the figure of the architect.
we have just learned that jesus built his church upon the principle of revelation. it is the foundation stone. and it is only reasonable and natural that it should be so. you know very well that when an architect is directing the construction of a large building like a state capitol, employing hundreds of men, he has to be constantly on the watch to keep things going right. if he goes away, or neglects his duty, some foreman or other misinterprets the plans, or misunderstands the specifications; or some unscrupulous contractor or other tries to enlarge his own profits by using inferior materials and thus corrupts the structure. how necessary it is then that the architect shall watch over his building, by day and by night, until it is finished according to specifications.
the application.
now, if men can so easily misinterpret, or misunderstand, the concrete instructions of their fellowmen, or if some men are so evil that they will try to corrupt the materials of an earthly structure, it requires no argument to prove that men may easily misunderstand or misinterpret—quite innocently, too—the word of god, if left to themselves. and there may even be men so wicked that they would maliciously corrupt the word for their own evil ends. it is even more necessary, therefore, that the architect of eternal life—the savior of mankind—shall be in constant communion with his workmen, than it is that the architect {154} of an earthly structure shall personally superintend, its erection. no man can be absolutely sure of the meaning of the teachings of jesus without the spirit of inspiration, or revelation from him. that is why the people drift away and perish when there is no vision. that is why jesus founded his church upon the rock of revelation. that is why we may rest assured that the church of christ will always teach the necessity of continual revelation—the necessity of keeping constantly in touch with the divine architect.
one mark not sufficient.
but it would be strange, indeed, if there were but one mark by which we might recognize the church of christ. an apostate church might claim to believe in revelation, and might even teach the necessity of it. yet, it would of course never receive revelation; for god would not speak to such a church. still, because it teaches the necessity of revelation people might be deceived, and be led to become members of an apostate church. for what other mark should we look, then, when trying to determine which is the church of christ?
the submission of jesus.
jesus has made the matter very plain in his life and teachings. one of the remarkable things about jesus was his utter humility, and his complete submission subjection to authority. although he was greater than the civil law, yet he submitted always to the requirements of that law. nay, more, in his own labors. he recognized always the authority of a superior power under whose direction he worked. when we think of jesus as a member of the godhead, endowed with omnipotence, does it not seem strange to hear him say, "i am not come of {155} myself, but he that sent me is true;" "my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me;" "the son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the son likewise?" yet, these sayings express the reverence of jesus for authority. it must be plain to everyone who reads the life of jesus that he recognized the fact that he held no authority of himself, that he was not self-appointed; but that his influence, his power, his very messiahship were conferred upon him by the father.
the submission of the apostles.
this same recognition of the necessity of authority, jesus impressed upon his disciples. "ye have not chosen me," he declared one day to them, "but i have chosen you, and ordained you." and we learn that jesus did call and ordain apostles and seventies; and that it was the custom in the early christian church to ordain by laying on hands other officers, such as, high priests, elders, priests, teachers, and deacons, and bishops. indeed, it must be clear to everyone, that only by such special call and ordination could the apostles rightfully go into the world to do the works that jesus did. when the disciples of john the baptist wondered that jesus should surpass their master, do you recall what john answered them? said he, "a man can receive (or take unto himself) nothing except it be given him from heaven." that is the point. no man can assume to act as a servant of god, in official position, unless he is called of god. hence, jesus said to his apostles, when he had finished his own lifework, "as my father hath sent me, even so send i you."
{156} the second mark.
from these teachings of jesus, we learn, then, the second mark of the church of christ. not only will that church believe in the necessity of continual revelation and actually receive it, but it will recognize the necessity of specially delegated divine authority to officiate in the name of god, and will provide in its church organization for all the officers belonging to the priesthood of god.
two orders of priesthood.
the scriptures are full of evidences that there are two divisions of divine priesthood—the order of aaron, and the order of melchizedek. jesus himself, was a high priest after the order of melchizedek. without these orders of priesthood, man can not legally officiate in the things of god, any more than superintendents, formen and workmen can rightfully proceed to erect a state capitol without official authorization from the commission in charge.
do you know any church that holds these two orders of priesthood in its organization? does this church recognize the fact that a man must be called and appointed of god to act in his name? are the authority and power of the priesthood manifest in its operations? does this church also believe in and receive continual revelation from god? if so, it is possibly the church of christ. a third mark remains. that we shall consider in the next lesson.
the references
john 7:28, 29. john 15:16.
john 9:4. john 3:27.
john 5:19. john 20:21.
{157} the questions
1. what would probably happen if the architect in charge of the construction of a large building should go away for a long time?
2. what would happen if god should cease to speak to his people?
3. what was the attitude of jesus toward authority?
4. whence did he derive his authority?
5. what did he impress upon his disciples concerning authority?
6. what did john the baptist say about authority?
7. how many orders of divine priesthood are there?
8. what then, is the second mark of the true church?
