THE CHURCH’S ONE FOUNDATION

In the Gospel of John 1:29, we see John the Baptist pointing to Jesus Christ as he cries, “Behold, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.”

John did not point to the Temple of Jerusalem, which was the pride and joy of the Jews, because in that place was one greater than the Temple (Matthew 12:6). Neither did he point to the Scriptures, which the Jews continually searched because they thought that in them they had eternal life (John 5:39). He pointed to HIM of whom the Scriptures gave witness. None other but Christ Jesus, the Son of the living God; the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world.

On the Mt. of Transfiguration, the Father did not point to Moses and the Law, or to Elias and the Prophets. As the cloud covered them, God pointed to Jesus as He testified: “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased; hear Him” (Matt. 17:1-8). When the cloud lifted, the disciples “saw no man, SAVE JESUS ONLY.” Moses and Elias disappeared from the scene. Henceforth, we see Jesus only.

In Hebrews 1:1 we read, “GOD, who . . . spoke in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things . . .” It is no longer the Law and the prophets. It is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom we must hear and give heed to.

The Apostle Paul, in answer to the desperate cry of the Jailer, “What must I do to be saved” (Acts 16:31), replied, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.” Paul did not point the jailer to a set of doctrines, which he must learn and believe, but he pointed to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

It is quite significant to note that the converts in the days of the apostles were only required to confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and Christian fellowship. Sinners were never asked, as is so often done in our day, to consecrate their lives to the Lord. How can we consecrate an unclean thing? A sinner must first repent toward God and confess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been justified and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the believer may then give his life in the service of the Master. Salvation is free, “not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:9). Consecration is works, but is the fruit of salvation, which follows salvation.

Paul was continually “looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith.” He loved and respected the pillars (Peter, John, James) of the Church in Jerusalem, but he did not point people to them or to the Mother Church in Jerusalem, but to Jesus only.

How do we stand in this respect? Whom are we beholding and to whom are we pointing people? Is it the Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, or is it a set of doctrines, our particular denomination, or some leader in our denomination? Let us stop and examine ourselves carefully.

At the New York World’s Fair, where we were given the opportunity to serve in the New York Bible Society Exhibit, we were amazed at the confusion and ignorance that we found to exist among members in the various denominations. Everyone was pointing to his group or denomination. The names of men and denominations are in bright lights while the name of Jesus was hidden in varied teachings.

All religious leaders have their honor. Their followers are called by their names, and based on their teachings they build denominations. Most of these people love Jesus, yet many of them would rather be identified by the name of their denomination than by the name of Christ Jesus.

Who are these religious leaders? Only fellow servants, sinners saved by grace. Nothing more! We should thank God for those leaders who pointed us to Christ, our Lord. But, we have no business burning incense to their memory or to their theological positions.

God has a people, throughout the world, who look unto Jesus, and Jesus only, as the author and finisher of their faith. God calls them, “A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Pet, 2:9). Their birth into the family of God is a miracle of grace wrought by God Himself. They are called into this relationship, according to the foreknowledge of the Almighty, being saved by the power, love and grace of God. Their eternal salvation is utterly dependent upon God’s keeping and saving power. It is these who make up the true and only Church of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Now let us prayerfully consider what should be the basis for Christian fellowship of this chosen generation, this royal priesthood, this holy nation, this peculiar people.

Should the Bible be made the basis for Christian fellowship? The Bible is indeed the “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” It is the only constitution and by-laws of the Church; the only rule of our faith and practice, but it is not the ONE foundation of the Church! Christ Jesus alone is that foundation, “For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). Some have made doctrine the basis for Christian fellowship. Should this be so? Let us never forget that Bible doctrine is very important and we must contend for it, but while remembering that now “we see through a glass darkly.” However, doctrine must never be made the basis for Christian fellowship.

The Baptists build their denomination on baptism and called themselves after it. This is indeed a true Biblical doctrine and one that should be practiced by all Christians because the Lord commanded us to do so. However, it should never be the basis for Christian fellowship. Likewise, the Pentecostals call themselves after a Holy Day, a day in which the Church was born, and make the doctrine of “speaking in tongues” the basis of Christian fellowship. We believe the teachings of the Bible concerning the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, but we should never make them the basis for Christian fellowship. The 7^th Day Adventists call themselves after the Sabbath and make it their basis for fellowship. Let us remember that the seventh day of the week is the Sabbath. However, to make this day or any other day the basis for Christian fellowship is to bring dishonor to the Lord Jesus Christ who is “the Lord of the Sabbath?” The New Covenant Brethren likewise called themselves that for many years. It is true that the Bible teaches that the New Covenant was instituted by the Lord Jesus and has been in operation ever since His death on the cross at Calvary. Nevertheless, it should never be made the basis for Christian fellowship. We thank God that Christ alone has become the basis of Christian fellowship among all Christian believers. The Bible Students called themselves after the Bible, not after Christ and make their doctrines the basis for Christian fellowship.

We can go on and on, demonstrating how doctrines have been made the basis for Christian fellowship. However, let the foregoing examples suffice to prove the fact that when we make doctrine (whether it is right or wrong) the basis for Christian fellowship, we are denying fellowship to those believers who may not see these doctrines as their adherers do. Fellowship on the basis of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ will eventually bring us to the position which Paul in Ephesians 4:13 wrote: “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

What can we say about denominations? Are we to assume that God approves denominations? If we do, we would be admitting that God is the author of divisions. We know that this is not so. Jesus, in His prayer in the 17th Chapter of John prayed that they may be one.” and Paul in 1 Cor.1:10-13, condemns divisions. In all denominations we find Christians, true and faithful children of God. Denominations, however, are not Christian, nor can they be since they cause divisions among God’s people. Denominations are religious organizations. They are not the Church, the elect ones. These denominations build walls of separation instead of bridges of communication. They restrict their fellowship to those that adhere to their particular doctrines. They fail to see that a Church is born by the Spirit of God, not organized by men. Christ and Christ alone is the only creed for all Christians. “Christ is the only name given under heaven by which we are saved.” He is “the only mediator between God and men.” The early Christians were called after that precious name of the Son of God.

King Agrippa, after listening to Paul’s defense, cried out: “almost you persuade me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Agrippa did not say that he was persuaded to become a Jew, nor a Bible student, nor anything else but a “Christian.” Pilate asked, “What is truth?” and walked away from Him who is the Truth. Today we speak of The Truth and yet we are divided because we are looking on doctrine instead of on Christ, who is the Truth. Philip asked the Ethiopian eunuch, after discussing the Prophecy of Isaiah, “If you believe with all your heart you may (be baptized).” Believe what? Was it a set of doctrines? Was it the Bible? The eunuch’s answer assures us that he was well instructed by Philip. “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” was the answer. Upon this confession, Philip baptized the eunuch. JESUS ALONE! Is He not enough? Should we look elsewhere for more?

N.F. Nicholson, Jan. 1966 Kingdom Scribe

CREDO

Not what, but Whom, I do believe,

That, in my darkest hour of need,

Has comfort that no mortal creed

To mortal man may give;

Not what, but Whom!

For Christ is more than all the creeds,

And His full life of gentle deeds

Shall all the creeds outlive.

Not what I do believe, but Whom!

Who walks beside me in the gloom?

Who shares the burden wearisome?

Who all the dim way does illume,

And bids me look beyond the tomb

The larger life to live?

Not what, But WHOM!

John Oxenham