In a post on a so-called “Church of
Christ” FB page on which a supposed member wrote: “The Church of Christ
teaches…,” and then she went on to make her allegations about what the
church teaches. The use of the phrase, “The Church of Christ teaches…”
is a denominational concept. The church of the New Testament is not a
denomination, but we have many in the church who look upon it as just another one.
The church of Christ does not teach anything. The Bible reveals the
mind of God and Christians teach it. The church has no earthly
headquarters that issues a doctrinal platform on anything. That is the
beauty and uniqueness of having autonomous congregations. These same
folks on that FB page claim that we are “patternists” or follow what
they call “pattern theology” as though there is something wrong with
following God’s divine Pattern, Hebrews 8:5.
Many in the church need simple fundamental education in the basics of
the Scriptures. They need to know what the New Testament says about the
church and about how the Bible authorizes. Let us keep the church pure
in doctrine and in practice. “Speak thou the things that befit sound
doctrine.” 1 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 4:3, Titus 1:9; 2:1.
Speaking the same thing and being of one accord and one mind, of one
heart and one soul (as we are commanded to do), implies a pattern of
thinking and behaving alike, 1 Cor. 1:10-13; Acts 2; Phil. 1:27; 2:2.
Otherwise, we have confusion, and God is not the author of confusion, 1
Cor. 14:33, nor diverse doctrines on the same subject.
Biblical baptism follows the pattern of the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus, Rom. 6. Those who object to “patternism” say they
have been baptized as set forth in the New Testament. Paul spoke of
baptism as following that “form” or “pattern” of Christ’s death, burial,
and resurrection, Romans 6:17-18. Whether they realize it or not, they
are “patternists” in the very matter of baptism. I wonder if they have
ever thought about that? And, if so, I wonder if that galls them?
The apostle
Peter admonishes Christians, “For to this you were called, because
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should
follow His steps:” – 1 Peter 2:21 (NKJV). The word “example” here
means, “a writing-copy for one to imitate” (Robertson’s Word Pictures).
Thus, a “pattern” to follow!
So, I guess I am a “patternist.” What does that make those who do not
follow God’s pattern? “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you
have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2
Timothy1:13 (NKJV).
