Study 5: The Organization of the New Creation

(1) When will the organization of the new creation be complete, and how is it illustrated in the Scriptures? Page 195

(2) In view of the foregoing, what shall we say about a temporary organization of the New Creation? Page 196 ¶1, first part

(3) What is the character of the Divine arrangement with respect to this preparatory work, and why is the granting of liberty the best plan? Page 196 ¶1, last part, and ¶2, first part

(4) Why has the simplicity of the organization of the Church by the Lord and the Apostles been regarded by many good persons as unsatisfactory and inadequate? Page 197 top

(5) Taking Natural Israel as a type, should we expect to find a nominal as well as a real New Creation? Page 197 ¶1 first sentence

(6) What judgment is permitted the New Creation as to the “wheat” and “tares”, and has any “branch” in “the True Vine” the right to criticize, rebuke or otherwise prune nay other “branch”? Page 197 ¶1; Page 198

(7) How differently are such matters dealt with in human organizations? Page 198 ¶1

(8) Explain what is signified by the “Mystery of God”. Page 199 ¶1, first part

(9) Describe its counterfeit, the “Mystery of Iniquity”. Page 199 ¶1, last part; Page 200 ¶1

(10) What course toward these “tares”, or imitation New Creatures, has the Lord pursued and instructed His people to follow? Page 200 ¶2

(11) When did the Mystery of Iniquity begin to work, and why did it not make much headway in the Early Church? Page 201 ¶1

(12) What spirit led gradually to the organization of the great Anti-Christ? Page 201 ¶2

(13) How has our great Adversary thwarted every fresh effort to reach the Truth since the Reformation period? Page 202 ¶1

(14) Cite certain facts which prove conclusively that the Scriptures have been preserved in comparative purity, and that the systems claiming to have been organized by the Lord and his Apostles are totally different from the Church which they did Page 202 ¶2 to Page 204 ¶2

(15) Why has God permitted the world of mankind in general to exercise their mental and moral qualities according to their own inclinations? Page 204 ¶3

(16) How has the Lord been dealing with “Chris tendom”? And how and when will he bring order out of confusion? Page 205 ¶1

(17) What special feature of the Divine Plan characterizes “the ends of the Ages”? (1 Cor. 10:11) Page 205 ¶2

(18) As originally instituted, who was the Head of the true Church? Page 206 ¶1, first part

(19) What is meant by the :True Vine” and the “Vine of the Earth”, and what are their respective fruits? Page 207 top

(20) Did the Lord and the Apostles recognize any divisions in the Church, or were the various names applied to the church as a whole, and even to the smallest gatherings, intended as proper names? Page 207 ¶1

(21) What Spirit led to the use of various unscriptural names during the Dark Ages? Page 207 ¶2

(22) How many Apostles were chosen, and what were their names? Page 208 ¶1

(23) Who was chosen by the Lord to succeed Judas, and what are the Scriptural proofs? Page 208 ¶2

(24) What Scriptural evidence have we against “Apostolic Succession”? Page 209 ¶1

(25) Why has the Church no reasonable need for more Apostles? Page 209 ¶2

(26) How were the twelve Apostles selected by our Lord? Page 210 ¶1

(27) What were doubtless some characteristics of the Apostles, and why were they chosen so early in our Lord’s ministry? Page 210 ¶2

(28) Is there any suggestion in Scripture that the Apostles were to be lords over the Church, or especially different in any respect from the other members of the Body? Page 211 ¶1

(29) What was the character of their commission? Page 212 ¶1

(30) What was the difference between the position of the Apostles previous to Pentecost, and their special powers of the Holy Spirit subsequent to that time? Page 212 ¶2

(31) Did these “gifts” take the place of the “fruits” of the Spirit? Page 213, top

(32) What was the purpose of the Lord’s selection and instruction of the Apostles? Page 213 ¶1

(33) Were the Apostles strong characters naturally? And what special privileges more than compensates for their lack of worldly wisdom and education? Page 213 ¶2; Page 214 ¶1,2

(34) Why did the Lord specially reveal himself to the Apostles after his resurrection? Page 214 ¶3

(35) Why was it necessary for the Apostle Paul to see the risen Lord, “as one born out of due time”? Page 215 ¶1, first half

(36) For what reason may we suppose the Apostle Paul was granted such peculiar experiences, visions, ? Page 215 ¶1-3

(37) Quote St. Paul’s own testimony as to his Apostleship. Page 216 top

(38) Was it the Lord’s intention that the Apostles confine their efforts to the Jewish nation? Page 216 ¶1

(39) Were the characters of the Apostles such as to inspire confidence in their testimonies? Page 217 ¶1, first part

(40) In addition, what further Scriptural evidence should increase our confidence in their writings? Page 217 ¶1, last part

(41) What was the three-fold character of the Apostolic inspiration as promised by the Lord in John 14:26; 16:13? Page 217 ¶2

(42) What internal evidence in the Apostolic writings would contradict the thought of verbal inspiration? And how may we harmonize the different statements of the writers? Page 218 ¶1

(43) How has the Lord’s promise to guide the Church “into all truth” been fulfilled? Page 219 ¶1

(44) What was the distinction between the Apostolic guidance and the experience of the prophets of olden times? Page 219 ¶2

(45) How do we understand the Apostolic commission with respect to “binding and loosing”? (Matt. 18:18) Page 220 ¶1

(46) How do we interpret 16:15-18, “Upon this rock will I build my Church”? Page 220 ¶2

(47) Explain how Peter used “the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.” Page 221

(48) What Scriptural evidence is there that the Apostles were to be not only teachers, but also prophets or seers? Page 222,223

(49) While assured of the Apostles’ inspiration and their guidance by the Holy Spirit, how can we explain Peter’s denial of our Lord? Page 223 ¶4,5

(50) Did the Apostolic office bring with it perfection of every thought and action? Page 224 top, and ¶1

(51) Did Peter’s “dissembling” on one occasion affect his usefulness as an Apostle? Page 224 ¶2

(52) What reply shall we make to the objection that the Apostles expected the Lord’s second advent during their lifetime, and were therefore untrustworthy in their teachings? Page 225 ¶1,2

(53) What shall we say to the objection that Paul’s teaching and practice with respect to circumcision did not agree? Page 226 ¶1,2

(54) How explain the Apostle Paul’s course recorded in Acts 21:20-26? Page 227-229

(55) Were the Apostles ordained to be lords or rulers, or in any manner the vicars or substitutes of Christ in their relation to the other members of the Body? Page 229 ¶3,4

(56) Were the Apostles ever regarded as lords by the early Church, or did they assume such dignity? Page 230 ¶1

(57) Were the actions and experiences of the Apostles such as would be expected of lords? Page 230 ¶2

(58) Did the Apostles counsel or encourage any other members of the Church to such aspirations? Page 231 ¶1,2

(59) What were the respective attitudes of the Apostles and the other members of the Church toward each other? Page 232 ¶1

(60) Why were the disciples at Berea especially commended by the Apostle Paul? Page 232 ¶2

(61) Was this method of proving the Gospel also approved by our Lord? Page 233 ¶1 first part

(62) What is the proof of Divine inspiration in the teaching of the Lord and the Apostles, the Law and the Prophets? Page 233 ¶1 last part, and ¶2

(63) What is the general thought of Christendom with respect to the organization of the Church, and what is the character of the Divine arrangement in contrast with this? Page 234 ¶1

(64) In showing forth the Divine arrangement, should we consider ecclesiastical history? Page 234 ¶2 first sentence

(65) In examining the Bible account of the Church’s organization, how shall we regard the Old Testament with its types? Page 234 ¶2 – Page 235

(66) In looking to the New Testament for direction respecting the organization and rules of the Church in her trial state, what must we keep constantly in mind? Page 235 ¶1

(67) What Scriptural illustration (1 Cor. 12) beautifully illustrates this entire subject? Page 236 ¶1

(68) What conclusion do we draw from this illustration as to the necessity for stringent rules in the Lord’s organization of the Church? Page 236 ¶2

(69) Who is the Superintendent of affairs in the Church? Page 237 ¶1,2

(70) Should those who fulfill the more responsible positions in the Body be able to produce evidence of their Divine appointment? Page 237 ¶3

(71) Do we find the same variety of members in the Church now as were necessary in the early Church? Page 238 ¶1 first part

(72) When and how did the “gifts” of the Spirit cease? Page 238 ¶1 last part

(73) What did the Apostle mean when he said, “Covet earnestly the best gifts, and yet show I unto you a more excellent way”? (1 Cor. 12:31) Page 238 ¶2

(74) Where do we find another Scriptural lesson concerning the oneness of the Church as one Body of many members, and the object of special service on the part of some members? Page 239 ¶1

(75) Is this illustration of the Apostle that of a fully developed human body? Page 239 ¶2

(76) While unity of faith is desirable, upon what is the idea of unity based? Page 240 ¶1 first half

(77) What are two essentials upon which unity must be demanded? Page 240 ¶1 last half

(78) Should we expect and look for a continuance of the Lord’s gifts to the Church in respect to prophets, pastors, teachers? Page 241 ¶1

(79) Why should force not be used in an attempt to unify the members of the Church? Page 241 ¶2

(80) What lessons may the antitypical “Royal Priesthood” learn from the typical priesthood? Page 242 ¶1,2

(81) Should mental or physical deformities in any member, unfitting him for public service, hinder his spiritual development or recognition as possessing full rights at the Lord’s table and at the Throne of Heavenly grace? Page 243 ¶1 first half

(82) Who are to regarded as “Elders” in the Church? Page 243 ¶1 last half, and ¶2

(83) What is the meaning of the word Bishop, and what is the relation between the terms bishop and elder? Page 244 ¶1

(84) How is the term “general overseer” applicable to an elder in the Church? And what qualifications should be expected in such a one? Page 244 ¶2

(85) What spirit generally led to Papacy and later to sectarian and unscriptural divisions into clergy and laity? Page 245 ¶1

(86) While all elders are caretakers, what various services may they render according to individual qualifications? Page 245 ¶2

(87) What does the word prophet strictly signify? Page 246 ¶1

(88) What is the most essential qualification to eldership? Page 246 ¶2

(89) What is the duty of every member of the Church with respect to the selection of leaders? Page 247 ¶1

(90) Is it absolutely necessary for every Ecclesia to have a public servant? Page 248 ¶1

(91) How should the self-seeking and the novices be regarded in selecting elders? Page 248 ¶2

(92) What explicit advice is given by the Apostles Paul and Peter concerning the character, , of those who should be recognized as elders? Page 249 ¶1,2

(93) Is there any limitation as to the number of elders in an Ecclesia? Page 249 ¶2

(94) Is it essential that an elder be “apt to teach”? And does this necessarily imply ability for public speaking? Page 249 ¶3 first part

(95) Should we expect the Lord to raise up public speakers in every Ecclesia? And if none are supplied, what should be the conclusion and our course of action? Page 250

(96) How may elders, not so apt to teach, exercise other talents? Page 250 ¶1

(97) What does the word Pastor signify? And how does it apply to an elder? Page 251 ¶1

(98) What is the Scriptural injunction respecting “Elders that rule well”? (1 Tim. 5:17,18) Page 251 ¶2

(99) What is the significance of the word Deacon? Page 252 ¶1

(100) With the foregoing view of the subject, should we understand that no distinction as respects service obtained in the early Church? Page 252 ¶1

(101) How is the word deacon specifically applied in the New Testament? Page 253 ¶1

(102) Mention a notable example of the fact that deacons, while serving chiefly in temporal affairs, were not hindered from exercising their talents in other ways. Page 254 ¶1

(103) What was the most marked characteristic of the early Church arrangement? Page 254 ¶2

(104) What is the special Scriptural significance of “aptness to teach”? Page 255

(105) How may we distinguish between teaching and preaching? Page 256 ¶1

(106) What is the work of an evangelist? And how have present-day conditions changed the method of evangelization? Page 256 ¶2, Page 257

(107) What Scripture implies that in a general sense all members of the New Creation should be able to teach and that teaching is not limited to a clerical class? Page 257 ¶2

(108) Does James 3:1 mean that none of the Church should become teachers? If not, what does it mean? Page 258 ¶1

(109) Explain Matthew 5:19 in this connection. p 258 ¶2

(110) In view of other Scriptures and the experiences of life, is the accepted translation of 1 John 2:27, 20 correct? Page 259 ¶1

(111) What thoughts are suggested by the context, beginning with verse 18? Page 259 ¶2

(112) What is evidently the Apostle’s thought with respect to verse 27? Page 260 ¶1,2

(113) What is the special significance of the word “unction” in verse 20? And how was this typified? Page 261 ¶1

(114) Of what is this unction an evidence to ourselves and to others? Page 261 ¶2

(115) What is therefore the conclusion with respect to the necessity for teachers? Page 262 ¶1,2

(116) Do the Scriptures teach a machine-like faith and acceptance of every doctrine? Page 263 ¶1

(117) On the other hand, does the Word of God encourage a combative, fault-finding or debating spirit? Page 263 ¶2

(118) What does the word “communicate” signify in Gal. 6:6? Page 264 ¶1

(119) Is there any sex-discrimination with respect to eligibility for membership in the New Creation? Support your reply with Scripture quotations. Page 264 ¶3 first half

(120) In view of explicit limitations placed upon woman’s service in the church, how shall we harmonize this with the preceding statement? Page 265, top

(121) Do the Scriptures indicate a lack of love on the part of our Lord, or of education or ability on their part, that such restrictions were placed upon women in the early church? Page 265 ¶1

(122) How does woman appear to be used by the Adversary in misleading mankind? Page 265 ¶2

(123) What natural endowment of woman may reasonably seem to unfit her for public service? Page 266 ¶1,2

(124) How does this quality of approbativeness become a snare to woman when exercised toward the public? Page 267 ¶1, first part

(125) How is ambition to appear wiser than others a danger that besets man as well as woman? And what are the Apostle’s warnings? Page 267 ¶1; Z’08-24

(126)Does the foregoing signify that the sisters may never explain to others “the good tidings of great joy”? Page 267 ¶2

(127) What is the Apostle’s advice regarding woman’s attitude in Church gatherings for worship and praise? Page 268 ¶1

(128) To what kind of Church gatherings did the Apostle’s restrictions evidently relate? Page 268 ¶2,3

(129) Did the Apostle Paul favor the “woman’s rights” idea? Page 269 ¶1

(130) What argument on this subject can be drawn from 4:11, 12, noting the gender indicated in the Greek? Page 269 ¶2

(131) Would it be considered “teaching” for a sister to quote the words of the Lord or the Apostles upon any subject under discussion, or to read or refer to recognized publications explanatory of the Scriptures? Page 270 ¶1

(132) What is evidently the beautiful and appropriate symbolism of this Divine order in the Church, “let her be covered”? Page 270 ¶2

(133) What was there in the dress of the High Priest and the under priests which typified this sex-distinction? Page 271 ¶1

(134) Explain the Apostle’s teaching with respect to the sisters wearing a head covering, as stated in 1 11:3-7, 10-15. Page 271 ¶2

(135) Was this a divine command? And are there good reasons for perpetuating this custom? Page 271 ¶3

(136) Briefly summarizing, what are the liberties and the limitations of sisters in the Ecclesia? Page 272