INTRODUCTION
There is much discussion today concerning the fact of
church succession, specifically how that succession occurs.
Some see the view teaching that all true churches come
from other true established churches. Some men do not
see the necessity of one established church starting another
new church. It is the belief of this author, that there is only
one way to scripturally start a new church, and that is by
the authority of an existing true New Testament Baptist
church. I believe that if the Word of God was approached
sincerely, and prayerfully, there would be no controversy over
the one and only pattern that is given in God's Word. It is sad
to say, but I fear too many good men have let the beliefs and
practices of some misguided men, both of today and days
gone by, lead them away from the Word of God. Today we
need men that will stand for the Word of God, and not be
swayed by those who do not have a clear understanding of
the Bible, or even worse, are knowingly and willfully ignoring
God's Holy Word. When I hear things like, "these are just
traditional additionals" I wonder what biblical tradition will fall
next. I have even had men tell me that they saw the biblical
pattern of one church starting another church, but that it
was not absolutely essential for churches to be started that
way today. How sad! I believe that if a person will honestly and
prayerfully read this article, and along with it study the Word of
God, the truth about the one true biblical pattern will clearly
be seen. I also believe that if a biblical pattern is clearly present,
we have an obligation before God to follow it exclusively. After
all, Landmark Baptists have always claimed that the Bible was
their final rule for faith and practice. I believe that it is high time
for us to stand up and practice what the Bible teaches!
I. The Fact of Church Succession
Matt. 16:18-19, "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. (19) And I will
give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and
whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in
heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall
be loosed in heaven." First, we know the Rock is Christ.
Note the same Greek word, "petra", in 1Cor. 10:4 (b),
"...they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them:
and that Rock was Christ". Clearly Peter was not the true
Rock, Christ is!
Secondly, we can see that the word "build" means "to
build up"; "the act of building up", the thought of it is
"an ongoing process". Ongoing is His church to this very
day! Next, let's look at the phrase, "and I will give unto
thee the keys ..." Some want to deny that there is any
reference to power or authority there, but Strong says;
"denotes power & authority of various kinds". It should
be clear to the reader that Christ did not give [away] His
power and authority, but rather told His church to operate
under His power and authority. The next phrase we need
to look at is, "the Gates of hell shall not prevail against
it", note that it's the church that is on the offense. The
church is to be going out and spreading the truth, and the
gates of hell will never prevail against it! Also, the "gates
of hell" is a picture of death. Now we understand that
"death cannot prevail against it", thus the death of the
apostles cannot prevent the perpetuity of the church.
This proves that the promise of perpetuity was given to
the church, not to a group of men. Clearly we see the
perpetuity is in the CHURCH, not the design of the
church. This means that any other true church must come
from the original church, and not just a copy of the
design. This should be easy for us to relate to as human
beings. For my family name to have perpetuity, I must
have some descendants that come from me, not just a
copy of my appearance.
The next verse we need to examine is Matt. 28:16-20,
"Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a
mountain where Jesus had appointed them. (17) And
when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some
doubted. (18) And Jesus came and spake unto them,
saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in
earth. (19) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Amen." The first observation here is that the eleven
disciples are the church, note: 1Cor. 12:28, "And God
hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily
prophets, thirdly teachers..." Christ had the Authority to
send the church, and He did, into "all nations" (vs 19).
They were commissioned to go, to teach, and to baptize;
clearly these things are the work of the church. We, as the
Lord's true New Testament Baptist churches, are to be
going, and going under Christ's authority! It is obvious
that no one church could go into all of the world, but from
the one true church that the LORD started, other
true churches could be established. Remember, because
the Lord promised perpetuity to HIS church, all other true
churches must come from HIS church!
Still, some try to question the extent of the "authority" of
the local church to start other new churches. We saw
Matt. 16:19 and Matt. 28:18-19, and now look at Mark
13:34, "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far
journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his
servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the
porter to watch". This is clear proof that Christ "gave"
His servants, (members of the church) the "authority" to
operate, and carry out the great commission. To say that
"His servants" in the passage above, has reference to only
pastors, seems to be out of order. It is by the authority of
the church that pastors are scripturally ordained. I
personally believe the one who we see as representing the
pastor in the verse currently in consideration here is the
"porter", for he is commanded to watch. Look at
Heb.13:17, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and
submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they
that must give account". The context of Heb.13 clearly
teaches this to be the pastor.
At least one more passage is needed to be examined that
we may see a clear picture of this power and authority.
Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto
me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth." Again, we see
that the LORD said, "and ye shall be witnesses...unto the
uttermost part of the earth". The only logical way for this
one church to be a witness to the "uttermost part of the
earth", is to establish other churches in other areas from
the first church! Just so that we are all clear about the
extent of this "power", we will note the definition
according to Strong; "strength, power, ability". Apart
from Almighty God, no church has the strength, power, or
ability to do anything scriptural or lasting. Thus when
men operate on their own, apart from the church and its
power, it too is unscriptural and will not last.
Through the previous scriptures we should be able to
clearly see that the ultimate goal of the Lord's church is
reproduction! (John 15:16) Let us now look and see the
biblical pattern for this reproduction, "like begets like".....
II. The Act of Church Succession
First, let us note when our Lord told them not to go, Luke
24:49, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father
upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye
be endued with power from on high." We see here the
church was not to go in its own power! No power means
not ready and not able to go start another church! The
power and authority was given to Christ's church, and
apart from this, no one should be going. Oh that ALL
men would see this today! After this power which was
given from on high, on the day of Pentecost, we see the
Church "going". When the church at Jerusalem heard of
the believers at Antioch, we see them sending Barnabas to
Antioch in Acts 11:21-22, "And the hand of the Lord
was with them: and a great number believed, and turned
unto the Lord (22) Then tidings of these things came unto
the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they
sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch."
The first thing we should notice is that vs. 21 says that
they "believed, and turned unto the Lord", not that they
were added to the church, for there was no church yet
here at Antioch. Compare this statement then to the one
made about the church at Jerusalem back in Acts 2:47,
"Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be
saved." When there was a church in the area and people
were saved, the Lord added them to that local Church! It
is clear that this group at Antioch was not called a church,
nor functioned like a church, until after Barnabas was
sent there from the church at Jerusalem. Then we read in
Acts 11:26 "they assembled themselves with the church,
and taught...." At this point in our study we must notice
the word "sent". According to Strong; to send forth, send
away . Now notice "sent" in Rom. 10:15 (a),... And how
shall they preach, except they be sent?
The question that should cause us to think is, "sent by
Who?" We would say, "by the Holy Spirit" of course.
Any true preacher of the Word of God will acknowledge
only the Spirit of God as the "sender". When we look into
God's Word we clearly see that the Holy Spirit always
"sends" His preachers out of His church. Note the pattern
in the Word of God, Acts 13:1-4, "Now there were in the
church that was at Antioch certain prophets and
teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called
Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had
been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
(2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy
Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the
work whereunto I have called them. (3) And when
they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on
them, they sent them away. (4) So they, being sent forth
by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from
thence they sailed to Cyprus".
Clearly we see that the Holy Spirit sent Barnabas and Saul
out of one of His true churches. We go on to note that Barnabas
and Saul were working in that local church. Next we see that
they were sent, not of the church alone, nor apart from the
church, but rather the Holy Spirit led them and the church,
causing the end result. Certain men being sent from a certain
church led to a certain place! Vertical leading of God, resulting
in the horizontal work of men through the church. We can also
see the church at Antioch as the sending church, and as having
authority by observing that Barnabas and Paul came back to
Antioch to give a report to the church.
We should note their message when they returned;
Acts 14:26-27, "And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence
they had been recommended to the grace of God for the
work which they fulfilled. (27) And when they were come,
and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all
that God had done with them, and how he had opened the
door of faith unto the Gentiles". Let's look at the word "fulfilled":
According to Strong;"to make full,; to cause to abound, to
furnish or supply liberally ; to render full, i.e. complete; fill to
the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure".
Now we must ask, was all of the work of the gospel done,
or fulfilled? Had they talked to everybody in the areas
they went to? Was everybody saved where they went?
This would seem very unlikely! What then had been
fulfilled, completed, or furnished? The churches that they
started! They had proper organization and beginning by
the authority of the church at Antioch, which Barnabas
and Paul had passed on to them while on their missionary
trip.
God's pattern is clear, Jerusalem sent men to Antioch, and
Antioch sent men to..., and so forth! Each individual local
church may differ on the procedural details of how this
business is conducted, but one thing that cannot be
eliminated is the necessity of the new church being
established through the authority of an existing church.
With as clear of a pattern as we see in God's Word
concerning how church work is to be done, some would
ask, "why would anybody try to do God's work apart from
God's pattern?" We will at this time try to answer this
question, and many more common questions to this
subject.
III. Misc. Questions Answered
Q. Since we can see it as the Biblical pattern, why would
men try to "start" churches differently?
A. A disgruntled group of people (because of
being scripturally disciplined from a church, and can't get
proper authority), may try to "start" their own "church".
Acts 20:30, " Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them."
Q. How was this succession possible during persecution?
A. GOD is able to work out the details! (Acts ch.
8-11) Whenever I hear this question, I always think, "My
God is big enough to handle it, apparently yours is not".
My God is bigger than circumstances, also He is able to
cause a group to wait for this proper authority to organize.
Q. I see the basic pattern in the Word of God, but how
can we limit God to that one way?
A.1 Multiple ways would be very confusing, God
is not the author of confusion. 1Cor.14:33, "For God is
not the author of confusion, but of peace...."
A.2 If we find a pattern for a course of action on
any given subject, and then choose to operate in our own
methods, we are adding to the Word of God. This is a
terrible place to be! Rev. 22:18-19, "For I testify unto
every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this
book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall
add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
(19) And if any man shall take away from the words of
the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part
out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from
the things which are written in this book."
Q. Doesn't it bother you that many men of our day think
this position is based only on tradition?
A. Not at all. I have to answer to God for what I
teach, not to men. 1 Cor. 4:3, "But with me it is a very
small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's
judgment."
Q. Where does the Bible clearly show of a church voting
to start another church?
A. Again, a pattern of operation is present. We can
clearly see the churches in the book of Acts voting on
church matters in Acts 1:26, "And they gave forth their
lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was
numbered with the eleven apostles." This is a scriptural
way of finding the Lord's will about a matter, Prov. 16:33
"The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing
thereof is of the LORD". Also it fulfills our duty to do
things orderly. 1Cor. 14: 40, "Let all things be done
decently and in order."
Q. Where does the Bible show any group of believers as
less than a true church?
A. Believers at Antioch were not called a church
until after Barnabas was sent. (Acts 11)
Q. If this is so clear in the Bible, why didn't more of our
"great" Baptist forefathers see it?
A.1 Many of them never saw the truth about the
"local" visible church. How could they see it?
A.2 Some of our Baptist forefathers did see it
...Paul, Barnabas, Peter, John, Philip, etc...
Q. Why can't proper baptism be the "link"?
A.1 If baptism were the proper "link", what would
stop a properly baptized, but also scripturally disciplined
people from leaving, and starting their own "church"?
Acts 20:30, "Also of your own selves shall men arise,
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them."
A.2 Proper baptism is a result of a scriptural
church, it cannot be the "link" to start one.
Q. Doesn't the Bible teach of a purely "vertical"
transferal of power or authority ?
A. Yes. Once, in the empowerment of the Lord's
Church in Acts 2. Then after that we see the Lord leading
in the "horizontal" efforts of the church. Acts 8:14-17,
"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard
that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent
unto them Peter and John: (15) Who, when they were
come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the
Holy Ghost: (16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of
them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus.) (17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they
received the Holy Ghost". (Also in Acts 13, where we
have already studied.)
Q. Where else in Scriptures do we see this kind of
"horizontal" transferal of power or authority?
A.1 In several places. All power and authority,
including Governmental authority comes only from God,
Rom 13:1, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher
powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God". Even so we hold elections
to place people in office.
A.2 Marriage is another good illustration. We
cannot simply live together, rather we must go to someone
that has the authority, to get married properly.
A.3 Probably the most obvious illustration is in
man himself. God created man, then from man He created
the woman. It is clear to see that all people come from
people.
Q. Is it true, that if God chooses not to "come down" and
take up residence, there is no church?
A. Absolutely! Eph. 2:22, "In whom ye also are
builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit." This is why it is so important to follow the
biblical pattern!
Q. Is it wrong for an ordained preacher to consider his
ordination all the authority he needs, to baptize a group in
"prospect'' (meaning not into any church) then "organize"
them into a so called "church" at some later date?
A. Yes this is wrong! First, the preacher needs the
authority from a true N.T. church to scripturally baptize.
Second, the Bible teaches that believers are always
baptized into a church. 1Cor.12:13 a "For by one Spirit
are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or
Gentiles." This truth is also seen in Acts 2:41 , "Then
they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls".
Q. Doesn't the Bible teach, that where 2 or 3 are gathered
in Christ's name, He will be with them?
A. If they are truly gathered "in Christ's name",
they will be following biblical patterns!
Q. Can't we consider this just a matter of, "individual
soul liberty" like some other "secondary" issues?
A. NO! This is a foundational truth of our Lord's
church. 1Cor. 3:11, "For other foundation can no man
lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ". Without a
scriptural beginning there is no church, just a group of
deceived people.
The following are some questions for those that
believe it is possible to start a church, apart from
church authority, and true church succession.
1) Why would some say that mission giving, baptism,
the Lord's Supper, discipline, etc. must be done only in
and through the authority of a local church, then go on to
say that a new church can be scripturally established apart
from the authority of an existing local church?
2) Concerning the "vertical authority only" theory: If our
churches have no tangible proof of who the other true
churches are, such as an organized church granting the
authority to start new ones, how will we ever guard
against "alien immersion"? (Baptism outside of like faith
and order.) To say it another way, if we have no definite
way to start churches, we then have no definite way to
know which ones are true churches, this leaves us with no
definite way to guard against alien immersion. How then,
will we keep our churches pure?
3) Will you go on doubting God and His ability to carry
out His promise to His church? Will you claim His
promise to His church as your very own, giving Him all
the honor and glory in and through the church? Will you
see by faith, that through true church succession, His
power hasn't failed and will not fail?
I will conclude this article with these thoughts:
Eph 3:21, "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ
Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen."
When we see a pattern as clear as this one in God's Word,
what right do we have to say that there could be "other"
ways? Beloved, let the Protestants do things their own
way, but let Independent Landmark Baptists start churches
the one scriptural way. By the authority of a properly
established church! It is truly high time that we put our
actions where our words are, and make the Bible our final
rule for faith and practice! If any say they see the biblical
pattern and are still teaching others that there are multiple
ways to start a new church, I respectfully submit that you
are teaching men to go astray from the truth. That is
something that a person will have to answer to God for!
Beloved, the church is the pillar and ground of the truth
(I Tim. 3:15). Let us always endeavor to operate the
church within the biblical guidelines set forth by the Word
of God.
Respectfully,
Randy L. Graber
________
Written June,1999
Printed in 1999 by
Grace Baptist Church
620 E. Palmetto Ave.
Melbourne, Fl. 32901
Phone 321-952-0120
graber.fam@juno.com
Scripture quotations are from the KJV.
__________________________________
Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
12859 Martin Road Spur
Northport, Alabama 35473
