In order for a church to be pleasing to God, it must be the church of the first century. Let’s consider some reasons why.
- The church of the first century was designed by God. The church was in God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:9–11). Daniel said the church would stand forever (Daniel 2:44).
- The church of the first century was built by Jesus (Matthew 16:18), and was purchased with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28).
- The church of the first century had a head, and the head is Jesus (Ephesians 1:22).
- The church of the first century was not to be changed. Any who take away from the Word of God will have their names taken away from the Book of Life (cf. Revelation 22:18–19).
- The church of the first century cannot be improved by any changes men would make. The church of Christ has no creed book, church manual, or catechism. Its standard of authority for all matters of faith, doctrine, and practice is the teaching of the New Testament (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3).
Its destination is heaven, the eternal realm of the redeemed (1 Corinthians 15:24; Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Peter 1:10–11).
The different churches that have come into existence since the first one are a result of a departure from and a corruption of the doctrine and practice of the New Testament church (Acts 20:28–31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; 1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4).
The facts about the church of Christ are clearly set forth in the New Testament, and the facts concerning the origin of other churches are available in history. We would do well to become acquainted with these facts in order to build our religious and spiritual life accordingly.
Investigate the church of Christ in your community and compare it to the church in the New Testament. —compiled
from material from Charles Pogue and Hugh Fulford
“The churches of Christ greet you.“ – Romans 16:16
