God's Church or Kingdom

The kingdom of God, the church of Christ (Ro16:16), God's holy nation (1Pet2:9) is neither a democracy nor a republic. It is an absolute monarchy with Christ sitting on the throne with the Father's express authorization (Phil. 2:9-11; Acts 2:30-36; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; Heb. 2:6-10; Matt. 28:18). Christ is the One lawgiver (Jas. 4:12; 1 Cor. 9:21). He has given no one permission to abridge, update, mitigate, or abrogate His New Covenant. We do not read from the Bible anything about any council, synod, or any earthly body where men legislate laws for those who are in the kingdom of God.

It is made clear (Heb. 1:1-4) that God spoke in times past through the prophets, but has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whose message was delivered to us by the inspired writers whose words were chosen by the Holy Spirit (Heb. 2:1-4; Jno. 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-13; 1 Cor. 2:7-16). The New Covenant (Heb. 8:13) offers (to those who are willing to accept its terms) a New Life in fellowship with God and with Jesus our Savior (Rom. 6:3, 4; 2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Jno. 1:3; Phil. 2:1). Maintaining that fellowship is dependent upon one's walking in the light of God's New Covenant (1 Jno. 1:1-10). The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), but forgiveness through the New Covenant by the death of Christ for sinners frees those who obey Christ's instructions (Rom. 6:17,18). Jesus is the "Author of eternal salvation to all who OBEY Him" (Heb. 5:8,9).

The necessity of obedience for salvation makes knowing what one has been commanded to do vitally important. Christ's instructions are plain: listen to Him (Matt. 17:5; 7:24,25); believe in Him and what He says (Rom. 10:17; Jno. 3:16; Mk. 16:15,16); turn from all sins in repentance (Lk. 13:3; 24:46,47); confess faith in Christ as the Son of God (Jno. 8:24; Rom. 10:10; Acts 8: 37); be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Gal. 3:26, 27; Mk. 16:15,16; Acts 2:38); worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jno. 4:24) and serve Him faithfully according to His instructions, being subject to Him in all things as a citizen of His kingdom, a member of His church (Heb. 5:8,9; Lk. 6:46; Phil. 3:20; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor. 12:27).

The church of Christ at Forum welcomes visitors and/or private home studies. See the link below for contact information: www.ForumCOC.org