We are asking this evening: “What is a New Testament Baptist Church?” The subject is not ours, because the Lord mentions the church here in this scripture. He says, “I will build my church.” The way that He words this statement, it seems that there may be other churches beyond Christ’s. We should ask: What is the Lord’s Church? “What is a New Testament Church?” We are forced to give adjectives a perfectly good noun, because many churches are not “New Testament” churches” – they are not “Christ’s churches.” They are post-New Testament churches. There are lot of people who cling to a completely imaginary church – one that is invisible. The so-called “universal, invisible church” may be found in many theology books, but not in the Bible. It is not the Lord Jesus’ church. There are others who boldly belong to Reformational churches. These aren’t New Testament churches because they originated in days of the Reformation – the 16th century. They are reactionary churches, protesting against their corrupted religious neighbors. Then there are churches, sects and cults which are obviously man-made. Some follow their prophets – John Smith, Ellen G. White, Charles T. Russell or Alexander Campbell. And then some others follow John Knox, Martin Luther or John Calvin. A congregation, whose doctrines and practices cannot be found in the Bible – or which didn’t begin with Christ – cannot, by their own admission, be either the Lord’s church or a New Testament church.
Since there several important blessings tethered to scriptural church membership, we need about know about what we are talking.
We need to be persuaded that the Lord Jesus established a particular institution & called it “His church.”
That word “church” is the Greek word “ecclesia.” It would be wonderful, if I could ask any member of our church about the Greek word for “church,” and you could all give me the same answer. I hope that we mention this often enough so that we all have the word planted in our heads and hearts. The literal meaning of the word, before, during and after the days of Jesus and the Apostles is “assembly.” A church of the New Testament is an assembly – a very special assembly. Like so many words, “ecclesia” is made up of two smaller words. First there is the prefix “ek” which means “out of,” and then there is the root word “kaleo” which means “to call.” Over time, and long before the day that Christ took up the word, “ek-kaleo” became “ecclesia.” It came to mean “an assembly of called out ones.” When our Lord, or Peter, or Paul spoke of an “ecclesia” they were referring to a group of people, who had been called out of a larger body in order to meet together for a specific purpose.
That word is used four different ways in the Bible, and it always refers to “an assembly.” In Acts 19:29-41 we have that word used in two ways – please turn to Acts 19 – “And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.”
Verses 32 and 41 use the word “ecclesia” to describe the assembly of a bunch of angry idolaters. “Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.” “And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.” Then verse 39 speaks of a lawful, self-governing Greek political assembly. “But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.” I am told that this use in verse 39 is the most common usage in general Greek literature. Obviously, neither of these was a “church of Christ” – but both are legitimate uses of “ecclesia.”
Then in Acts 7:37-38 we have another use. “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us.” Israel was an “ecclesia” in that was self-governing, assembly called by God out of Egypt. It was not a “church” in the sense of the Lord’s church, but it was “a called out assembly.” This is an acceptable translation, but it doesn’t justify the Protestant idea that Old Testament Israel is the same as the New Testament church. In addition to these, we find “ecclesia” used 111 times in regard to the Lord Jesus’ assembled church.
Now, when the Bible speaks of “the Lord’s church,” that can be broken down into two uses. There is the concrete or specific use; a precise church in a precise place. Sometimes the Bible speaks of one church: The church in Antioch, the church in Jerusalem, the church in Corinth and at Rome. And sometimes it speaks of several churches in a larger area: “All the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia” – Galatians 1:2. “The churches of Asia salute you” – I Corinthians 16:19. But then there is the abstract, or generic use, of the word “ecclesia.” By that I mean that Bible refers to real, literal, called out assemblies, but it doesn’t mention a specific congregation, but rather to all of them together. That is what we have here in Matthew 16:18 – “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.” Which “ecclesia” is the Lord building? The first church in Galilee and at the same time any one. Every single one of them. In Matthew 18:17 the Lord was teaching about the discipline of sinful members. Send some of the brethren to speak to that erring Christian, showing him his sin. “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” This is still talking about a called out assembly, but which one? Ephesians 3:21 – “Unto (God) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Which “ecclesias” are supposed to bring glory to the Lord? All of them. This abstract use of “ecclesia,” for some reason or other, poses mental problems for a lot of people. But to these same people there is no problem with the abstract sense of other things in the Bible. Ephesians 5:22-24 – “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” To which “husband” and which “wife” was Paul thinking of? None in particular, but all of them generally. On the other hand there is no way picture what he was saying without thinking of some specific husband and wife.
This is the root of our Doctrine, but how can we spot a contemporary New Testament Baptist Church?
First we consider the fact that Christ Jesus started and pastored only one church. Today, we should ask whether or not the church we are examining has come from that original church. Does this one have scriptural descent and authority. It is not enough for a group people to assemble and say, “We’re here! The first church of north Idaho.” It is important to ask – How did this “church” arrive? Any church which hasn’t descended from the church of Matthew 16 is not a New Testament church. It is like that husband and wife: A man may say, “I am that woman’s husband.” But when and how did you become her husband? Was there a wedding? Is there a certificate? Does that woman know that you are her husband? We must ask ourselves, who founded this church that I am considering for membership? Does it belong to a denomination founded by some mere man? Is it a man-made church? Did it begin with Wesley, Knox, King Henry, or Luther? Additionally, did this church begin on any day subsequent to the earthly ministry of the Lord Jesus? I won’t bore you with the dusty details, but there is abundant evidence that Baptistic congregations have existed in every age since the days of the Apostles. Even Mosheim the respected Lutheran historian has said, “The true origin of Anabaptists is hid in the remote depths of antiquity.” The first Christians in many European countries were Baptistic people – not Catholics. As Goadby says, “We are warranted in saying that the early British Christians were men holding the distinctive principles of Baptists.” From those churches came the Baptist churches of the United States. A true New Testament church descended from those churches established by Christ and the Apostles.
And that church may also distinguish itself even by where in the Bible it claims to have sprung. There is a common error that the Lord’s church was not started by Christ. People say that the Holy Spirit started the church on the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. But this can be considered in conflict with what Jesus said, “I will build my church.” Besides, the Bible shows that the church was in existence before the Day of Pentecost. In Acts 2:41 on that great day of the empowering of church, people were “added” to the church. No one can add something to a church which did not already exist. The church must have been organized prior to Matthew 28, when it was giving its marching orders. And the church must have existed before, and been understood by the Apostles before Matthew 18:17, when Jesus mentioned bringing matters of discipline before the church. Since Christ didn’t explain the word “church” to the disciples here in Matthew 16, they must have already understood what it meant. To be specific, the church started when Jesus, “ek -kaleo” -ed His disciples in Mark 3:13. Christ’s church started when He called these twelve out of the many other disciples and assembled them. Today, those churches are Biblical and New Testament when they have a scriptural descent from Christ and the Gospels.
And it must continue to be SOUND in its DOCTRINE.
I believe that some “ekkelsias” which once were the Lord’s churches have been disowned because of false doctrine. The Book of Revelation teaches that churches can potentially have their authority removed. And let it be clearly understood that false doctrine disqualifies any assembly from using the title “New Testament” church; or the “Lord’s” church. It must believe right about the scriptures – complete verbal inspiration. It must teach correctly about Christ. It must accept his virgin birth, and absolute and eternal deity. It must believe correctly about much of salvation. If a majority of the members of a church are not saved, then how can the church be one of Christ’s? The church must believe that man has nothing within him to commend him to the Lord. The means of salvation comes only through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ Jesus’ blood is the satisfying agent before the Lord. Salvation has been received only by sinners who are living in repentance and faith. Anything more or less than these things makes salvation impossible. That church must believe right about a great number of other doctrines. Things like a literal Heaven, Hell and Devil. I think that it must accept doctrine of eternal security. And there is the doctrine of the literal return of Christ to earth. We could list quite a few things.
Then a true church must be SOVEREIGN in its DECISIONS.
New Testament churches are independent, autonomous and self-governing bodies. Any church which submits itself to the decisions of others ceases to be a New Testament church. Some decisions made for congregations and about congregations include: Who will be its pastor; made by some bureaucrat at denominational headquarters; What literature it will use in teaching the Bible – even what version of the Bible to use. Can someone tell a church where it’s young people will go to school? Another is how its money will be spent. Does it go into a big pot, where a denominational board decides how it is to be used? Some goes to missions, some to Christ-denying seminaries, and some to print worthless books. But then a big chunk is designated to pay the salary of those making the decisions.
A New Testament church may fellowship with whomever it chooses, and in today’s religious world that means the freedom to abstain from a lot of fellowship too.
And one more thing for this evening, Christ’s Church is SACRED in its DETERMINATION.
A New Testament church has one primary objective: the Glory of Christ. Anything less than this is not worthy of the name – an “ecclesia” of the Lord. It must not degenerate into a pot-luck licking club or social sewing circle. It cannot afford to be merely a mate-meeting menagerie. I wouldn’t attend a church led by a self-seeking; self-glorifying pastor. You deserve to be more than just another rung on his ladder to the top of the denomination. This is to be a glorification station for none other than Lord. Church – “Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” What should a person look for in a church which has this as a goal? It will be concerned about the salvation of lost souls. But it will not compromise in order to gain or keep new members. It will preach the whole counsel of God. Those churches which delight in a pastor who reads couple verses then does nothing but sigh, cry and testify, really can’t properly glorify the Lord. It takes doctrinal preaching and teaching, such as this rather dry lesson tonight. And it takes expository preaching as well.
What things mark a New Testament church? Scripturality in descent. Soundness in doctrine. Sovereignty in decisions. And Sacredness in design.
Look for no other – no substitute.