The "One True Church"    
 

by L. A. Stauffer

 

An expression that is anathema among Protestants today is “the one true church.” In the universal or general sense they agree that there is only one true church, and that its members are known only to God who adds them to his family. In this sense they accept the Biblical teaching that “there is one body” (Eph 4:4). And to this we agree. But few, if any, believe there is “one true church” that is identifiable on earth. Even many of our brethren have abandoned the idea of “restoring” the first-century church on earth. They scoff at the idea of studying the scriptures, identifying the church’s nature and character, and establishing it in every city throughout the world. They have given up on “restoring” the ancient order of things and are speaking of “updating” the church to meet twentieth century needs. To them, talk about getting back to the first-century church and its practices is arrogant and they often arrogantly respond: “which one”—Corinth and its factional, immoral character; Ephesus and its departure from love and its first works; or Thessalonica and its controversial views of the second coming? Their rationale is that churches at the beginning had problems and practiced error and God accepted them. By this they rationalize error today and plead for the acceptance of all churches. And, of course, that’s where the premise of their plea leads. The ultimate conclusion and foundation of their view is that no man can study the Bible and determine truth—therefore all men are doomed to accept error. What they ignore is that the teaching of what was later written in scripture was considered the standard of righteousness and these churches were all condemned and urged to correct these errors. And what they further ignore is that God not only condemned churches who practiced error, but He also threatened to remove the lampstand of any church that refused to repent (see Rev 2:5). Jesus and the apostles again and again stressed the importance of truth: that the truth shall make man free; that one is sanctified by truth; that those who pervert truth will be accursed; that anyone who goes beyond truth is cut off from God; and that people who love not the truth and believe a lie will be condemned (see John 8:31-32; John 17:17; Gal 1:6-9; 1 John 9; 2 Thess 2:11-12). If Bible students cannot determine truth from error, then all are condemned to eternal damnation. There is, for example, a way of worship that is in “spirit and truth” and there is a way of worship that is based on the doctrines of men and is vain (see John 4:24 and Matt 15:1-9). Since the word of God is truth and the scriptures are the basis of righteousness, one must as the Bereans search the scriptures daily to see what is true. Those that do will learn that brethren in the first century spoke to one another in hymns and spiritual songs, assembled on the first day of the week to observe the Lord’s Supper, gave into a treasury as they were prospered, continued steadfastly in prayer, and taught and edified one another by the teaching of God’s word (see Eph 5:19; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 11:23-26; 1 Cor 16:1-2; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 14). Is there anyone who would affirm that any of these practices are not based on truth? We learned these practices from the scripture and we can learn also from scripture what the “work” of the church is, how churches were “organized,” “how believers became members,” what “name” they exalted and honored, and what “purity” and “holiness” demanded of them. What God taught and approved of in these matters is what we are devoted to and if we practice them we will be identified with the practices of the “one true church” that Jesus built through the work and preaching of the apostles. This we are committed to and invite all men to join us in these practices.       Other Articles What Does 1 Cor 11:3 Teach About the Role of Women? Abiding in the Doctrine You're Not Going to Change Me! When I Survey the Wondrous Cross What You Confess in Baptism Following the Crowd Money Will not Buy Everything The Restoration Principle Consistency and Character Would You Allow This?   For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com