MARKS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

  1. Its Head and Founder---CHRIST. He is the lawgiver, the Church is only the executive. (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18)
  2. Its only rule of faith and practice---THE BIBLE. (II Tim. 3:15-17)
  3. Its name--"CHURCH," "CHURCHES." (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16)
  4. Its policy---CONGREGATIONAL,---all members equal. (Matt. 20:24-28; Matt. 23:5-12)
  5. Its members--only saved people. (Eph. 2:21; I Peter 2:5; Acts 2:47)
  6. Its ordinances---BELIEVERS' BAPTISM, FOLLOWED BY THE LORD'S SUPPER. (Matt. 28:19-20)
  7. Its officers--PASTORS AND DEACONS. (I Tim. 3:1-16)
  8. Its work--getting folks saved, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God's Word), teaching them ("to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you"). (Matt. 28:16-20)
  9. Its financial plan "Even so (TITHES and OFFERINGS) hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." (I Cor. 9:14)
  10. Its weapons of warfare--spiritual, not carnal. (II Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-20)
  11. Its independence---separation of Church and State. (Matt. 22:21)

Back to Articles
Home