Q:
How is the church of the New Testament different?
A:
The New Testament Church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). The church is to submit to Christ (Ephesians 5:24). He is the Savior of the body (Ephesians 5:23). There is one body (Ephesians 4:4). This is not to be confused with the many different faiths of modern ecumenism—with differing faiths; differing baptisms; and differing hopes (Ephesians 4:4-5, 13,14). The early church was urged to contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3; 1 Timothy 1:3). There were no such encouragements as, “Join the church of your choice.” In fact, one cannot join the church at all. The Lord adds to the church, his body, those who faithfully respond to the gospel message (Acts 2:41,47). This gospel centers around the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The gospel is obeyed by hearing it preached; believing its message; repentance; confession; and baptism for the remission of sins (not because of forgiveness; see Acts 2:37-38, 40-41; 22:16). The Holy Spirit is a gift for the obedient (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Hebrews 5:9).