Chapter 2

The New Testament Church

The True Worshippers

Now the question is: who are these “true worshippers” - that “nation bringing forth the fruits thereof”? The Apostle Paul tells us in Gal.3:27-29:

“‘For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

As many as have been baptized into Christ - them that are Christ’s; these are the ones that the Apostle Paul has identified as Abraham’s seed - Israel, the true Israel of God in the Christian dispensation. These are the ones who have inherited the promises of ancient Israel: as many as have been baptized into Christ - them that are Christ’s.

This baptism into Christ is primarily the reception and infilling of the Holy Spirit. Notice the words that Jesus used to his disciples shortly before the day of Pentecost. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem “for the promise of the Father” which they had heard from Him, Jesus (Acts 1:4). He went on further to say:

“John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.” verse 5.

They should tarry in Jerusalem and a few days hence, they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. The next chapter (Acts 2) gives us an account of that experience, and the Divine account is that “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:4). So, this baptism that they were to receive a few days hence, they actually received on the day of Pentecost and according to the record, in that experience “they were all filled with the Holy Ghost.”

The Apostle Paul also expresses a similar idea in Rom. 8:9. He says:

“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”

So, those who are Christ’s will of necessity have the Holy Spirit in them.

Receiving The Holy Spirit

But, back to that experience on the day of Pentecost. On that very occasion the Apostle Peter explained that one will receive the Holy Spirit upon one’s repentance of sin and acceptance of Christ. He also told them that the Holy Spirit is available to all who sincerely desire Him. This idea is expressed in Acts 2:38,39. Says Peter:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

So, Peter is saying: Look, what you have seen happen here - us receiving the Holy Spirit, is not something that was intended for us alone, because the promise is unto you and to your children as well.

Jesus himself also, before he had left, gave this same indication as recorded in Luke 11:13. He says:

“If ye then, being evil, known how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?”

So, it is quite clear that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not intended only for the apostles, but the gift of the Holy Spirit is something that God intends for each individual.

 The Church Of Christ

 The point being made is that it is these that have repented of their sins and accepted Christ and have the Holy Spirit dwelling in their hearts that are the true worshippers that will worship God in spirit and in truth. These are the “nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”   These that have been baptized into Christ - these that are Christ’s are Israel, Abraham’s seed.

Further, these are the ones that are of the Body of Christ. Hence it is said of them in 1 Cor.12:13, 27

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one spirit.” Verse 13.

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” verse 27.

What is the point that is being made here? Simply this, that having been baptized by the Holy Spirit one automatically becomes a part of a body. What is that body? According to verse 27, that body is the Body of Christ. “For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body,” and that body is “the body of Christ.”

Is there another name by which this Body of Christ is called? Yes; this other name is given in Eph. l:22,23. It explains that God has put all things under the feet of Jesus and “gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body.” Did you get that other name? The Body of Christ is The Church.

Therefore, we have gathered so far that God’s Church is made up of all those who are Christ’s, all those who have been baptized into Christ. It is these same ones that are referred to as Abraham’s seed, Israel. These are the ones that have inherited the promises that were given to ancient Israel (subject, of course, to their continued obedience by living faith).

Professed Or True Followers?

The Bible has made it abundantly clear that The Body of Christ -The Church comprises only those who have the Spirit of God in them. Regardless of what one professes, one is not a member of God’s Church except as one receives the Spirit of God in his life and genuinely wills to walk the path of righteousness. The words of Christ to Nicodemus are just as applicable today as when they were spoken by Christ. He said:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:3,5.

The Church is declared by the apostle Paul to be of the very flesh and bones of Christ.

“For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Eph. 5:29,30.

One who is at enmity with Christ could never be considered to be of his flesh and bones. Indeed, one is at enmity with Christ if he is not born again. Consider the words of the apostle:

“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. 8:7,9.

“If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Hence, he is certainly not a part of The Church of Christ which is Christ’s very Body, of His flesh and of His Bones. Furthermore, the apostle Paul declares that it is by the Spirit of God that individuals are baptized into the Body.

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:l3.

It is on the basis that the Israel that God recognizes comprises only those who are truly converted that the apostle Paul declares that “all Israel shall be saved.” Rom. 11:26. Accordingly, he declares:

“For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart.” Rom. 2:28,29.

Also he says of the blood descendants of Abraham:

“For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Rom. 9:6-8.

Thus, while the Bible does indicate that there will be two (2) classes of people who profess to be followers of Christ, namely: those who are truly born again and those who only profess to be followers, The Church that God recognizes includes only those who are born of the Spirit.

This principle is sustained consistently throughout the Bible. Even Jesus Himself, referring to His fold in the parable of the Good Shepherd, where He makes His famous statement about “other sheep” declared:

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

“He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:9,1,27.

Type Of Guidance

It is worthwhile to consider the type of guidance that will be given to these dear ones. The Bible tells us in John 16:13:

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall bear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

Also according to John 14:12,16-18 Jesus says:

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” Verse 12.

“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” Verses 16-18.

We are trying to understand the kind of guidance that will be given to these dear ones. We are told that they will be led into all truth. “Greater works” than those which Christ did they will do (N.B. “Greater works” must be understood as more extensive in quantity rather than more elevated in quality since the Blessed Master cannot be exceeded in excellence). Christ Himself will come to them. He will not leave them comfortless. The Spirit of Truth will be with them continually to abide with them forever.

Two Points

Note two (2) things - The first : just about all that Christ offers to be to His people collectively (i.e. His Body) at any time, He offers to be to each individual that belongs to that Body. Hence, He is “the head over all things to the church” as we have read (Eph. 1:22,23), by being head over all things for each individual that makes up The Church. Accordingly, the Apostle Paul says “the head of every man is Christ.” 1 Cor. 11:3. So, Christ is not the Head of His Church in the sense of being the head of a man-made hierarchical system of which, by exercising control at the top of that system He controls The Body. He is Head of The Body by being Head of every individual that makes up The Body. That is the first point.

Second point to note: one is not a member of The Body, necessarily, by virtue of the amount of knowledge that one has. To the individual it is promised that the Holy Spirit will guide him into all truth, but this is a process and not a sudden, immediate and complete experience. Accordingly, the Apostle Peter admonishes: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Pet.3:18; even though we clearly recognize and acknowledge the diversity of gifts and abilities invested in the individual members (refer to the parable of the talents - Matt. 25:14 -29).

One Of The Channels For Guidance

In guiding an individual into truth, the Holy Spirit often uses other individuals as channels through which this truth is communicated and brought to his attention A typical case of the Holy Spirit guiding an individual into truth by using other individuals as the medium is found in Acts 18:24-28. The story is as follows:

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. Acts 18:24-28

Here we have a situation where Apollos was “mighty in the scriptures,” quite eloquent and “fervent in the spirit,” but he knew only the baptism of John. He did not know about Jesus and all that was taught by Jesus. He was preaching in the synagogue and when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they somehow perceived a deficit in his knowledge. They took him and “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Therefore, Apollos having accepted that new light which was declared to him, was able to “convince the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.” In other words he went on preaching the good news, and that good news he preached according to the new light that he received.

Thus Far

Remember now, we are considering the mystery of God’s Church. We have identified what is The Church  of God. The Church of God as we have outlined from the Scriptures is composed of all them that are  Christ’s, all those in whom is found the Spirit of God. We have outlined also the type of guidance that each  one would receive. We have found from the Scriptures that for each one of these, just about everything that  Christ is to His Church as a whole, He is to each one individually. Also, we have found that one is not a  member of this Body by virtue of the amount of knowledge that he has, although the Holy Spirit will guide  him into all truth, even using as His helpers other disciples, to bring such truth to his attention.

So, these will worship God in spirit and in truth. Unlike the Jews whose worship was centered in the  temple, their worship will be centered in Christ. Unlike the Jews whose worship was external and formal,  their worship will be from the inside and it will be spiritual. Unlike the Jews for whom the temple and the  worship made the worshipper, for these, the worshipper makes the temple and the worship. Their bodies  will be the temple of the living God who dwells in them, as we are told in 1 Corinthians 3:16:.

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Cor.3:16.

Wherever a child of God is found, God is present with him. Wherever two or three of these are gathered in the name of Christ, He is in the midst of them, as we are told in Matt.18:20:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt.18:20.

A Particular Church

Wherever two or three of them that are Christ’s are gathered in His name, He is in the midst, and there we have a particular church -Christ the head and they, of the body.

Even a Godly family is considered in Scripture to be a particular church as demonstrated by the references made of Aquila and Priscilla in the Scripture passages that will now be considered. The Apostle Paul writes thus to the believers at Corinth:

“The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” 1 Cor. 16: 19.

Now, do you remember what we read about Aquila and Priscilla and their experience with Apollos, in Acts 18:24-28?

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.” Acts 18:24

Note the place; he came to Ephesus and spoke in the synagogue. Aquila and Priscilla having heard him in the synagogue, “expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.” Acts 18:26. From this, we are sure that Aquila and Priscilla fellowshipped in the synagogue at Ephesus, with the believers that assembled there. Yet, according to the Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, they had a church in their house. He wrote that Aquila and Priscilla along with the church in their house sent greetings.

On another occasion, the Apostle Paul again made reference to this church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla. This time, it was in writing to the church at Rome:

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.”

“Likewise greet the church that is in their house.” Rom. 16:3,5

From this, we may gather that Aquila and Priscilla were known to the believers that constituted the church at Rome, and yet they had a church in their house which was separate.

From these references, the indication is that the household of Aquila and Priscilla was considered a particular church even though Aquila and Priscilla fellowshipped with believers of a wider group. This, and other Biblical precedents (like that of Philemon - Philemon verse 2) indicates that a godly family is legitimately classified as a particular church.

When these individual members of The Body of different families and kindred ties, from a particular place meet to worship and to fellowship, these, according to Scripture are described as the church at that particular place. For example, we read about “the church of God which is at Corinth” - 1 Cor. l:2; we read also of “the church of the Laodiceans” - Col. 4:16, and others.

The Universal Church

These particular churches, collectively are referred to, as “the churches.” For example, in the following statement:

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”  1Cor. 14:33

Also, in this other statement:

“But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” 1 Cor. 11:16

Reference is obviously made of all the different churches, and the term used to refer to them is “churches.”

It is interesting that these churches together have never been referred to as “The Church,” but rather as “churches.” The fact is, The Church - the Body of Christ is far greater and more grand than any or all of these churches put together. Consider the definition from the Word of God, what is The Church, the Body of Christ:

“And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” Eph.l:22,23.

The Church is defined as “the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” “Him that filleth all in all” is none other than God. God is the One of whom it is said, “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” Jer. 23:24.

The Church is also described as:

“The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Tim. 3:15.

Thus, The Church, the Body of Christ is the fullness of God, the pillar and ground of the truth. The suggestion from these terms is that The Church, the Body of Christ is of wider scope than any or all of these churches put together. The reality is that The Church, the Body of Christ is universal.

Household Of God

This fact of the universality of God’s Church is brought out in Ephesians 2.

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Verses 13-18.

The apostle Paul is speaking about Jews and Gentiles - those that were nigh, and those that were afar off being reconciled to God in one body. He continues:

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Verse 19.

It is good to bear this thought in mind, that those who are reconciled to God, having been reconciled,  they have become “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

What is God’s household - or family? Mention is made of the same in Ephesians 3:15. In order to get the  full thought, we look at verse 14 as well. They read as follows:

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”

The family of God according to Ephesians 3:15 extends over heaven and earth. A household and a family are one and the same thing. Thus, in referring to the followers of Christ as being reconciled to God, becoming a part of God’s household, we are saying in accordance with Ephesians 3:15 that they have now become a part of that family which extends over heaven and earth.

Now, we ask an appropriate question: Is that household, or family of God the same as God’s church? The answer is yes. 1 Timothy 3:15 identifies the house of God as the Church of the living God:

“The house of God, which is the church of the living God.” 1 Tim.3:15.

Spiritual House

That the household, or family of God is the same as God’s Church is also borne out in the same thought expressed in Ephesians chapter 2. The thought continues in verse 20, with the reconciled ones of that same household being referred to as constituting a building.

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Eph. 2:20-22.

So, the same household is described as a building being fitly framed together, growing up into a holy  temple in the Lord.

The apostle Peter takes up the same idea in 1 Pet. 2:5.

“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.

He refers to Jesus as the chief corner stone in verses 4 and 6 and says that the followers of Christ, as lively stones are built up a spiritual house. That into which the followers of Christ are built up - that same  household of God, or holy temple which the apostle Paul referred to, is referred to by Peter as a spiritual  house. This spiritual house can be none other than that “house of God, which is the church of the living  God.” 1 Tim.3:15.

So, the thought is that the household, or family of God that extends over heaven and earth is the same spiritual house that the followers of Christ, as lively stones are built up into - “the house of God, which is  the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” 1 Tim.3:15.

Church Of The Firstborn

We are further told that the followers of Christ have come to “an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.” Heb.12:22,23. The inspired writer says:

“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest.”

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.” Heb.12:18,22,23

The Church to which the followers of Christ have come, is the “church of the firstborn,” that Church which includes an innumerable company of angels. This is the Church which is the Body of Christ.

Grand Reunion

The grand reunion of God’s family that is comprised of those who have been reconciled to God, both in heaven and in earth is the fulfillment of that mystery which, from ages and generations have been hid in God. This idea is expressed in Ephesians 1:9,10. It says:

“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”

This mystery “which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God” (Eph. 3:9) is “that in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.”

On that glorious occasion that will extend into eternity all will reflect the glorious image of God, being filled with all the fullness of God, as is expressed in Ephesians 3:19, that God’s will is that all His people be “filled with all the fullness of God”. Accordingly, the apostle John heard the lofty strains of singing from a reconciled universe as expressed in Revelation 19:1,6 where he says:

“And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.”

“And T heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Rev.19:l,6.

For this joy that was set before Him, Christ endured the cross. In the joy and peace of this grand reunion, there will be fulfilled the words which He is reported as saying:

“In the midst of the church will I sing praise.” Heb. 2:12.

Also will be fulfilled that which is said of the Father:

“He will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” Zeph. 3:17.

 This Is the Church

That reconciled universe is The Church, The Body of Christ, the fullness of God, the pillar and ground of the truth. That is The Church that Christ gave Himself for, that He might “cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph.5:25-27.

This thought is borne out quite forcibly in Colossians 1:19,20, which reads as follows:

“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell;

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”

Christ gave himself that all might be reconciled to Him, both in earth and in heaven. That is The Church for which Christ gave Himself. That is The Church which is the Body of Christ.