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When we consider physical things, it is most often true that the original is of more value than copies of, or counterfeits of the same. If we think of the painting, “Mona Lisa,” we know that a print of the original is nothing more than a print and its value is greatly diminished when compared to the original. Old originals are most often what collectors seek because they bear the marks of the original designer or craftsman.

In a sense, originals are perfect, they are exactly as completed by the master craftsman. When it comes to copies, no matter how good, they always lack something that the original product had. For example, counterfeit money, or old manuscripts that have been reproduced never are what the original was, and the value is certainly less. The same is true concerning Christianity. It is evident that original Christianity is of the same quality as other originals throughout mankind’s history. This is true because original Christianity bears the actual print of the Master Designer’s hand. With these thoughts in mind consider the following thoughts about “Original Christianity.”

Original Christianity contained within it an unfolding purpose that began in the Old Testament. In fact, we could say that original Christianity was conceived in eternity, that it was predicted during Old Testament times, and that it was eventually consummated in Jesus Christ. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially if one is not a Christian. However, this is a concept that man must come to grips with if they are to understand the totality of Christianity. Consider the following.

Within Christianity is the doctrine of predestination; a doctrine which many so-called religious people decimate. The concept of predestination as given by Paul in Eph. 1:4-5, is revealed as an act of God which Paul said, some were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world, predestinated to the adoption of children (Eph. 1:4,5), and predestined to conform to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). This concept has nothing to do with God choosing one person over another to bestow upon them honor and glory. Rather it has reference to God choosing a group of individuals; those that have become obedient to Him. The group in question is those who He has added to the Church as seen in (Acts 2:47). 

When we consider Original Christianity, there has always been the question of works. Paul shows that proper relationship between works and salvation in 2 Timothy 1:9 10, when he said, “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

There is also a nature and design for the church and Original Christianity that reveals it is a kingdom in which Jesus rules. This is seen in (Daniel 7:13-14). Paul in Philippians 2:9-11 shows that prophecy of old was indeed consummated in Jesus. He said, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Truly all will bow before the great God of Heaven. 

The Original Church and consequently Christianity had a calling. The word church, from its original “Ekklesia,” means a called-out assembly, that is, separated from others, and called into its own assembly, group, or body. This is what Paul had reference to in Colossians 3:15, there he said, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” See also 2 Timothy 1:9.

Original Christianity was in separation, a holy nation. Its members, the church, was set apart from the world to serve God because they were exclusively His. Peter said, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” (1 Peter 2:9). See also 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. This is a warning to Christians today to remind them that we can have no affiliation with religious error, superstition, politics, and ungodliness. When such is the case, it ceases to be Original Christianity.

Original Christianity was conceived in unity, as a collective body. It is described as a body that is joined to the head, which in turn sustains every need of the body. Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describes that body as one in which every member works harmoniously to support every other member. In harmony it works together for mutual sustenance. Only in this way can the body be unified. Paul said, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:3-5). In this we see that unity is based upon scriptural priorities. 

The Word of God reveals that originally in Christianity, the Church is in purity, a bride, specifically the bride of Christ. In Old Testament writing the bride is seen as completeness and perfection. She was like an enclosed garden; she was reserved for her husband and for him alone. It is the Bride of Christ (the Church) that is reserved for Him. In fact, he even cleanses her with His own blood (Eph. 5:25-27). In this way his bride is presented as spotless. See also (Rev. 19:7-8). In truth Satan and his angels expend a tremendous amount of effort to corrupt the bride in doctrine and practice, to turn it into modern day Jezebel. When Satan is successful in his efforts, we recognize that it is only because the individual person was so determined. No man can make us do anything against God unless we desire to do so (See John 10). 

In Original Christianity, members of the Church are the temple of God. Original Christianity consisted of a Holy Temple with a Royal Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (Ephesians 2:21-22 & 1 Peter 2:9). Throughout their existence, the Israelites to undue liberties with the ordained worship of the Old Covenant, and they suffered for their efforts (Lev. 10; Mal. 1). For those today, who declare there is no pattern from God concerning worship, who turn worship into something resembling a three-ring circus, they can expect no less than Israel received. 

In practice, Original Christianity is comprised of a people who have obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine found within the Bible. In this way the Church enjoys freedom from sin (Rom. 6:17,18). They are a people committed to continued obedience to the Master (Heb. 5:8,9), striving to bring every thought into captivity to Him (2 Cor. 10:5). They are a people who value their discipleship above every earthly thing (Matt. 6:33) and a people who have hope beyond the grave (1 Cor. 15:19). 

Original Christianity was God designed, Christ ordained, Spirit approved, complete in every aspect, and not subject to human change. Thus, we must strive to worship God in the beauty of holiness (set apart for God’s purpose, not our own.) 1 Chronicles 16:29 “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.” 

The thoughts of this article come from a lesson presented by Brother Clayton Winters. 

(Tony Hoss is minister of the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton)