HOW CAN I FIND THE RIGHT CHURCH?

Robert Mills

According to the census reports, there are thousands of “churches” in existence, and more are being added every day, so , which is the right one?

Don’t make the hopeless mistake of going “church hopping” to find one that appeals to yourself. That is a certain way to find the wrong one. Clearly, they are not in agreement on even the most basic doctrines and practices. However, Christ did not leave us without a guide.

Even as far back as the Ark, which God directed Noah to build exactly to his specifications, in order to preserve his chosen ones, there are hints. The ark was for the purpose of preserving the godly from destruction. After they had entered into it, God himself closed the door before he destroyed all that was outside its protection. The church has that same function.

God added more light when he told Moses just how to construct the Tabernacle, and later he did the same for the Temple to David. Every part had a direct counterpart in the church. First, the sacrifices had to be made at the altar. They represented the last final sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ for our sins. That had to happen before the church could come into being. Even then, only the priests could enter into it. Even they had to be purified and be cleansed through washing in the laver which stood outside. Before the Lord adds anyone to his church, they must be washed in the water and the Spirit, for Christians are a holy priesthood, a set apart people. (John 3:5) The Holy Place, where priests could then enter, had three items. The Lamp stand, the Table of Shewbread, and the Altar of Incense. Their counterparts in the church are represented by the Apostle’s Doctrine, the lamp, the table, representing the Lord’s Table, and the altar representing prayer to God. (Acts 2:42) The Holy of Holies, beyond the curtain, represented God. It was this dividing curtain that was torn from the top to the bottom, on the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. (Matthew 27:51) The way into the presence of God is now open.

Shortly before this, Jesus had asked his apostles, “Who do men say that I am?” (Matthew 16:16-17, Mark 8:29) This continued thought determines that the church had not yet been established for he said, “I will build my church,” (Matthew 16:18) and it will continue until he returns for it.

The next reference to the church is in Acts 2:38, at Pentecost, of that year. There we read that people were born of water and the Spirit as had been foretold in John 3:5. (Acts 2:38, and that the Lord added to them those who were being saved, Acts 2:47.) Any “church” which began either before Matthew 16:18, or after Acts 2:47, a few weeks later, can not be the church Christ called, “My church.” Neither can any church with an earthly, denominational head. He alone, is the head of the church. His parting words, as he ascended back to his Father God, were instructions to the church. (Matthew 28:18-20, and Mark 16:15-16.)

We will find the right church only by looking in the right place, His word. Rest assured, all the others fall short. His church will bear the name of its head, trace itself back to that first Pentecost after he was resurrected and follow his instructions to teach and baptize believers.