|
.
"FOR GOD IS A GOD, NOT OF DISORDER,
BUT OF PEACE." (1 Cor 14:33 NWT). In his
Introduction to the Moffatt Translation of the Bible, James Moffatt wrote:
'The attentive reader will notice two items about the New Testament, as he comes to the end of it. For one thing,
there is no book of church-order,
laying down a
code of rules for the
worship and organization of the communities; the New Testament has no book
corresponding to the book of Leviticus."
(Pg. XXXV).
While there is no specific book in the New Testament
corresponding to a
code of rules
like the book of Leviticus, such a
code of rules does exist
in the instructions given by Paul the apostle to the nations in his letters to
the congregations. Listed below are just some of them.
CODE OF RULES.
|
(1) |
Jehovah God has set the respective members of the "body"
of Christ as follows: "First, apostles; second, prophets; third, teachers; then powerful works; then gifts of healings; helpful services, abilities to direct, different tongues",
and those inspired by God to discern the meaning of inspired utterances. (1 Cor 12:10
& 27-30. 14:1-40). |
|
(2) |
The most important annual event for
Christians gathering in a congregation of The Christ is the commemoration of the symbolic
"evening meal" of the Son of God in celebration of the meaning of his life and sacrificial death
until the last anointed son of God has left the earth and
The Christ returns in glory. (1 Cor 11:23-26). Before the meal, those attending must approve themselves after scrutiny. (1 Cor 11:27-33).
Partakers must not attend merely to satisfy bodily hunger. (1 Cor 11:34). |
|
(3) |
The headship arrangement
of God must be observed: "But I want you to know that
the head of every man is The Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man;
in turn the head of The Christ is God." (1 Cor 11:3). In a congregation, men
must not have their heads covered when praying or prophesying, or they will
dishonour The Christ through disobedience. As for women in a congregation, they
must wear a headcovering or they will shame their head. Women who disobey this
instruction from the Lord must be shorn, and continued disobedience incurs
shaving. (1 Cor 11:4-10). |
|
(4) |
Women are not permitted to speak in
a congregation on spiritual matters.
(1 Cor 14:33-36) (1 Tim 2:11,12). |
|
(5) |
The rule governing the
reproof and excommunication of a congregation member: Two or three witnesses are required. (Matt 18:15-17. 1 Tim 5:19-21). |
|
(6) |
A husband or wife living with an unbelieving spouse is not under servitude
to remain, and
is permitted to separate from them. (1 Cor 7:10-16). |
|
(7) |
Instructions given by The Christ with reference to prayers.
One should not seek to be seen or heard
while praying. (Matt 6:5-15). |
|
(8) |
Collections for the work of the holy ones.
(1 Cor 9:11-14 & 16:1-4). |
|
(9) |
As to one's "rule*
of conduct", the New Testament gives many examples
of righteous conduct and the
principles that underpin them. (Gal 6:15,16). |
|
(10) |
The prophecies of the book of Revelation
are described in coded language. |
18/11/04.
REFERENCES. |
|
CODE: |
1. A collection of writings forming a book or volume. |
|
2. A system of rules and regulations on any subject. |
|
3. Established
principles or standards of moral conduct. |
4. A system of signals. A series of characters, letters
or words used for the sake of brevity or secrecy. |
| |
|
RULE*:
. |
A principle, regulation, or maxim governing individual conduct.
. |
|