The doctrine of ministerial positions, integral to the restoration of a church of Christ, has been consistently preached for many years. These gifts are believed to be essential for the saints’ ability to attain perfection.
The Bible does not explicitly promise positions as a sign of the restoration of the latter-day church. Furthermore, it does not state that these positions are given to demonstrate a restored ministry.
Despite the absence of substantial refutation, this doctrine has garnered widespread acceptance among esteemed ministers, establishing it as the authoritative teaching within the churches of the Body of Christ.
It is taught that the ministry of the Body of Christ is empowered, in Christ’s stead, to judge and pursue all things for the protection of the saints as Christ does in which the ministry is established. This is evident in the phrase “we pray you in Christ’s stead” found in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20.
2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
It is also taught that saints of God have no biblical right to judge or question a minister within the Body of Christ. Consequently, saints should never challenge the ministry on any grounds, leaving no recourse or accountability for the ministry. However, accusations have the power to cause repercussions among the churches.
Accusations are the exception to this rule for the ministry. If an accusation is made against a minister, ministers are only accountable to one another in group consensus, provided that each minister agrees to it. A minister may be questioned for unacceptable behavior by the ministry, and the ministry may or may not question the behavior or address the situation. This situation may or may not be judged by the ministry. If judged negatively or positively, it may be accepted or not accepted by the minister being judged. There may be consequences for not accepting the group consensus, which may or may not be viewed as excessive or minor, depending on the minister in question. Major offenses are a no-brainer in which the ministry would rule in majority, including the saints’ consensus, resulting in a rule of disfellowship from the Body of Christ.
It is a widely held belief that a saint should heed the ministry’s counsel and adhere to its instructions. This belief posits that obedience is essential for the salvation of the soul, and that the soul can only be eternally saved through submission to the ministry.
Currently, these beliefs are disseminated and granted authority by the ministry. However, since the ministry comprises ministers, there are underlying issues, agendas, and open discussions regarding biblical discrepancies, which raise questions about its authority.
Over the decades of ongoing discourse, it became evident that the creation of dependence was necessary to enhance the ministry’s influence over the saints of God. The doctrine of the Five Fold Ministry deviated from biblical principles.
Given the necessity of the Five Fold ministry’s viability, a substantial purpose for its existence was imperative. The pressing need was for the Restored Church. This need generated another premise, wherein the ministry would be entirely liberated from sin, with all its gifts functioning continuously and without any internal biblical discrepancies. The possession of these positions and the absence of biblical divergences would serve as compelling evidence of the ministry’s divine authority, albeit this assertion also deviates from biblical principles.
The Doctrine of the Five Fold Ministry became an established doctrine, not subject to questioning. This doctrine posits that a ministry, equipped with all its inherent gifts, must be established and entrusted to individuals or qualified ministers before a restored and perfected church can be created or attain the former position of the early church, which, it is important to note, is not supported by biblical evidence.
A biblical concept revolves around the emergence of a church that ventures into the wilderness. This church emerges from the wilderness to become a discernible presence, no longer concealed by the earth. Simultaneously, Satan engages in conflict with the remnants of the early church, who exhibit exceptional conduct and are poised to attain perfection.
Revelation 12:17
And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Observe the lingering commandment to “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 1:1-2
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Revelation 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:4-7
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
During the early reign church, the Bible was not available. Consequently, the teachings of the Apostles, prophets, and teachers were not as readily accessible as they are in our current dispensation. This fundamental difference between the early reign and the latter reign church significantly distinguishes our dispensation from the early reign church.
The early church did not share its positions with the later church, primarily due to the significant temporal difference of 4,000 years. The early church established the positions and their purpose. It serves as an example and resource for the later church, providing the foundation upon which the latter church can build. The ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers was established and is now shared with the later church, along with all the gifts of God. The distinction between the early and later churches lies in the necessity of these positions.
Additionally, other distinctions arise from contemporary historical, geographical, societal, and technological advancements. The body of Christ has a well-established history of apostles, evangelists, prophets, pastors, and teachers from whom we can draw upon their teachings and gifts to provide the faith and knowledge necessary for saints to attain perfection. While the geological conditions of the time have changed, we have the geological records of the Old and New Testaments to draw analogies and gain wisdom. Of course, society has undergone numerous transformations, but the Bible enables us to recognize the comparisons required to establish truth. Technological advancements have occurred, but we can draw upon the early church society to recognize that while everything is subject to change, certain principles remain constant.
Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
This statement was made about the early reign church, not the latter reign church. However, it was intended for the church as a whole, the combined church of both eras, the Body of Christ. The Body was created and endowed with all the attributes necessary for the establishment of Jesus’ Church. These positions were bestowed upon the nations and their peoples as a sign to recognize the one true body of Christ. These positions and miracles were disseminated from person to person until all the world had access to the work and word of God.
These positions were given as needed to all the saints (And he gave some) the SOME mentioned are the saints..to esablish a ministry. The saints were given the positions that made whomever an apostle or teacher etc. The saints had a need for the positions to establish their perfection..not the ministers.
The outcome of the 11 disciples had not been predetermined nor achieved prior to Jesus’ completion of his salvific work in Israel. The Holy Spirit (the Comforter) had not yet descended, and no positions of apostleship had been conferred. The entire chapter of Matthew 17 elucidates this fact.
John 17:11 (KJV) 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Initially, they were devoid of positions and lacked unity. However, after the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them, they underwent a transformative change. Their faithfulness had been demonstrated, leading to their selection as more enlightened and chosen disciples. Nevertheless, they were deeply shaken by the sight of Jesus’ crucifixion.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (KJV) 6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
The provided scripture delineates the roles, authority, and divine mandate bestowed upon the disciples for the benevolent purposes of God’s kingdom, specifically the establishment of His church and the sanctification of His saints.
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascended to his divine throne and dispatched the Holy Spirit as a source of comfort and power. This divine power possessed the ability to influence spiritual matters when necessary for God’s purposes, which were ultimately the salvation of humanity.
The pivotal aspect of the sending was the imperative of the kingdom of God. The ministry’s essence does not necessitate gifts, titles, or positions of authority.
The ministry has always been entrusted to the people’s need for leadership in Christ.
Historically and currently, when there was a need for a pastor, the need was typically fulfilled by God.
The necessity for the position of pastor was also met by the same need for a teacher. As biblically evidenced, the positions that God has established for His church can be amalgamated and utilized by ordained men of God. The positions have consistently been regulated to fulfill God’s purposes.
The need has also been regulated to facilitate spiritual transformation of the people, rather than to enhance their material or natural well-being.
Similarly, no one has ever been a firstfriut, except for Jesus. Consequently, it is incorrect to conclude that the Ministry is a firstfriut before anyone else can attain perfection, enter into the Bride of Christ, or be in the Bride of Christ.
This premise, the ministry as part of the firstfriuts, supports the existence of a ruling class of ministers as part of the Godhead, rooted in the inherent desire for power through authority. The premise posits the necessity of recognition through confirmation, which would be demonstrated by a united ministerial convergence of churches, thereby affirming the acceptance of the sole and authentic Body of Christ.
The doctrine of ministerial positions, integral to the restoration of a church of Christ, has been consistently preached for many years. These positions are believed to be essential for the saints’ ability to attain perfection.
but the truth of the matter is the Ministry was never intended to serve as a benchmark for perfection; rather, it was created to provide assistance in achieving the full potential of saints of Christ Jesus church.
