THE IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

Very often when one expresses their faith in the Only God there is, that person is asked “Where do you go to church?” This implies a desire to know the identity of the religious organization the person belongs to. This question is usually asked in innocence. But can imply a very dangerous concept about the church of the New Testament.

As we discuss the Identity of the church of the New Testament it is necessary to know that Jesus Christ only established one church that is to be called by His name. We find all that we need to know about the church Jesus established in the New Testament. Therefore, we will look to it to learn the Identity of the church of the New Testament, or the LORD’s church.

Matthew 16:13-20 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  (14)  And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”  (15)  He *said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”  (16)  And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  (17)  And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.  (18) “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.  (19) “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.”  (20)  Then He warned the disciples that they should tell no one that He was the Christ.

The first thing we need to notice is that the New Testament does NOT endorse or in any fashion condone division or denominationalism. Rather the New Testament teaches that the church is a part of the body of Christ. In doing this the New Testament says the church is a group of people.

In fact, the word “church” is translated from the Greek word “ekklesia” which is also translated “assembly”. This word never refers to a building, but to a group of people. Thus, when we call a building “a church” we start to associate worship, fellowship, and assembling with a particular building. This is improper, because worship and fellowship can happen anywhere the people of God come together.

As we proceed, we learn that the church is a group of saved people. A person becomes saved when he or she obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ. The steps to do that are explained throughout scripture. The plan of salvation concludes in baptism. It does not include prayer or even the testimony of acceptance and approval by a board of other people. Acts 2:47 And the Lord was adding to their number daily those who were being saved.

Friend, what church are you a member of? Is it the one Jesus established? Did a group of men have to vote on your membership? Or did Jesus add you to His church which He purchased with His blood?

You can be part of His church. If you’d like to know more, please reach out. Also please continue to check our website we will post more about the IDENTITY OF THE CHURCH OF THE NEW TESTAMENT.