Many teachers hold that Christ did not build a church and that the “form of church organization is not definitely prescribed in the New Testament, but is a matter of expediency, every body of believers being permitted to adopt that method of organization which best suits its circumstances and condition.”  Such is the Protestant view put forth by those who seek an excuse for the modern system of sect-building.  The incorrectness of this theory is easily shown.  First, as we shall see, it underestimates the need of divine direction in church relationship and ignores well-established facts in the New Testament history.  Secondly, if it proves anything, it proves too much; for to admit such a principle of “church powers” is to admit that the papacy and every other human system of church control is justified—­systems which can be historically shown to be subversive of the church as a spiritual body.

That the church was actually organized into local assemblies in apostolic days is abundantly shown by the New Testament record.  They had regular meetings at stated times (Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:7; I Cor. 16:12); officers (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Eph. 4:11, 12); recognized authority (1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:17); discipline (1 Cor. 5:13; 2 Thess. 3:6, 10-14); a system of contributions (1 Cor. 16:1, 2); ordinances (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 10:16; 11:  23-29); a common work, etc.  On one occasion Paul instructed Titus to “set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city” (Tit. 1:5).

[Sidenote:  By whom effected]

The words of Jesus “I will build my church” point us to the Christ as its real founder.  Since the life and genius of the church is the superhuman element, which element must at all times be given precedence over mere outward forms and human characteristics, and since this life proceeds from Christ as the Redeemer of men, therefore in all fundamental aspects he is the personal founder of the church.  But more than this, working by proxy, Jesus gave even external form to his church, employing for this purpose his chosen apostles, to whom he gave special instruction and authority.  Even during his personal ministry Jesus performed some of his work by proxy.  It is expressly stated that he baptized many (John 3:  22; 4:  1), and yet explanation is made that “Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples” (John 4:  2).

So also in the organization of the church.  The germ of that organization existed during Christ’s personal ministry.  Doctrine was given, ministers preached, baptism was administered, and people believed, but this embryonic organization could not be completely established as a church before the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore provision was made for its progressive development under the tutelage of specially inspired apostles.  Doctrine was given gradually, yet invariably through the oral and written teaching of these inspired apostles.  Therefore we can not but believe that the same invariable guidance