THE SPECIAL TIME FOR THE INSTITUTION OF THE NEW FORM

THE SPECIAL TIME FOR THE INSTITUTION OF THE NEW FORM

Introduction

 

To the average person, on first thought, this does not appear important. Any time in the ministry of Christ seems to satisfy the conditions. Yet on closer observation it becomes evident that it is necessary to establish beyond question that Christ was instituting forms for the Church.

It is necessary to guard against two things; on the one hand that the forms in­stituted by Christ are not merely a continuation of the Old Testament standards and forms; and on the other hand that, these new forms belong absolutely to the church. This is aimed at any view which insists that the saints of the Old Testament and the church of the New are the same; or that the church now is a body of people for whom Christ made no such provision.

The initial message of the Messiah, after being inaugurated to the ministry was, "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 4:17). And so far as we are able to tell from the records He did not change that message until very late in His public ministry. Then He shifted to another theme, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). Not until the shadows of the cross were falling across His path and the open and complete rejection of the kingdom by the nation of Israel be­come evident to the apostles did Christ formally affirm a change of plans and institute ordinances for the church.

lc. The faint intimations of the rejection of the King and His kingdom are to be seen at the birth and baptism of Christ.(Matt. 2:1-4).

2c. At the baptism, Christ clearly indicates by His submission to John's baptism that He will ultimately die, instead of establish a kingdom. Matt. 3:13-17

3c. At the first Passover, the degeneracy of the priesthood and the opening rejection of the Messiah calls forth the prophecy of His death. John 2:13-19

4c. At Nazareth, just before the second Passover, after openly claiming to be the Messiah, He is rejected by His own people, the token of the final rejection. Luke 4:16-30

5c. At the time of the third Passover, the people clearly indicate that they want a king who will supply material needs but will not disturb them morally, and He refuses to be king. John 6:14-15, 53-65, 66

The first clear announcement of change in plans is made within eight months of the close of Christ's ministry on earth. There has been growing opposi­tion in Israel, and now Christ goes into seclusion with His disciples at Caesarea Philippi and announces the change.

lc. He first raises the subject of His identity, and then declares that He will build his church. Matt. 16:13-18

2c. Immediately He gives the reason for this change in plans, namely, the rejection and crucifixion at the hands of Jewry. Matt. 16:21 cf. also Luke 19:11 ff. and 42-44.

3c. There follows some reassurance to the disciples about the kingdom, even though His decease will take Him out of the world. Matt. 17:1-5; Luke 9:28-36

The more formal announcement of change of plans is made within the forty days following resurrection.

lc. During that period He talked with them about the kingdom of God. Acts 1:3

2c. The disciples were aroused to question about the restoration of the kingdom. Acts 1:6

3c. The answer of the Lord is very clear, namely, that He has other plans for the present. Acts 1:7-8

The fruition of these announcements came a few days later on the day of Pentecost.

lc. The promise of the Father came in the Person of the Holy Spirit, baptizing the original group into the body of Christ. Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4 with 11:16.

2c. Each new convert is added to the church by being baptized by the same Spirit into the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:13 cf. Acts 2:47

3c. These things make it clear that the church did not begin in the Old Testament, nor during the period of the Gospels, nor at the cross. Thus Old Testament forms cannot be carried over into the church. Nor should all things in Christ's ministry be received as ordinances.

4c. The conclusion is that only those forms instituted by Christ within the closing days of His ministry can qualify as ordinances.
Nor are all these to be received, unless He specifically declares that they should.