Who is the New Testament Church?

Is it the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints?
It doesn't seem so. The mormon faith came from the teachings of the self proclaimed prophet Joseph Smith. Jesus taught that He would build His Church.

Matthew 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed [it] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 16:19 And 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. 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Matthew 16:16-20

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints teaches that the church at some point died.
But Jesus said he would be with us to the end of the world.
28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20
Has the world ended yet?
The church will remain.
3:21 Unto him [be] glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-23

Is it the Roman Catholic Church?
No because first of all Christ is the head of his church.
1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence.
Colossians 1:18
Peter viewed himself as just a minister of the gospel
5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 5:3 Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1 Peter 5:1-3

Roman Catholicism was initially headed by Constantine
Constantine is perhaps best known for being the first Christian Roman emperor; his reign was certainly a turning point for the Christian Church. In 313 Constantine announced toleration of Christianity in the Edict of Milan, which removed penalties for professing Christianity (under which many had been martyred in previous persecutions of Christians) and returned confiscated Church property. Though a similar edict had been issued in 311 by Galerius, then senior emperor of the Tetrarchy, Galerius' edict granted Christians the right to practice their religion but did not restore any property to them.[196]

"Scholars debate whether Constantine adopted his mother St. Helena's Christianity in his youth, or whether he adopted it gradually over the course of his life.[197] Constantine would retain the title of pontifex maximus until his death, a title emperors bore as heads of the pagan priesthood, as would his Christian successors on to Gratian (r. 375–83). According to Christian writers, Constantine was over 40 when he finally declared himself a Christian, writing to Christians to make clear that he believed he owed his successes to the protection of the Christian High God alone.[198] Throughout his rule, Constantine supported the Church financially, built basilicas, granted privileges to clergy (e.g. exemption from certain taxes), promoted Christians to high office, and returned property confiscated during the Diocletianic persecution.[199] His most famous building projects include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Old Saint Peter's Basilica."
Wikipedia "Constantine I"

The Pontifex Maximus (Latin, "greatest bridge-maker") was the high priest of the Ancient Roman College of Pontiffs (Collegium Pontificum). This was the most important position in the ancient Roman religion, open only to patricians until 254 BC, when a plebeian first occupied this post. A distinctly religious office under the early Roman Republic, it gradually became politicized until, beginning with Augustus, it was subsumed into the Imperial office. Its last use with reference to the emperors is in inscriptions of Gratian[1] (reigned 375-383) who, however, then decided to omit the words "pontifex maximus" from his title.[2][3]

Centuries later, after the word "pontifex" had become a term used for Christian bishops,[4] including the Bishop of Rome,[5] the title of "Pontifex Maximus" was applied within the Roman Catholic Church to the Pope as its chief bishop. It is not included in the Pope's official titles,[6] but appears on buildings, monuments and coins of popes of Renaissance and modern times

"[edit] Origins during the Regal Period
The Collegium Pontificum (College of Pontiffs) was the most important priesthood of ancient Rome. The foundation of this sacred college and the office of Pontifex Maximus is attributed to the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius [7]. It is safe to say that the collegium was tasked to act as advisers of the rex (king) in all matters of religion. The collegium was headed by the pontifex maximus and all the pontifices held their office for life. Prior to its institution, all religious and administrative functions and powers were naturally exercised by the king. Very little is known about this period of Roman history regarding the pontiffs as the main historical sources are lost and some of the events from this period are regarded as semi-legendary or mythical. Most of the records of ancient Rome were destroyed when it was sacked by the Gauls in 387 BC. Accounts from this early period come from excerpts of writings made during the Republican Period."


Wikipedia "pontifex maximus"



It was only later that the Pope's had been given headship over the catholic church. They would then be referred to by this title.

The Popes however do not rightfully have the authority they claim.
A. Because the church at Rome was not founded by Peter
When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans He did not identify a specific organized church, only those "called to be saints". These were probably the jews and proselytes converted at the day of penticost.(acts 2:10)
Paul states however to the Romans that he would not preach at a place already settled by an apostle.
15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Romans 15:20-21
Also Peter's ministry centered around Jewish believers
2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Galatians 2:8
So it is extremely doubtful that Peter was the 1st Bishop of Rome. In the last century Archaeologists have questioned the traditional grave of Peter in Rome since it was a pagan cemetery and archaeologists in 1950 found what they claim to be the body of Peter in Caesarea(northern Israel)

Roman Catholicism did not hold to the New Testament as shown by the obvious

a. Because the Apostles taught believers baptism

16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:15-16
How on earth could an infant who does not evn know words be baptized if the gospel of Mark be true?

8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 8:36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 8:40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Acts 8:35-40
Here we see an extremely portrayal of Believers baptism. Now modern liberal scholars reject vrs.37. However it should be remembered that Roman catholics originally accept this passage since it was printed in two manuscripts under Catholic authority. The Complutesian Polyglot and the Textus Receptus.

10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 10:40-48
So Peter (suposedly the first Pope) preaches a message that would get a priest in trouble (forgiveness by faith with no mention of works). Then the Holy spirit intervenes and they are immersed in the Holy Ghost without water baptism!

3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 3:21 The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 3:18-21
Here again we see Peter(the 1st Pope!) preaching atonement for the unjust(mankind)He uses the the global flood (an obvious symbol of immersion)and says it is a symbol and that which saves is not some holy water but a cleared conscience. Case Closed.

B. Because the roman church claims superiority over the BiBLE.
The church in the New Testament is the followers of Christ. Not the other way around.
3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: 3:3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation. 3:5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 3:6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
2 Peter 3:1-6

5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 5:3 Neither as being lords over [God's] heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:1-5


c. Because the Roman Catholic Church supresses the Bible
It has been historically illegal for Roman catholics to read the scriptures for themselves. Only now that there schools teach scepticism of the scriptures will the church allow the congregation to hear it. Throughout the centuries the catholics have had the practice of burning Bibles. They still practice this act in deeply traditional catholic nations to this day.


D. Because the Roman Catholic church anathematizes those who seek Christ independently for salvation
The council of trent declared 115 anathemas against the protestants. (to anethematize someone, declares them to be sentenced in Hell)Many do not realize that Vatican II teaches the doctrines of TRENT are still valid to this day.

3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Ephesians 3:15-17



Was The eastern Orthodox Church the church of the New Testament?



The Orthodox Churches split from the Roman in Church 1096. They also find there ultimate origin in Constantine. Other issues are at stake as well:

The orthodox deny the submission of the Holy SPirit. Yet isn't this what Jesus taught?
16:12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 16:14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
Most of the eastern church follows the teachings of origin who openly synthezized the New Testament with Platonic philosophy like the jewish philosopher Philo.

What about the protestant churches; are they the churches of the New Testament?
These churches claim to be catholics with a small "c"
They have several preachers that founded these groups.
Martin luther (lutherans)
John Calvin (presbyterian and reformed)
Henry the 8th (anglican)
John Foxe (quakers)
John Wesley (methodist and wesleyans)
etc.
Therefore these groups do not have their origin in the New Testament. Usually they accept this fact. The problem is that most Protestant preachers are holding onto a mystical catholic church as their starting point and trying to make that more Biblical. They do not start over from scratch.
The word "reformation" implies that they were a church that change or reformed.
Now this does not mean that the Protestants were incapable of teaching through the Bible. Or that they got it wrong on justification by Faith.
It does mean they got it wrong on how to pastor a church and as a result their congregations have been beaten down with the heresy of liberalism quite easily.











1. The New Testament Church was prophesied to perpetuate
4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive [and] remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 4:17 Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 4:14-17
2. The Word of God would also survive
1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1:24 For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
1 Peter 1:23-25
3. New Testament churches followed the Bible and carried it.
13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 13:47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, [saying], I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 13:48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 13:49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. Acts
13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Mark 13:10
4.The new testament taught salvation by grace through faith.
1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 1:3 Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1Peter 1:1-5
2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified Galatians 2:16
5. The New Testament church taught baptism administered after confession of salvation.
19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 19:5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:1-5

6. The kingdom would continue
6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
Revelation 11:15
7. Churches would congregate through preaching.
10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:22-28
10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Ropmans 10:13-15

8. They would separate themselves from the world.
2:15 Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15-16

9. They would continue not through there own gifts of discipleship but a movement of the spirit.
3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
10. New Testament churches were still subject to Judgement and indeed could have their candles blown out.
Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

The history of the anabaptist

Origin and history
"The question of the validity of baptism appears in two great phases in ecclesiastical history. The first controversy raged at an early date (third and fourth centuries) and regarded the minister of the sacrament (baptism conferred by heretics)." Catholic Encyclopedia "anabaptist"
So we see that the anabaptist started as protesting the same time as Constantine dominated the church. This is because they could not be anabaptist before constantine they could only be label New Testament Christians.

The name Anabaptists, etymologically applicable, and sometimes applied to Christian denominations that practise re-baptism is, in general historical usage, restricted to those who, denying the validity of infant baptism,Catholic Encyclopedia "anabaptist"
So churches with the label anabaptist is as Old as Catholicism. The difference is these churches would only be labeled Christian prior to the advent of Constantine.


"Manichæism obtained adherents among the highest classes of society. Barsymes the Nestorian prefect of Theodora, was an avowed Manichæan. But this recrudescence of Manichæism was soon suppressed.
Soon, however, whether under the name of Paulicians, or Bogomiles, it again invaded the Byzantine Empire, after having lain hidden for a time on Musselman territory"
The same groups that were labelled "anabaptised" were also called "Manichaen" by the Catholics. However, many of these groups did not have the chance to answer the charges against them and were slaughtered. Yet the ones who were allowed to confess their faith, preached an orthodox confession of faith. (such as the waldenses and the anabaptist/mennonites)



"Though a number of secret societies and dualistic sects may have existed here and there in obscurity, there is apparently no direct and conscious connection with the Prophet of Babylon and his doctrine. Yet when the Paulicians and Bogomili from Bulgaria came in contact with the West in the eleventh century, and eastern missionaries driven out by the Byzantine emperors taught dualist doctrines in the North of Italy and the South of France they found the leaven of Manichæism still so deeply pervading the minds of the many that they could make it ferment and rise into the formidable Catharist heresies. "
Here we see the Catholics admit that there is no direct linkage between the cult of mannichaenism and these persecuted anabaptist. It was just name-calling and propaganda.


In the eleventh and twelfth centuries the Petrobrusians rejected infant baptism and they and many subsequent medieval heretics (Henricians, Waldenses, Albigenses, and Bohemian Brethren) held views resembling in some respects the tenets of Anabaptists.
Even Catholic scholars here do admit that these groups do not originate from the Iranian prophet "manni". Yet there is a direct link among these groups with the protestant style preaching anabaptists and waldenses.






What we have to realize is that the New Testament church was not an empire, nor was it a precise theological system. systemaizing christianity many times can put religion of God in the sinful hands of man.

The people of the New Testament church were not perfect in their knowledge nor their holiness. Human nature is evil no matter what faith you claim.

The New Testament church was an organized body of sinners who had been saved by God's grace. They had recieved God in their hearts.
As Jesus said the truth had set them free. So they learned how to be servants to everyone while being slaves to no one.
True New testament christians do not come off as a superior race. If anything they are viewed as inferior and laughed at in the world system.

I am reminded by the anabaptised character in the novel "Candide". He seems to be the nicest character in the novel and is therefore murdered early.
Human history has remarkably little to say about New Testament Christians in history and it almost has less to say about us now.
The more biblical and New Testament a people group is, the more they are ignored an considered insignificant.

From New Testament Christianity we see some of the greatest heroics in the history of the church. Yet the New Testament church is not the source of the great acts of God. The church simply depends on the great God of the Bible(Jehovah) for its existence and perpetuity.

In revelation the antichrist is showns as a King, with a bow without arrows. Signifying that he does not lift a finger as his followers will protect him.
Jesus is shown with the sword of the Lord and his servants only have musical instruments. This is because he will protect them.



The New Testament Churches that existed between the time of Christ and the reformation are as follows:
Early churches, antioch, Montanist, Donatist, Lumbees, Novatians, Italian Waldenses, paulicans, albigenses, french Waldenses, lollards, hussites, moravians, Anabaptists.

Modern New Testament Churches include:
Baptists (most varieties), mennonites, separatist prebyterians(*), plymoth brethren, methodist circuit riders(*), nazarenes(*),assemblies of God,evangelical free church, Christian and missionary alliance, Calvary Chapel, Christian church*.

Baptist have over 5o denomenations in the USA by themselves of many types and varieties. Obviously baptist are not free of heresy and will fall short of the title "New Testament Church" at that time.

The Separatist presbyterians (british separatist and orthodox presbyterians) usually pass the criteria on everything but baptism and church government.

The early methodists circuit riders were focused upon the spreading of the gospel to the point where they were not hindered by the anglican style church government of today. Once this formalism was established so did apostasy grow.

Nazarenes are usually believer's baptists. However they are second only to the quackers in a lazy attitude towards the fulfilment of the great comission.

Many Pentecostal groups had unorthodox doctrines. Yet the assemblies of God had great deal of baptist influence that kept in qualification as a new testament church.

evangelical free church and calvary chapel deviate in the sense of top down government yet are otherwise New Testament Churches.

Many in the "Christian church" or campbellite movement are legalist denying justification by grace through faith alone. However there are many newer congregations which have become evangelical in faith and as a result fit the criteria of a new Testament Church.


Some may think I am too strict or too leniant on whom I identify as churches in the Bride of Christ. The most important issue is not which groups qualify as members of the Bride of Christ, but whether you are born again have settled for a congregation which submits to the New Covenant or traded in the Faith of Christ for freindship with the world.

In Christ, Matt