The Origin, Structure and Apostasy of the Lord’s Church

by Joel Hendon⁽¹⁷¹⁾ Red Star

http://hebronics.org/index.html

In Jeremiah 31:31ff is a prophetic announcement of the new covenant which the Lord would make with the Jews and would include it to encompass all people.

"Behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them," declares the Lord. "But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days," declares the Lord, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. "They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, `Know the Lord,' for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them," declares the Lord, "for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more." (Jeremiah 31:31-34 NASV)

The writer of the Hebrew letter also quotes the above passage and explains it’s significance.

This was the purpose of Jesus coming to the earth and sacrificing his life to remove the sins from mankind whosoever would believe and obey him. Jesus explained this to his apostles in the book of Matthew.

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-19 KJV)

This was also Jesus prophecy of the new covenant and the establishment of His church which occurred on the day of Pentecost after His resurrection. It is covered in detail in the second chapter of Acts.

Although the early church suffered much persecution from the hands of the Jews as well as the Roman emperors, it flourished and spread. It was not a formal organization, it was only those people who were drawn together by a unified faith in Jesus. The only requirements for membership in it, set forth by the apostles (who had been given the keys to the kingdom) were that those who heard the word, must believe it...believe that Jesus was the son of God, confess that faith before men, repent of their sins and then be baptized. At that point, the Lord, added them to His church, a spiritual kingdom.

It was to be a simple kingdom. It was to have a plurality of elders (called shepherds, pastors, presbyters, overseers and bishops at different scriptures). They were to guide the local congregation of Jesus followers and have no control over any other congregation. All were autonomous. They were also to appoint deacons who would care for the physical work of he group. These were the only offices authorized for the church government.

The apostles were different, they had received the baptism of the Holy Spirit which brought to their remembrance all things which Jesus had taught them and also guide them into all truths pertaining to the Lords kingdom.

Paul, as the time drew near for his being imprisoned and he realized that his life was coming to a close, came to Ephesus and called the elders together there and gave them this warning and plea of what would be forthcoming for the church. Read this moving discourse.

And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:18-35 KJV)

This admonition was given to the elders, and indeed, the prophetic warning was not long in coming. As the congregations grew, some began to set one elder in charge of the others. Then as time went on, these exalted elders, usually referred to as a bishop, began gathering with “bishops” from other congregations and soon set up areas and appointed one of those bishops to be over the other congregations bishops. This process grew farther and farther from the original true congregational government until it had become divided and in general, departed from the original plan of the first century church.

Persecutions from the Roman emperors kept the church in disarray until Constantine became emperor and he, in 313, issued an edict which granted full legality and freedom to the Christians church. By this time, however it was totally apostate, with only a few tiny groups in various spots who still attempted to abide by the apostolic teachings.

The apostatized church became intertwined with the Roman government and became a political power. Small groups of dissenters became “heretics” in the eyes of the now Roman Catholic Church. Many were killed by burning at the stake and other torturous means.

This portion of church history covers far too much time and events to present explanatory details. If anyone cares to make a much more in depth study of this period, I suggest that you visit the following page where detailed historical events from the life of Christ until the inquisition in short chronological steps are linked. Click Here.

Article submitted Saturday, April 09, 2011 & read 59 times.

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» left by Robert (1 year 18 days ago.)

Joel love you and your work and great teaching but once again I suspect my very first article is applicable in this case? Why do I say that? It was called "The view from the pew" and once again it speoke to the different perspectives of men in doctrine, belief, opinion, perspective. It spoke to denominational belief, what Bible one uses, etc. Many a novice does not consider these facts but follows after the teacher and while what and is truth there are other interpreations to consider. Yes and who is right ot wrong meaningless and not the issue but there are always other scriptures to review. I'll give an example and perhaps you can write to it as you see it. such as in Thessalonians. If one looks they will find this is a major sign of the End Times. In fact unless the Apostacy comes there cannot be the End. What you write about did occur yet once again by opinion the rest of the story missing. The Bible and Word often refers to events that took place in the apst and happened or will happen again in the future. That is where man splits. What was fulfilled and what is to come. Example, mMany believe Israel came again in 1948 while some say that is not the Israel of the bible. Can't win on that one but people should be given a chocie or comparision unless we just wish to foster our views and leave it at that. Also, by nature of experts there is a great apostacy happening in that many follow false doctrines and do not believe in the Word or aspects of it and emrely profess a belief in God while not practicing their faith. This presented by secular and religious people, believers and non. So what is your view of "the church" and what church are we referring to because they all and there are thousnads, seem to declare they are correct in teaching? I write to learn and open my mind to other concepts and never offensively. Best wishes.

» left by Joel Hendon (1 year 15 days ago.)

Robert, I appreciate your thoughtful comments and I grant you the right to believe and understand the Bible as you see it. However, it is obvious that we do not agree in many facets. One, you refer to the apostasy that is going on now, which no one can deny, but it is perfectly obvious what Paul is referring to when he warns of the apostasy which would come after his leaving and even acknowledges that it was already starting. Plus, he was talking to the elders (bishops of the congregations) then and he makes the remark that "from among yourselves" those teachers of error would arise.

You Asked: "So what is your view of "the church" and what church are we referring to because they all and there are thousands, seem to declare they are correct in teaching?"

The Lord's church is the same as it was on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, as recorded in Acts 2. Peter and the other apostles preached the first gospel sermons on that day and some 3,000 souls were baptized into Christ that same day. And the Lord added to the church daily, "those that were being saved" Acts 2:47. It was not a man created organization, it was the spiritual kingdom of God and it has not had any authorized changes made to it until this day. Man has changed it into everything imaginable since that day. All without authorization from the scriptures or from God. I have never "joined" any religious organization. Each group who met together in the first century was independent, autonomous and had no head except Jesus Christ. All innovations made since that time are without divine authorization or approval. Congregations of the Lord's church remains atonomous and has no creed except the Bible, no head except Christ and the only offices authorized then and now are, Elders, Deacons in each congregation and Evangelists.

Those men who began the various religious denominations during the Reformation, for the most part, were attempting to bring people back to the true method of worship. A number of them pled with their followers, not to start a "church"or "denomination" under their name, but simply go back to scriptural worship. Most of the followers did not listen and created the vast network of religious organizations, all teaching different doctrines.

I appreciate your comments and your friendship. I too, hope that you take the above remarks as they are intended, with respect for you and your beliefs. I am just one of those people who believe the biblical canon is all that we have or ever will have until the end of time, that is direct from God, and "is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

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