o,,ersight for • tl1e churcl1es is provided. While this is not al-
36. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
ways practiced, the Scriptures bearing upon this point sustain the affirination. Howe,,.er, we would not take the position that there are no conditions or circumstances under whicl1 pastoral care may not be secured tem.poraril)~ from those who are not elders in the Church of God. For example, an evangelist in a new field holds a revival and a congregation is raised up for which no pastoral care ean be obiained; tl1en in ·the providence of God, if it can be so arranged, let the evangelist pastor that flock till scriptural order can be established; otherwise, devouring wolves will destroy and scatte1~the sheep.
There are some who are puzzled over tl1e question who are scripturally eligible to the eldersl1ip; by asking tl1e question, Can a woinan be a Scriptural elder in the Cl1urch of God! No, from the Scriptural standard as given in Titus and Timothy, she cannot. No exan1ple or allusion to a woinan as an elder in tl1e Churcl1 is gi\·en in tl1e New Testament. But tl1a.t sl1e can be a N e,v Testament preacher is clearl,· warranted b,r tl1e Word of God. Her . piety, gifts and graces often render lier Inore efficient as a soul winner than the majority of men. Consequently, she should be encouraged. Pa11l commanded, '' Help tl1ose women that labor '\\"itl1me in the Gospel.'' 11 he word '' la-
J. A.
bor'' in tl1e Gospel is equivalent to preacl1. teacl1 or expound. We should be far f ron1 casting any reflection upon woman's ability, gifts, graces and influence in the ho1ne, Church and state. But we are now dealing with scriptural standards, and according to the plairt teacl1ing of the Word, sl1e cannot be an elder in the Church of God. Tl1e eldership does not consist of compliments or conferments of l)ersonal honor and dignit)'- that destroJ,. t11elaw of parity by taking the eldership out of tl1e fellowship of the Church; but ·it adds additional responsibilities that do not devol""e upon the e,:--angelist or Church. '' Feed the flock of God, wl1icl1 is ainong you; taking the oversight thereof,'' I Pet. 3 :2. '' This is a true saying, that if a IDan desire the office of a bishop, he desiretl1 a good wo1,.l{, '' I Tim. 3 :1.
It is lawful to aspire to the office of an el•der, pro,,.ided the man is Scripturally qualified and will assume and carr, .. out t.he added re., sponsibility; in fact, an)T other motive will be selfish big·otry, as will be seen by the Scriptural requirements to be met by the candidate. '' A bishop then, must be blameless, tl1e l1usband of one wife, vigilant, sober of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teacl1, not gi,,.en to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
38. THE CHURCJf OF GOD.
one tl1at. rl1letl1 well l1is own l1ouse, ha,,.ing his cl1ildren in subjection with all gravity; not a no,~ice, lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into tl1e condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must l1a\-·ea good report of them which are witl1out, lest he fall into reproach and the sna.re of the devil,'' I Tim, 3 :2-7.
In Titus, we have the same standard, dressed in a little different language, like Pl1araoh 's plural dream, establishing tl1e seven years of plenty to be followed b)T se,,.en )years of drol1gl1t. and famine. So tl1ese two passages fore,rer establish the qualifications for eldership in tl1e Church of God. '' If anJ' be blallleless, tl1e l1usband of one wife, ha,,.ing faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop Inust be blameless, as the steward of God. Not self-willed nor soon angry; not given to wine; no striker, not gi,,.en to filthy lucre. But a lo,.,er of hos1Jitalit)T, a love1· of good IDen, sober, just, 1101)", tem1)e1·ate. Holding fast the faitl1ful word, as he has been taugl1t. That he ma)r be able b)r sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince tl1e gainsa),.ers, '' Titus 1 :5-9. Let us briefly notice tl1e catalog of speci.fications that must be embodied in tl1e ·person of tl1e candidate before ordination can be administe1·ed. ''Blameless,'' l1a\"ing deporte<l him~rlf l1onorabl1'"in ]·1is busines8 and social •
THE MINISTRY.
3f) ' . relations. If a mar1-ied n1en, he can l1a,re but one li,,.ing wife. Di, ...orcement and remar1,.iag·e disqualif)~ for tl1e ministry. A pure ministry i.s prerequisite to a pure Church. ''But be tl1011 an exaniple of the believers in word, in conversation, in cl1arity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,'' Tim. 4 :12. If a Inan 's doinestic relation8 are not lawful, he cannot be an exan1ple to the Churcl1. '' Be ye clean that bear the ,,.essels i:)f the Lord,'' Isa .. 52 :11. ''Vigilant.'' On tl1e alert, watching over the Church, guarding it against devouring wolves and pernicious doctrines of 1nen. ''Sober.'' Serious, or not ligl1t and foolisl1 in 1nanners and behavior. ''Of g·ood bel1a,rior. '' Demeaning l1imself Scripturall,T unde1--all circunistances. Tl1e Cl1urcl1 of ., God is often wounded by preacl1ers wl1ose conduct is not compatible and in keeping with their higl1 calling·. ''Gi,~en to hospitality.'' Not sel.fisl1 and st.ing)T, refusing to extend hospitalit-;,. to tl1ose in need. Tl1e great apostle Paul said, '' Be ca1--efulto entertain strangers; for soIlle l1a,·e entertained angels unawares.'' '' "'"~pt to teacl1. '' Gifted, qualified, able to inst1-u,~t out of tl1e Holy Scriptures. ''Not given to wine.'' Not a tipler 01" periodical drinke1·. '' Touch not, taste not, l1andle ont. '' ''No striker.'' Not to become angry and resent by blows. ''Not greedy of filthy lucre.'' Not
40.
THE CHURCH OF GOD.
loving money so well that lie becomes a place seeker. me1·cena1·),.per8on belongs to mone)r mongers, making gain their pursuit, rat.l1e1-than seeking for souls. Hence, eloquence ant~l abilit},. as a leader of men cannot be substituted for tl1e Christ-like spirit. '' But patient.'' Not giving wa)~ to trial and sev,.ere testings. ''Not t~ brawler.'' Not qua1·relso1ne, censorious, tantalizing· and f at1ltfinding. ''Not covetous.'' Not l1aving; a.n in<)1·dinate desire or anibition for wealtl1, the1--eb)·making mercl1andise of the Gospel. '' One t.ha t. 1·uleth well l1is own house.'' Not turning· tl1e reins of go,,.erninent over to his famil)T, but l1a,,.ing order and discipline that are resrJected bJr all. ''Not a novice.'' One newl)~ come to tl1e fait.h, or young· in experience. '' Of good report.'' One of good reputation ainong men for sobriety, honesty, and ,,.irtue as .1 Christian citizen.
This is the divine standa.rd t.o wl1ich all men desi1·ing to become elders in tl1e Cl1u1·cl1 must 1neasl11·e. .1\.ndmen da1·e not lower it; f 01 no 8Ub8t.it11tecan be accepted ,vit.l1out imperiling tl1e Cl1u1·cl1and offering insl1lt to God.
Tl1e Bil,)le is a book of facts, na.ming· e,,.e1·~,.-thing pro1)erly. No less is tl1is t1·l1eof tl1e various orde1·s of t.lie ministr,~. Onl,y sucl1 titles 0f • • distinction as God l1as gi ,Ten in fI:is Word ci111 be assumed:· 1\nd tl1ese (JUa.lif~rand indicate t 11<·~ wor]{ and Jlosition to ,v11icl1 tl1e minister i~
ca.lied. Aro11nd tl1e sacredness of His W 01·d God has placed a st1·ong guard. '' For I testif ~.,. to ever).,. Inan tl1at hearetl1 the words of tl1e propl1ec)· of tl1is book; if any m.an shall add unto tl1ese tl1ings, God shall- add unto hiin tl1e plagues t.l1at. are written in this Book,'' Rev. 22 :18. Here is tl1e danger signal thrown out aga.inst adding· to or substracting from the Word. In eitl1er case it Dleans to fo1·feit Hea,"en.
~rl1e onl),. title of distinction gi,,.en to the minist.r,· to wl1om is committed the ca1'e of tl1e •· cl1urcl1es is elder 01· bisl1op. Tl1ese are synonynio11s te1'ms relating to the same office, and wl1icl1 mean 8Cl1tipturall):,pastor, sl1epl1e1ad01~ guide. Tl1is being true, wl1at fearful departu1·e~ ha ,.,e l)een made bJ~ the present. da).,. Ininistr).,. from t.l1e~ew Testament simplicity by tl1e substitution of extraordinary ministerial titles, coined in the mold of pride and flaunted before the world as a banner of supernatural dignit~" that demands re,,.erence from humanit),. in ge11eral. Tl1e general title assumed as a mark of ntiniste1--ia.ldignity is ''Reverend'' so and so. But the word '' re,yerend '' occurs but one t.ime in the Billle and is a laudation ·to the di,yine cJ·1a1·a~ter; a recoµ;nition of divine superiorit)~ and implies worsl1ipful. '' He sent redemption unto His people; He l1atl1 commanded His covenant forever; holy and reverend is His name,'' PRa.
42.
THE CHURCH OF GOD.
111 :~). Hence, to assume t}1e tile '' Re,,.eren<l'' i8 a disgl1ised c]aim of would be recognition of coequalitJ,. ",.itl1 tl1e di,.,ine. If we t1·ace the l1istor, .. of tl1e Roinan Catl1 .. ., olic cl1l1ch, we find that long ago lier ministr)· laid claims to infallibility, to)~ing with the destin)r of immo1·tal souls as a cat would toy witl1 a 1nouse. But js not tl1e Protestant ministrv ., fo1~ging·to tl1at, 01· a simila1--unscriptural point¥ False minist.e1--ialdignitJ,. l1as added prefixes and suffixes to desig·nate tl1e degree of l1onor attained. Tl1e '' Re,·. Dr. So and So.'' '' The Rev. D. D., LI_j. D. '' ~\.s tl1oug-h inspi1--ed trutl1 was fault-),. and needed l1uman cog·nomens to bolste1· it llJ). ,,r11at self ,rau11ted pi~ide of Ininise1·ial exalt.ation ! How mucl1 change in the s1)i1--ita11d sin11)licit)~ of tl1e New Testament to rea.d it tl1is wa)y: '' '1 1 he Re,T.Paul, D. D., LL. D., a g·1,.aduate of tl1e Gamaliel colleg·e, is 110w e,Tangelizing· in Macedonia. Tl1e Re,,.. Pete1--, D. D., f1·om tl1e dist1·ict of Galilee, will be in J e1..usalem and conduct tl1e sel'\,.ices in t.l1e te1n1)le o,rer tl1e Sallbatl1. S1Jecial music b),. tl1e cl1oi1... Tl1e public is invited t.o ]1ea1·tl1is noted di,,.ine. Tl1e R.e,.,. Ji11nes "rill J)ass tl11-oug·l1San1aria en1·out.e to a l1ealtl1 1--eso1·t.~\.nd tl1e Re, ... Jo11r1 of Patmos fan1e, will l)e a.bsent 011 a tl11--ee1nontl1s' ,·acation for· 11 mucl1 needed 1--est. '' .\nd so on. TJ1is would be 1 eg·a1--ded tl1inl{ing })eOJlle
as sacreligious and an insult to tl1e self-sacrificing memory of the holy saints. But as that was not t.he divine order then, it cannot be the divine order now. The Lord has given us a vision of Sinai, Calvary and Pentecost that ought to rend pride like tl1e vail of tl1e temple and cause the soul to q_uake with the fear of the judgment.
How ordained! The ordination to the eldership is by the imposition of the l1ands of the presbytery. A presbytery is composed of two or more regularly· ordained elders in the Church. The first duty of the presbytery before ordaining any to that office is to examine the candidate to ascertain whether he is scripturally eligible for the office of an elder. The presbytery is enjoined to '' Lay hands suddenly on no man,'' I Tim. 5 :22. Hence, it is clear God imposed binding obligation upon the presbytry, who dare not be influenced b)'" favoritism • or the social standing of the candidate, in ratif)ring the divine call to the eldership. Neithe1· can a conference or convention of holJ:,-people relegate the power to their chairman. God has commanded the presbytery, and the presbyter)r only, to ordain elders in tl1e Churcl1.
CHA/ 1 Th.R ..
R
/:'LA TI CJ.iVOF
THE /VI/1.i\//.:)~TRY TO JH.t: CH{JRCH.
Tl1is is one of tl1e most reHponsible rela--tions of Cl1urcl1 work. The future destiny of the Cl1urch is largel)r in the hands of her ministrJ~. '' Like priest, like peOJ)le,'' is a pro,rerbial trutl1.
Tl1e law of spir.itual affinit}~ is implanted in the heart h)· regeneration. The experience of tl1e Cl1ristian life demands fellowship. And Cl11"istia.nfellowsl1ip is tl1e nucleus of centralized cooperation. To perfect this organic form, God l1as g·iven ordinances and ministry, for its protection, development and visibility. Tl1is establisl1es the law of interdependenc)y bet,,·een tl·1e minister and tlie Cl1urch; a joint coopera.tion for tl1e glor~T of God and the salvation of men.
The Cl1urch is cong·regational in form, so far as places of worship and carrying forward tl1e work is in,yol,,.ed. Hence, tl1ere is no episcopac~~ or a.ppointing J>ower. It is the custom a.nd doubtless the scriptural _prerogati,~e of eacl1 congrega.tion, to call tl1eir own pastor. And the pa.stor's dutJ .. to tl1e flock is declared in Scriptura.J language, '' And I will gi,re pas-
tors according to My heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding," Jer. 3 :15. This subject is more clearly brought out by Jesus' interview with, and admonition to Peter; Jesus, having fed His disciples with bread and fish, demands of Peter, "Lovest thou Me more than these?" Having received an affirmative answer,He commands,''Feed My lambs.'' The question of. loving Christ more than bread and fish was propounded three times, and each time received an affirmative answer, followed by -the command, '' Feed My sheep." John 21 :15-18. The sheep is the membership of the Church, and the Church is the body of Christ, and carries with it this force, '' Inasmuch as ye have done it unto om~ of the least of these, ye have done it unto Me." It is a fact corroborated by history, demon strated by experience, and backed by the Word of God that no church can be preserved in New Testament faith, order and practice, independent of scriptural pastoral oversight. The pastor and church,being interdependent one upon the other, and holding these relations by divine appointment, exhibit the scriptural organic form by which the work of God is advanced. Should the pastor fail to watch over and feed the Church, or the Church rebel and reject God's ordained provision for them
46. THE CHURCH OF GOD
(''Feed l\{y Sl1ee1)'') then di,yision, anarcl1y and dea_tl1will come, aH Rure as effect follows a cause. ~-\.nd tl1e s11.ade of spiritual night will ensl1roud tl1at Cl1urch tl1at ought t.o Rhine with spiritual glo1~)'".
rr11e1--eneed be no 8})eculation rega1--ding tl1e 1Jasto1-'s 1--elat.ionto and work for the Church. Paul l1a,:ring· called the elders of Epl1esus togetl1er, deli ,,.ered this solemn charge: '' Tal{e l1eed therefore unto you1·selves, and all tl1e flock o,~er which tl1e Hol)r Gl1ost l1ath ma.de J~ou o,,.e1--seers,to feed the Cl1urcl1 of God wl1ich He l1ath purchased witl1 His own blood,'' Acts 20 :28. Tl1e first part of the command is to the elders direct, calling them to circums1lection and godliness in their lives and conduct, as examples, teachers and guides. F,or the word ''overseer'' Inean~ one wl10 g.o,·e1·ns, guides and directs. In Heb. 13 :7 we l1a,·e this charge to the churcl1: ''Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their con,,.ersation. '' Tl1e word ·' remem.be1,.'' is addressed to the Churcl1, and carries with it this meaning: Render Scriptu1--al obedience and suppo1't to t.he pastor, as you behold his chaste conversation and recei, 1 e his labor of love. Tl1e same tl1ougl1t is reinforced in the
THE ~l 1~1S1'UY. 47.
17tl1 ,,,erse: '' Obe)T tl1em tl1at l1ave tl1e rule o,"et" )'"·OU and subniit )'"Oursel,Tes; for they watcl1 for your souls, as tl1ey n1ust gi,Te account., tl1at thejr Ina)? do it with joy and not with grief.'' God's Word enjoins strict, Scriptural obedience upon the part of the Cl1urch to tl1e pastor, so long as his life, conduct and teacl1ing are com.patible witl1 the ,v ord of God. And the reason given is: '' For they watcl1 for your souls, as tlie)'" tl1at m.ust gi,,.e account.'' When we consider tl1e pastor's relation to the Cl1urch carries with it judgm.ent day accounting for the souls entrusted to his care, the responsibility is too great to be assumed upon any otl1er ground than that of duty, prompted b)'" 11nselfish love for God and the sal,,.ation of a lost world. The tl1oug·l1t is emphasized, '' He is to give account to God for his stewardship as a watchman o,·er tl1e Cl1urch. '' Should lie, by neglect or failure, suffer the Churcl1 to be di,yided, or any of its members to be lost, God will hold him personally responsible for tl1em. Hence, there is no position of trust in this life that carries witl1 it such weight)T responsibilit)y as that of tl1e pastor whose dut)'" and relation to the flocl{ is this, to watcl1 o,,.er tl1em and guard tl1em against the incursion of de,~ouring
48. THE CHURCR 0~, GOD.
wol,·es; "Tl1ile a.t t.l1e Harne time he is to feed tl1em on t 11e}lure W 01·d of God. '' 0 son of man, I l1a,ye set tl1ee a watchman unto tl1e house of Israel; tl1erefore thou sl1alt hear the word at M)? moutl1 a.nd warn them from Me,'' ~~ze. 33 :7.
As a watchma.n, God gi,,.es l1im l1is message, wl1ich if lie changes, modifies, substitutes 01· com1)romises, lie does so at tl1e peril of his soul. '' Preacl1 tl1e Word,'' is the divine comllland. Tl1e first and binding obligat.ion of t]1e })reacher is to obe),. God, dealing with t.l1e Churcl1 scripturall)r; nothing more, nothing less.
We will notice some characteristics of the ministr,,. and Churcl1 from Matt. 16 :17-19. Pub., lie opinion wa.s divided regarding t.he identity and mission of Jesus Christ. So He interrogated 1-Iis disciples. Wl1at is tl1e opinion of tl1e general public relati,~e to Me! r~ord, there is n<> union of faitl1. '' Some sa) ...Tl1ou art John the Ba lltist; otl1ers, ~~lias ! others, Jeremias; and otl1ers, one of tl1e propl1ets;'' not being· able to recognize by Th)r works Thy true cognome11, wl1icl1 one of the J)ro1>l1ets. '' Wl1om sa)? ye tl1a t I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Tl1ou are tl1e Cl1rist, the Son of t.l1e living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him . • Blessed art tl1ou, Simon Bttrjona; for flesl1 and ll]O<)d J1i1tl1 not re,yealed it 11nto thee, but My
49.
11.,atlier Wl1icl1 i~ in Hea"·en. And I sa,T unto .. tl1ee, t.l1at thou art. Peter, and 11pon this rocl{ I will l)uild M~rCl1l1rcl1; and tl1e gates of hell sl1all not })t·e,·ail agc1inst it. .i\.nd I will gi,·e unto· tl1ee tl1e l,e~..s of t.lie l{ing·do1n of Hea,·en; ar1d· w11atsoe,·er t]1ol1 8l1alt bind on eartl1 sl1all lle bol1nd in Hea,,.e11, i1nd wl1atsoe,·e1· tl1ou sha.lt loose <ln ea1·tl1 sl1all lle looHed in Heaven.'' 'l'l1e enti1·e Ro1nan Catl1olic 8~,.stem is built. up011 a false exeg·esis c>f t]1e '' 1·ocl~'' and '' ke)~s'' of tliis t.e~~t. Tl1e, .. te11cl1 tl1at J es118 declared • Pete1· 111(~ 1·ocl{, tJ1e fo11nclation 111)on wl1icl1 tl1e (~,,l1l11·c]1 ,, ~1s tc) l)e l)11ilt: ·"'11cl g·,~\Y<~to Peter tlte l~e~·s c~f tl1e l~i11g·dc>111 of Hea\,.e11; 1nade l1im tl1,J fir:•~tJ>OJ>eof t11e Cl1l11·cl1,"yitl1 1·eleg·ated powers to t1·ansf e1· tl1e l{e~,.to l1is sueces80l', Henc~~, t.l1e,· claim an 11nl)1·()l~en cl1ain of (;l111rcl1 l1is• tor)r from St. Peter to tl1e Jlresent, UJ)On wl1icl1 tl1e most cor1~u1lt religio11s 8),.8tem tl1at l1as cursed tl1e ,vo1·ld, damned souls. and mu1·dered saint.s~ l1as been b111lt. All tl1is l1a~ g-1·0,vn 011t of a misinterJlret.ation of tl1e '' 1·ock '' and the '' l{eJ~s.''
He1·e is the J)lain 8c1·i1ltu1·al exeg'esis of tl1ese words of tl1e text: Pete1· answered the Lord's question scriptu1·all)·, '' ~l,l1ou art the Cl1rist, tl1e Son of tl1e Ii ,·ing· God.'' Jesus blessed l1im witl1 1·eference to t.l1e faitl1 of his testimony, ''Tl1ou art t.11.eCl1ri8t. '' Tl1en upon
50. TflE CflURCfl OJ:4,GOD.
tl1i8 1~ocl{tl1.e Cl1rist, '' I will build my Cl1urch, and tl1e g~ates of hell sl1all not p1--e,Tailagainst it.'' Tl1is tl1ougl1t is establisl1ed b)r the following text: '' Otl1er foundation can no man la)r tl1an tl1a.t is laid, wl1icl1is Jesus Christ,'' I C0r . 3 :11. Tl1e rock is the foundation upon whicl1 tl1e Cl1urcl1 is to be built; and Paul declares Christ is that 1·oundation. And neither Peter nor an angel from Heaven can be substituted. Tl1e text is against creed building. Creeds are tl1e foundation of sectism, and are formulated b,~ men for tl1e faith and observance of their • const.ituenc)r. But now the Lord addressesPeter direct, with this grant.: '' And I will g~i,~e unto thee tl1e keys of tl1e kingdoni of Hea,Ten; and whatsoe,rer thou sl1alt bind on eartl1 sl1all be bound in Hea ,yen; and w i1atsoever tl1ou sl1alt loose on eartl1 shall be loosed in Heaven.'' Jesus not onl)T g~ives Peter tl1e kej·s, but power to use them in binding and loosing on earth and in Hea,yen. Seeing such powers are vested in man wl10 holds tl1e keys, it is all important to l{now who l1e is and what tl1e ke)~s are. First Popery wit·l1 lier chain of errors, is not known in the text of· tl1e '' l{eys. '' Neither that foreign int~rpretation rendered by some Protestants wl10 claini wl1en tl1e Cl1urcl1 is organized it is v~ested witl1 di, 1 ine power to tl1at degree that
l1e1·decisions are infallible, and by her vote sl1e can bind or loose, and her decisions will be ratified in Hea,·en. But no such interpretation can be sust.ained f rorn tl1e text now under consideration. N e,,.ertheless, some have the keys con1mitted to tl1em, and with tl1eni they work cl1ang·es on earth which are ratified in Heaven. ,v e will now name tl1e parties to w horn the ke)·s a1"ecc:n~itted and then give the character· of the ke)"S. The keys are entrusted by Christ to all His cl1osen ministers. But without this power to transmit tl1em to a successor. The keys of the kingdom is the Gospel. '' For I am. not. asl1amed of tl1e Gospel of Cl1rist; for it is tl1e power of God unto salvation, to e,.,ery one that belie,,.eth; t.o tl1e Jew first, and also to tl1e Greek.'' Rom. 1 :16. So we see it is tl1e Gospel that loosens and binds; opens and shut.s the door of the kingdom of Heaven to botl1 Jew:; and Gentile a.like. '' To tl1e one, we are the savour of death unto death; to the other, tl1e sa,·our of life unto life,'' Cor. 2 :16. \Vl1at point is the apostle arguing 1 Evident.ly a.bout the power of the keys that Christ gave to Peter and a little later to Paul, and on down to all His ministr)r of e,,.ery ag·e. So the Gospel, and not creeds, is tl1e keys to the king·dom of Hea ,,.en. Wl1en tl1e pure Gospel is preacl1ed and men reject it,it binds them in their sins here
7>2.
TEIE CEIURCH OF GOD.
and will condemn tl1em in the judg1nent to eternal woe. But to l1im that obeys the Gospel, it. is t.l1esa,·our of ]ife, l1ere and eternal glor)~ )"Onder. Wl10 can estiinate the power and far 1~eaching effect. of t.l1e Gospel when faitl1full); preacl1ed a Hol~,. Gl1oit annointed ministr,r! ..
The power that changes the destiny of men in the GosJ)el. Tl1e ministry are God's chosen agents to deliver it. And whe11 n1en faithfully preach, Jesus says of it, ''He that heareth ),.ou, l1eareth Me; and he that despiseth you, despiseth Me; and he that despiseth Me, despiseth Him that sent Me,'' Luke 10 :16. Tl1e teaching of the text is this: When My word is faithfully preached it carries the same force a.s t.l1ough I preached it Myself. Then the power to bind a.nd to loose, of death and life, is in the Gospel faithfully preached. It is more than probable that every Gospel sermon preached decides the destiny of some one. To the ministry is gi,,,en the keys, and the keys is the Gospel. '' Go ye, the ref ore, and teach all nations, bapt.izing theill in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I ha,,,e commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen,'' Matt. 28 :19, 20.
CHAPTJ!'R 6
R~.:Lrl 1~/0i\'
A~1/D OBLIGA T/Oi\. OF THE' CHURCH TO 1'Hh' 1vl/1VISTRY
.
• The Church i·s called ''God's House,'' '' the • pillar and ground of the truth.'' Hence, the Churcl1 is an exhibition of salvation, power and unitJr. Each member is required to perform his specific function in promoting· the great work of human redemption. And to this end God has provided pastoral care for the Church, the work of which is to feed, teach, guide and protect the flock entrusted to the pastor's care. But this service for the Church places the Church under obligation to be subject to and support the ministry. This will be apparent from the constitutionality of the Church.
''Now the ref ore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophet.s, Jesus Christ Himself, being the chief corner stone. In Whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an holy temple in the I_Jord. In Whom ye also are buildea together for an habitation of God through the
CHCI{CH OF GOD
81Ji1·it,'' E1)l1. 2 :19-22. In tl1is l)aHHag·e we l1ave a })ictt11·eof tl1e Cl1111--cl1 in it.s 01--ganicst&te. A rlis1)la>- of di,,.i11e a1·cl1itecture, master b11ilding and do111est.ic1·elations, go,·erned b)~ the Holy Gl1ost.
But a still clea1"e1· illust1"ation of the org·a11ic l~l1111~cI1 is f 011nd in tl1is la.nguag·e: ''· Fo1-as ..e l1a,,,e ma11~? members in one bod)~, and all tl1e me1nlJe1--sl1a,·e not tl1e same office, so we lJeing' 1nan>~a1~eone bod)? in Cl1rist, and e,~ei--)T one 111en1be1·one of anotl1er,'' R.om. 12 :4. Tl1i~ text teacl1es tl1e doctri11e of inte1--dependence a.nd co1·1'elation of all tl1e member·s. But as we a1·e no,v deali11g wi tl1 tl1e local Churcl1 idea in i t8 01lg•anicf 01~1r1, it. will l)e well t.o consider in ,vl1at se11se is one cong·reg~at.ion different. or inde1)endent fron1 all otl1e1~congregations. Second, is tl1.e1~econnect.ionalism in the Ch11rch as a wl1ole? And if so, in "Tl1at manne1· does it exist
On t.l1e first })Oi11t,,Te 111ake this obser,,.ation: Ever)~ congregation of sa,,ed belie,Ters in scriptu1"al orde1--calls tl1.eir pastors, provides for l1is supJ)ort and lool{s after the financial and • general inte1~est of tl1e body. In this respect tl1eJ"' act inde1)endent.1~~of all otl1er congrega.tions. TI1is is imperati,,.e because of geograpl1ical segregation. But wl1en it comes to organic form, doctrine, 01~dinances and ministr~r eacl1
cong1'egation a f ac sin1ile of all tl1e cong·1·eg·,1tions in scriptl1ral uniforinity and oneness of character.
Then in what sense is the Cl1urch as a wl1ole connectional ! First, we must not associate the term connectionalism with the thoug·ht of episcopac~.... Tl1e doctrine of episcopacy is of human 01--iginand implies that the governing power of tl1e Churcl1 is vested in a human head. But tl1is is not taught in the New Testainent. N ev...ertheless, there is New Testament connectionalislll of tl1e entire churcl1. Christ is the divine head of the Church, and all saints a.re members of that one body. Hence, are connected by the law of spiritual consanguinit)"; t]1ey a1·e blood relation; they are one coinmon brotl1e1·hood; tl1e victory of one is the rejoicing of :-111; the)'" work in unison with eacl1 other. Like Uncle Sam's army fighting at different points, tl1e)~ carr)~ tl1e same flag and stand united against a common foe. ''For ye are all one in Cl11~ist Jesus,'' Gal. :3:28. This is New Testament connectionalism. This is spiritual patriotism tl1at burns with love, zeal and fellowship in tl1e breast of every bloodwashed soul under the control of the one divine head. ''Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and tl1e knowledge of the Son of God,'' Eph. 4:13. ''Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole ea.rth,
THE CHURCH 0~, GOD.
is l\!ount Zion, on tl1e sides of the no1..t]1, tl1e city of tl1e great l{ing, '' Psa. 48 :2. Mount Zion is a type of the Church and is t.he joy of the wl1ole earth, that carried witl1. lier in e,,.ery clime tl1e glorious fruitage of the a.tonement and tl1e light of the Gos1lel, t.l1e l)ersonification of tl1e di ,~ine character.
We will now speak of tl1e oblig·at.ion of the Cl1l11·cl1to tl1e minist1 ..)r, b)y 1~easonof their interdependent 1--elations one to t.l1e otl1er, and composing· a }Jer·fect unit of the gene1--al Cl1urch. Tl1ese oblig·ations are binding· and ma.ndator)r ir1 cl1a1--acter. 'rl1e Chu-rch, b)r its ,,.er)'"constitution is so relat.ed to tl1e ministrJ~ tl1at it cannot pe1~1)etuate its existence as a spi1~itual body independent of pastoral care. Hence, the oblig·ations of tl1e Cl1l1rcl1to su1)port tl1e ministry are. j11st as binding as tl1e oblig·at.io11of the ministrJr is to feed tl1e Cl1u1,.cl1. Tl1is l)astoral care has been pro,,.ided by God fo1,.the pr·otect.ion, purity and de,:relopment of tl1e CJ1u1~c11.If tl1e Cl1u1--ch sl1ould rebel and repudiate N e,v Testament orde1~by setting· aside 1)ast.01--al,vat.cl1 care, tl1en the CI·1urch rebels against God's g·overnment. fo1· its control, and stands in tl1e same relation to tl1e divine will tl1at Kor·a.11,Datl1an and Alliram did, when tl1e)~1·el)elled against Moses and ...-\a.1·on, God's appoint.ed leaders, b)~ disputing tl1ei1· rigl1t of office. ''Ye tal{e t.oo 1nt1cl1llJ)on
you, seeing all the congregation is holy, eve1·y one of them, and the Lord is among them,'' Nun1. 16:3. These n1en taught the people t.l1at lfoses and Aaron had no m.ore right to the leadership than a.ny other m.elllber of the congergat.ion, and should not be respected and obe~Ted as sucl1. But the sad histor)r of tl1ese lllen and tl1e part of the congregation tl1at followed in rebellion, is written. Tl1e ea1·th constit.uting itself an open grave, swallowed 111l their camp ali,ye, while the fire of God's wrat.}1 consunied their followers. In like manner will it l)e witl1 t-l1e Cl1urch if she repudiates di,Ti11e order. For tl1e only guarantee for tl1e protection of tl1e l1oliness congregations is , 1 ested in pastoral watchcare. And as no flock ,vitl1out ~1 sl1epl1erd is safe, God Inakes tl1is presc1--ihe<l order mandator)r upon tl1.e part of the C11t11·<~t1 to accei)t as from Him. Because of tl1e correlation of tl1e Cl1l11·el1 and ministr}? this obligation is placed tl}JOn the Cl1urcl1, namely, temporal support for tl1e minist.r),.. The temporal needs of tl1e pr(:1acl1er are just like the needs of other men, and it is one of t.l1e scriptural oblig·ations of the Cl111t<~l1. to see that his needs are supplied, as directed by the Gospel. '' For t.he laborer is wort.Ii}· of his hire,'' Luke 10:7. ''Let him tl1at is ta11g·]1t in the Word communicat.e unt.o l1i1n t 1111t
THE CHURCH OF GOD.
teacl1etl1 in all good things.'' Gal. 6 :6. '' Do ye not }{now that they which minister about holy tl1ings live of the things of the teinple; ,ln(l tl1ey wl1icl1 wait at the altar are partakl'l's of t.l1e atla1" ! Even so hatl1 the Lord 01·cli1iuecl tl1at they which preach the Gospel sl1al·l ]i·,·e of the Gospel,'' I Cor. 9 :13, 14. In the <]U<)tcttions g·iven we have transcribed God's 01~(le1· fo1" the temporal support of His consec1!t.ttecl 1ninist1·j· wl1ose tiine is given to Gospel "ro1·J.{. '' Bear )re one anotl1er 's burden, and so 11.il11ll t.l1e law of Ch1--ist,'' Gal. 6 :2.
Seri }Jt.urall)y tl1e financial })art of tl1e Cl1urch is directed bJr t.l1e deacons. 'l~l1ese lil{e p1--eacl1ers,are b)~ di,:ine appointment; and lJecause of the 1--es1)onsibleoflice sl1011ldbe 1r.t.e11 of business capacit)T, full of tl1e HoJ)~ Gl·1<)st,for thev are called to di1~ect an<l l1:111dle tj1e el finances of tl1e Cl1u1'cl1;and if tl1e)T 1,.:.1ilto r11et~t Bible re(Jt1irements, then the wo1·l{ ,v.ill (l1--ag on man),. lines, a.nd doubtless s01n(~ ,, ....ill s11ffer by it. God never instituted the deftcons]1iJ) ,1s an orna.ment for Cl1u1--cl.1macl1iner)· 1)11t to transact business for l-Iin1 in ~. b11si11esslil~e way. Hence, tl1e office <.>fa ~lea<.?-c,11 i~ one of responsibility. First, the!· tl1·e to a.sc.e1·tain tJ1e rlnancial obligatio11s 01· i:1·1•3Clt111--cl1a11d see that the Cl1u1·ch me(•ts tJ1e1n.
The Church in <!ttlling·a l)ast•)r·, 8c1,.i1)tu1'a}
ITS OFFICERS. 59.
oblig·ates itself fo1· l1is s·t1ppo1·t:i.11 1J1·01)01~tion to tl1e ti111e g·i,,.e11t·l1<~111. 'rl1e <leuco.r., \\"1lt) is tl1ei1· fi11ancial age11t a.11d rt lJ11~1iness111a11 .is s1~t1)-posed to fig·u1·eot1t ,\-)1<1.t it ,~\ 1 i1·1tt1l~t:~ to feed, clothe anti bea1· tl1e g·e11eral ex1l':i118es of tl1e p1·eaehe1· and l1is ft\:..11i.l)r: an<l t.l1en 1·aise t hei.1' pro rata in l1is cont~i·<.~gtttion. If l1e ca11 g·,~t the co11g·1,_egat.ion to s>1·st<~ma,ti.call}racloJ)t, tJ1e tithing· s~yste1nwl1·icl·1if: script111-aa.],]1i~ ,, 1 ,)1~1~ will be comparativel}r easy. B11t i1e ca11 :1.:l.i11st himself to tl1e existir1g co11c1iti•:>ns.~l~ut,"'ire ,1re now talking abo11t t.he scriptura.l met.hod of ministerial support, and tl1is is pit1·t of tl1e <Jospel, tl1at part tl1at <.l<•1.n~i1J.c.i.~;tempo1~,11 ; 1 ood8 sufficient to keep thJ 1.)rc-i1c!1e1~ c-1n(lfc1111-;_1~Ton tl1e sa·lne plane wher tl1e 1ce1nl>ers11ip l_;\·es. Son1e t-;·oodfolJ{s that cnn. sl1011tli1~e ;1n .i~~J)l i I storm in the Inidst of }t re,,--j_,·1.1 I 1.ool~as drJT as tl1e desert of Sahar~l "·l1e11 fi11ancial obligations are scripturall)r })ress(~<.lon ·t.]1em. But God demands business 8enRt~ a1·1(1 g·i,·ing grace wl1icl1gi,,.es em1>l1asisto our profession, shouts and testimonies. Tl1e oflice 01~ cleacon as th·e financial agent is one of g·ra\,.e responsibili tJ,. and he should possess tl.1e 1-1·01~,.G·J.1ost, and tl1e grace of pe1~sistent pat.ie1·1(~<.~,Ctl1.·11·c1ge and business tact that 1~ecognizes(}ocl '~ \\'01~1~ as standing at tl1e l1ead of all personal obligation8. If tl1e Cl1urcl1.corporate is c~r,n~t.\c•1..,:1t-
60. THE CHURCH OF GOD
ed, it will recognize the binding· obliga.t.i<·,11sof
tl1e Gospel, '' Bring ye all the tithes into the storel1ouse, that there may be mea~ in ~f.y l1ouse, '' Mal. 3 :10.
Tl1e titl1es mean one-tenth of all 0111' income f rorn ev~er)'~source; this belongs to God and is no gift or charity, but is a debt we scripturallJ:r owe to the cause of God. A.11d wl1en we withhold any part of it, God sr>ealrs on tl1is fashion, '' Will a inan rob God? ): et ye l1a,1 e robbed Me. But ye sa)", Wherei11 l1ave we robbed Tl1ee f In tithes and offering.'' This is a strong rebuke gi,ren by the Lord and car• ries with it divine castigation. '' Ye are cursed witl1 a curse, for ye have robbed Me, e,,.en tl1is wl1ole nation,'' Mal. 3:8, 9. Under tl1e Jewish econOin)r the tithes were for the support of the priests. Under New Testainent obliga.tions the tithes are for the support o:r tl1e ministry. Hence, the obligations of the Church toward the ministr)... are respect, c,)operation and support. ''Ye are all one in Christ J~s11s.''
l~H J>'/I'.,~R7
7H I!- OR/JI-'\:~ "'\rl~.h.'~~()~-- l'H l!-' C..H l 1~Rc~H.
The ordi·nances of the Church are two, water baptism and the Lord's Supper. These, by di,.,ine command hold a relative place in the great work of human redemption. Espe ... ciallv is this true from a monumental stand.. point, t.herefore, cannot be treated as whimsical or non-essent.i-al. \Ve will deal wit.h each in its respecti,,.e order as it relates to the Ohurch.
WATER BAPTISM.
'' Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all tl1ings whatsoe,yer I have commanded yon and, lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. ~,\men,'' Matt. 28 :19, 20.
Water baptism and t.he manner in which it is administered is inseparably a part of the commission, and must hold its relat.ive place in Gospel evangelism for all t.ime. .\nti-ordinance can only be introduced into religious work from two standpoint.s, namely: Ignorance of what const.it.utes t.he commission as deliv-
62. THE CHURCJ{ OF GOD.
ered b),. our Lord, and by which the world is to be e,,.angelized; and second, presumptious bigotr)T that would array dwarfed brained 1--easoningagainst the inspired Gospel of our Lord. Let us take. some rational observations at this point. First, the ministry that is called to preach the commission is commanded to baptize those wl10 accept the Gospel m.essage in the name of Fatl1er, Son and Holy Ghost. No man can baptize with the Holy Ghost. And yet the preacl1er is to be the administrat,>r of this ordinanc.e. Now if it was with the Holy Ghost then the HoI,~ Ghost Himself would be the ad., ministrator. But how often men inject that foolish question, Why water baptism.? Jesus gives the answer, '' For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.'' ,vhen t.he import of water baptism is propei--1):"understood, we will see Inore of the ordinance than we have it credited for. First, water being a cleansing fluid is a syn1bol of the wasl1ing of 1--egeneration, a type of tl1e rein .. vestment of the God-life in the soul. Second, a monumental seal between the candidate and the world. The candidate, by -accepting· water baptism, says by that act, I ratify by faith all that is declared in the law, prophets and Gospel; and further, I renounce the world with all its glitter, pomp and show, and henceforth will
li,~e a 1101)...life, baptism being· tl1e outward seal of my separation. Then to break our baptismal , ...ow and lapse again into sin is to perjure ou1·sel ,·es before God and men. This ·is the true import of water baptism as embodied in and a pa1·t of tl1e coinillission.
Tl1e niode by wl1ich it is to be administered is not given in tl1e cominission. Hence, shoul<l be a matter of personal choice wit.11the candidate. A.nd all foolish debates will cease.
THE LORD'S SUPPER.
Tl1e Lord's Supper holds a monumental place in the great wor]{ of redem1)t.ion, tl1at cannot be substitut.ed nor ignored, without calling in question tl1e plainest stat.ements of inspired truth.
F1..om IDany standpoints tl1e 1101)~ eucl1arist has been abused. Tl1e Roman Cat!'!o1ic church
teacl1es tl1at wl1en tl1e elements, bread and wine a1"eblessed by a priest it is no longer bread and wine; but is cl1anged by transubstantiation into t.l1e \Tery body-flesh, blood, bones and nerves of our Lord. So that every communicant eats the whole body of Jesus Christ. And to enforce tl1is ridiculous absurdity of transubstantiation, Rome has slain his millions by fire, rack and sword. Many Protestants take the other extreme wholly ignoring the elements of bread and wine, as having no monumental significance
64. THE CHURCH OF GOD.
in tl1e Cl1urcl1; l1ence, not to be obser,yed as an ordinance. But. tl1is, like e,,.ery other scriptural doctrine, must. rest u1>ona Jllain, inspired command fo1· its obser,Tance. '' And He tool{ bread a11d ga.,·e tl1~nk~j~£4nd b1·ake it, and ga,~e unto tl1em, Sa)ring, Ti1i8 is l\{)~ bod)"', which iR gi"\-ell for , ..0u • tl1is <l0 in remembrance of i~1~~-1·~ike-
wise ait~:o,tl1e eitp after su1Jper, saying·, ~rl1is cup is the New rl,estarnent in My blood wl1i(~l1is sl1ed for you,'' Luke 22 :19, 20. Also Mat. 26:26; Mark 14~L2-24; I Cor. 11:23-35, Tl1e references here given to four different passages of Scripture that speak directly of the introduction and observance of t.his ordinance b)~ the Church, should appeal to every Godhonoring person, being enjoined by Hilll Who ransomed us with His own blood. On this point a ,rolume of scriptural reasons Illight be written. We will be use but few words. The elements of bread and wine as chosen by our Lord, as monumental, are not only impressive, but exceedingl)r suggestive. Jesus, in speaking of the sacrifice of. Himself in order to save men f roin sin and its conseqµences, declared, '' I am the bread of life.'' Partaking of natural bread, which is the staff of life replenishes and perpetuates 011r physical man. So the l1oly eucharist, composed of bread and wine, symbolizes and stands a~ a per1)etual monument of t.l1e fullness of the
• }Jrom1ses.
Hence, as a monumental institution, it l1olds before a lost world tl1e blood line of l1ope, as tl1e 1nind is directed to tl1e Laml) of Calvar).,., aIDid rending ,,,eils, quaking hills and darl{ened sun. And now as an index hand of light it point.s to the glorious coming of the Son of tl1ose that sleep in Him; and with living sairrts, sl1all change our vile bodies and fashion them like His glorified body, made read)? for the Hea,,.enly coronation and the unchanging glor.ies of an et.ernal existence and equal heirship witl1 Him. Who l1as loved us and washed us from ou1" sin8 in His o-wnblood.
All this is synibolized by the Lord's Sui.1per, the New Testament ordinance for the Cl1urcl1, '' As oft as )Te do this )ye do show the Ijord 's death till He come.'' Amen and amen.
l~H,;-lJJ 7~El~ 8.
DISC I JJ Ll-'Vl!·.
Mucl1 harm to tl1e Cl1urcl1, and Holiness ca use in general, has gro,vn out of a Inisconce1ltion and enforcement of what is terined disci})lille. Scripturall)r, the word implies the co1·rection of a wrong, or purging the body from sinful and l1e1--eticalpractices that would involve tl1e S}Jiritualit)r and integrity of the Church as a body, if not purged, and thus the Church_ would l1ecome particeps criminis.
There are three distinct New Testainent rules given h)'"whicl1 trespass, heretical doctrine and practice and business misunderstandings are to be dealt with. Most people recognize Matt. 18:15-17 as tl1e only New Testament rule for all disciplinary action. But this is far from correct. Matt. 18:15-17 deals exclusively with tl1e question of trespass, and offers no remedy for tl1e correction of l1eresy. ''Trespass'' j.:, committed bJ~ one brother wronging another. So Matt. 18:15-17 directs how the offended party shall proceed in the matter toward reconc·iliation. Let the offender go alone and talk tl1e matter o,,er with the offending party. If these two can settle it, no one else need know it. But
in case of failure, let tl1e offended tal{e one or two 1nore, and let them talk the inatter o,Ter witl1 the offender. If tl1ey succeed the matt~1· should not be given publicity. But if tl1ey fail, then tell it to the Church. And after the Church has labored with him, and the Church fails to bring about a reconciliation, then '' let him be unto t.hee as an heathen man and a publican.'' He is not to be recognized as a Christian. Now if this rule is not strictly followed, then sin will be added to the trespass. Reader, do you strictly follow Matt. 18 :15-17 in the matter of t1·esspass?
The second rule deals exclusively wit.h heres Jr and heretical teaching, and is found in Acts 15 :1-20. A glorious revival has been held, the Church established, and the work was spreading. But suddenly the revi,~al was checked and the Churc]1 was thrown into confusion. Di,Tision seemed inevitable unless something could be done to check a.nd counteract the influence and doctrine of the J udaizing teachers that had come preaching t.hat unless they submit to and practice the ordinance of circumcision thev could not be saved. The ., trouble was on, what can be done? Says one: '' Let the local church which is an independent sovereign body settle their own disputes.'' The J udiazing tea.chers seem to be wandering
68. THE CHURCI{ OF GOD.
st.a.rs, carrJ".ing around defection. But we will make a test of their disciplinary strength. The),. meet., a.nd the only method of procedure is by tl1e ,,.ote of the congregation, and the doctrine of circulllcision is voted in. Now if the1·e is an)~t}1ing in the doctrine of local church independency it is that the IDajority rules and the minorit),. acquiesces. Otherwise there is division, and the doctrine of independency is a practical fa.ilure. But independent sovereignty was not taught nor practiced. The learned Paul, with others, were present with the church, and they, with the church, decided as it was a doctrinal question to carry it to Jerusalem and lay it before the apostles and elders. This they did. A decision was reached, and t.he decree was sent back by Paul and others to the troubled churches, and th,J churcl1es accepted it with joy and were saved fron1 di"·ision. That is New Testament example, precedent and order. And there is no New Testament example or doctrine to contravene it. ''But,'' sa),.S a resident minister, '' the Church was in its swaddling clothes and we will never aooept it.'' While there are those who will not accept it, yet the Church at that time was wearing her ~postolic garments of New Testament simplicity and divine order. It would be well for any of our churches., when
l1eres);"is i11t1·oduced 01~ s1)1·ings UJJ. and cannot lle handled b),. pastor and (~hu1·cl1, to call tt, t.l1eir aid a boa1·d of elde1·s. Ir1 so doing t1·1(• <~hu1·c·hwo11ld often be sa, 1 ed f~1.<lmw1'eck. TJ1<\
t ..rouble is often bro11gl1t in b)· p1·eache1"s tl1at claim no identit)~ witl1, an(l cannot be dis<~iplined by the Chu1·cl1.
The third rule is fo11ncl in I Co1·. 6 :1-8. Tl1is 1·elates specificallJr t<) llusi11ess misunde1·standing between b1·etl11·e11,and is tl1e sc1..iJ.)·tural Inode of a1 ..bit1'ation, in lieu of a 1.egil I court trial. The parties in,yol,·ed are com1nanded to ca.II in as refe1·ees t.l1ose less esteen1ed. But that does not mean men under s11spicion or of low morals, but business men wl1,) make no pretentions a.s doctrinal teachers. But they know the ,·al11e of a horse, cow, hog or cornfield. ~-\.sthe (lispute is purely one of business, it is to be left. to them. to referee and they decide the n1atte1" fairly. This is scriptural 01·der, covering e\·e1-ayphase of difficult)· in the New Testame11t Church. Hence, a Church trial in any fo1·m.or under any head is not for the purpose of cutting off, but to sav~ the offending parties, if possible. And the withdrawing of fellowship must not be resorted to till Gospel remedies are cxhauste<l ~nd fail.
CHAPTER I. THE NE\\,. TESTAMENT CHURCH, .How CoNSTITU1 1 ED.
CHAPTER II. How Co~sTITUTED (CONTINUED).
CHAPTER III. THE MINISTRY, 13.. I TS CHARACTER AND How CREA 1,En. 26.
CHAPTER IV. 'l,HlL Er~DERSHIP AND Ho,v CONSTITL~TED. 35.
CHAPTER V.
HELA"l,ION OF 'l,HE MINIS'l,RY "l,O THE CHURCH. 44.
CHAPTER VI. RELA 1.,ION AND OBLIGATION 'J"O 1,I·IE MINISTRY.
CHAPTER VII. 0I?DINANCES OF THE CHC:RCH. fil.
CfIAPTER VIII. DISCIPI INE. 66.
