Why Do Churches Of God Exist?

by McCormick, F. | Category: Why Do Churches Of God Exist? | Apr 1955

It is abundantly clear that churches of God existed in New Testament times (1 Thessalonians 2.14; Galatians 1.2; 2 Corinthians 8.1 ; 2 Thessalonians 1.4). That they were of divine origin, the term "of God" implies. They did not get their constitution by agreement of a church council, a meeting of bishops, or decision of a church meeting.

The first church of God was in Jerusalem (Acts 8.1 ; Galatians 1.13), and it is of paramount importance that we note how it came into existence, as there are claimants to the term today whose constitutional position will not bear comparison with the scriptural pattern. Those in the church of God in Jerusalem became such because they conformed to the divine doctrine given to them by the Lord, just as Moses, in making the Tabernacle, had to conform to the detailed pattern given by God, before God could, or would, acknowledge such as His habitation.

"See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was shewed thee in the mount" (Hebrews 8.5).

No human alteration or device could for one moment be tolerated when God had spoken ; so it is in regard to a church of God.

The title is not used in Scripture as a term of convenience to describe a group of believers who come together on the basis of being evangelical in their outlook, as is done by some today. It is not a name to be tacked on to any organization under any individual "minister" or "pastor," which thing is never seen in Scripture. It is not applied, as many do apply it, to the Church, which is Christ's Body, which, in Matthew 16.18, the Lord calls, "My church," which is composed of all believers in this dispensation - Nor can the term be rightly used of companies of believers who merely meet to break bread, of which there are a number, with many and varied beliefs. Then there are companies of baptized believers who come together to break bread, who are associated with others, companies to whom baptism is optional or non-essential, and obviously the term " church of God " could not apply to them, if Scripture be our guide.

What then is the origin and pattern of a church of God? In Matthew 28.18-20 we find the risen Lord reveals to His disciples that He is possessed of all authority in heaven and on earth, and commissions them to "Go ... and make disciples of all the nations." We trust it is clear to the reader that all believers are not truly disciples; indeed, some never seem to have a disciple-spirit at all, and obviously lead a wasted life. They choose a path of their own, and while accepting salvation through grace, they utterly fail to acknowledge the all-authority of Christ, and consequently do not place themselves in subjection to His revealed will.

Those who are truly His disciples, the Lord commands to be baptized-" baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Such are then to be taught to observe whatsoever He has commanded. It is clear, therefore, that the teaching of the apostles was that which they had received from the Lord in the days of His flesh, and also after His resurrection, when He taught them "the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 1.2, 3). In obedience to His word they tarried in Jerusalem, waiting for the promise of the Father, a company of obedient ones, numbered and named (Acts 1.14). On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit was poured forth, and took up His abode in this sanctified and prepared people, gathered by the Lord's own word. This answers to the completed Tabernacle being filled with the glory of the LORD (Exodus 40.34, 35), and indicates divine approval and pleasure in those who were together of Himself in design and purpose. This indwelt company of obedient disciples then were truly " the church," the called-out and called together " of God "in Jerusalem on the basis of manifest subjection to the Lordship of Christ.

In Holy Spirit power, Peter and others proclaimed the fact that the One whom they had crucified was raised, and God had made Him both Lord and Christ, evidence of which was that He had poured forth that which they saw and heard.

"They then that received his word were baptized; and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls" (Acts 2.41).

These additions were to the church of God in Jerusalem, and involved subjection to water baptism prior to addition ; this, of course, is not to be confused with the Church, the Body of Christ, as faith in Christ is the only essential to becoming a member of that Church, and water baptism does not enter into consideration at all. These baptized, added disciples "continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and the prayers." It is clear, therefore, that being in a church of God involved mutual responsibilities to hold and practise collectively the doctrine committed to them. There is nothing here to countenance the reception of all and sundry regardless of their teachings, and associations. No, these continued stedfastly in the one thing into which they had been added, for persons are either inside or outside of a church of God. We make bold to say that there cannot be a church of God without positive separation from all else, and a continuing in the things of Acts 2.42.

Other churches of God came into existence later, which were of the same pattern, holding and practising the same things, even as Paul wrote, " Even as I teach everywhere in every church " (1 Corinthians 4.17). And again, " We have no such custom, neither the churches of God " (1 Corinthians 11.16). It is not our purpose to pursue further this line of thought at present. We have stated the fact that churches of God did exist, and we are assured that they do now exist in the same pattern. "Presumption, cries someone, but we humbly submit it is no more presumption, if God's word declares it, than to claim that anyone is a child of God because there is God's word for it.

We how apply ourselves to the question, "Why do churches of God exist?" What are their purpose, functions and responsibilities? The formation or planting of churches of God is not an end in itself; they exist for a reason, and have a purpose to fulfil. Let none think it is just a position to be attained, as a place to settle down in, with some satisfaction of mind and heart; that idea is false to the purpose of the divine Architect. No, a church of God is not a place of spiritual ease and retirement ; in fact, there is no association on earth which requires such spiritual diligence and activity to maintain the purpose for which it exists, as a church of God.

We may be sure, that being "of God" the activities of Satan will be specially directed against such, and the epistles make this abundantly clear.

He has used the strategy of open attack in persecution, and reproach from without, inward lethargy and dissension, and corruption of tile sound doctrine, as Paul said, "we are not ignorant of his devices " ; and there is also, alas., reproach from those who, if they would read their Bibles in subjection, should know better.

Much space in the epistles is taken up in counteracting Satan's everceasing destructive activities. It is little wonder we find such exhortations for our encouragement, as are found in 1 Corinthians 16.13:

"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit ye like men, be strong." Churches of God, then, have a positive responsibility to fulfil, and to act in accordance with the nature of their constitution and being. Churches of God exist in time, and not in eternity, hence the purpose of their existence has to do with God's present purposes on earth, albeit a rich reward is promised in a day to come to those who are faithful. Contrariwise, it is a solemn consideration for believers who fail to grasp the present possibilities of fulfilling God's purpose for them in the only companies legislated for in Scripture-the churches of God.

McCormick, F. | Apr 1955
Why Do Churches Of God Exist?