THE SOVEREIGN AUTHORIZATION OF THE FORM AS AN ORDINANCE

THE SOVEREIGN AUTHORIZATION OF THE FORM AS AN ORDINANCE

 

Once the matter of special time has been settled, and the matter of time is un­doubtedly the first matter of importance due to the change of dispensation, the next matter in the order of importance is that of sovereign authorization. Not all that happened within the period of time after the Savior's announcement con­cerning change of plans can be regarded as having the sovereign authorization of Christ. An ordinance of the church, however, must have the seal of the Son of God himself. It must originate with Him, receive the seal of His approval, and derive the right of perpetuation from Him. Not only does the human mind reason this way, but the Church is constituted this way, and scripture declares it is this way. For this reason the following points are fundamental:

lb. The relation of Christ to the Church is characterized by the word "Head". Col. 1:18
From Pentecost to the present he has been ordering His church. Nor did He commit the institution of ordinances for His church to others.

2b. The recognition of His authority at the time He instituted the ordinances is important.
Christ recognized the completeness of His authority. John 13:3
Christ recognized the universality of His authority. Matt. 28:18
This authority is what is disregarded by various denominations when they deal with what was said and intended by His careful wording -even in the Brethren fellowship of churches. They begin to play word games.

3b. The realization of the ordinances is under the power of the supreme con­sciousness of responsibility.
Three ordinances are instituted in, the upper room. John 13:12-17 1 Cor. 11:17-34 Matt. 28:18 cf. with 19-20