|
 The
identifying marks of the N.T. church usually presented are its
name, terms of admission, government, work, and worship. This is
a useful study, and includes many points that need clarification
in this denominational world. But if we stop here we will have
overlooked the very elements that make the Lord’s church what
it is —- that make these people concerned about work
and worship. Important character traits are “identifying
marks” of those who are the church.
They
are people of FAITH; People who have ceased to rely upon
themselves but trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. They are often
designated simply as those who “believe” (Acts 2:44 4:32,
5:14, etc.). Christ is Savior “specially of those that
believe.” In a real sense, all they did was prompted by faith,
for “without faith it is impossible to please” God (Heb. 11:
6).
And
these believers were TOGETHER. The first thing said about the
first converts is” they continued steadfastly in the apostles’
doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers”
(Acts 2:42). Verse 44 says they were “together,
|
|
and had all things common.” Acts 4:32
says they “were of one heart and of one soul,” so much so
that in time of need they sold their possessions and shared.
This kind of “oneness” stems from an initial “fellowship”
which they had with God (1 Jn. 1:5-7, 2 Cor. 8:4-5).
They
were SAINTS (set-apart ones), CONSECRATED to the Lord. Peter
called them “peculiar” — a “people for God’s own
possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). Such sanctification is not “experienced.”
It follows work on our part. One must “purge himself” of
iniquity, false teachers, etc., in order to be “a vessel unto
honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use” (2 Tim.
2:16-f). The “saints in Christ Jesus” which were at
Philippi, made up the church there (Phil. 1:1); and today’s
city-without-saints, is a city without the church of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
So,
when we begin to define the Lord’s church, let’s not stop
with a few outward marks, however important. “These ought ye
to have done” (Matt. 23:23); but without the other, our
efforts are meaningless.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
