W. D.
Ans. The body of Christ contained all true believers on the earth at the time the apostle wrote. The assembly at Corinth was the local expression of it (Verse 27).
Verse 28 tells of the gifts given by God at that time for its blessing. Some of these gifts are passed away, as we do not need them now. Apostles and prophets are the foundation. Miracles, gifts of healing, diversities of tongues, we do not find now, except Satan's imitation of them.
Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11) gives us the gifts that are to continue till we all come to completion; that is, evangelists, pastors, and teachers are needed till the Lord comes. Each member of the body has its own place in the body and service to fulfill.
Ques. What are the conditions on which we can be [slaved? A.
Ans. The Apostle Paul, by the Holy Spirit, testified to both Jew and Gentile that because man was a sinner, and helpless to put away his sins, or to improve himself in the sight of God, that only two things were needed. The first is "repentance toward God." That is, to acknowledge your guilty state. Second, "Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." God has brought salvation to your very door, and all you need, therefore, is to accept it from His hand, and thank Him for sending His Son to die for you, a sinner. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God had raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
A. N. W.
Ans. In Matt. 16:1616And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16), Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but My Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter: and upon this rock I will build My Church; and the gates of hell (hades), shall not prevail against it." This was a new revelation. "My assembly" is in contrast with Israel's congregation, and Christ the builder of the Church makes no mistakes; no unconverted can be in it. It is also eternally secure; the power of death cannot destroy it. "I will build." It was not yet commenced. It began at Pentecost. Peter speaks of it in 1 Peter 2:55Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5).
But there is something committed to Peter. ''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." The kingdom of heaven is not heaven; it is the profession of Christ's name on earth, and to Peter was committed the responsibility of opening the door of faith the Jew in Acts 2; and to the Gentile, by the word "whosoever" in Acts 10:4343To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43). The door is now open, and we are done with the keys. There are no keys to heaven, and no keys to the Church. Peter also commanded that the Gentiles should be baptized. The fact that God had given them the Holy Spirit, made him sure it was God's mind to receive them.
In the Apostle Paul's writings, it is taught that there is one body and one Spirit, and that it is as members of that one body that we come together to remember the Lord in His death. (1 Cor. 10:16, 1716The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16‑17).) The unity of the Spirit teaches us that all the local assemblies everywhere gathered to the Name of the Lord, are but one assembly, so that which is done by the one, is done for them all. If a person is received in one assembly, with a letter of commendation, he is received into any of them. He has full right to be there. If one has been put away from amongst them in one place, he is outside of them all. Matt. 18:1818Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18), teaches that heaven ratifies the action, for the Lord is in their midst.
Verse 19 tells us He is our resource in prayer, for wisdom, grace and guidance to carry out His will. His presence and Word are their authority, and this is available as long as any are gathered to His Name, as members of His body. This is the ground, or principle put forth in the Word of God upon which Christians are to be together.
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