In showing that the old Levitical priesthood was a type or shadow of heavenly things, Paul wrote, “Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admon- ished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.” (Heb. 8:5.) Those Old Testament types prefigured that which was better. It was important that Moses make all things according to the model or pattern shown to him in Mount Sinai. If it was important to follow the pattern or model carefully under that inferior system, what about the pat- tern shown to us in the New Testament? We, too, should follow the blueprint of the New Covenant.
Some have argued that there is no pattern, blueprint, or model today. However, if that be the case, we might as well throw out the Bible, and every man can do what is right in his own eyes as during the time of the judges (Judges 21:25). That is just exactly what is taking place in the denominational world. Some of our brethren are well on the way to being just like the nations round about them. Certain brethren will fellowship denominations, use instrumental music in worship, serve the Lord’s supper on Saturday night, allow women to take a leading role in worship, put on plays as a part of worship, celebrate Christmas and Easter, etc. However, for none of these things is there any authority. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Col. 3:17.)
See that thou make all things according to the pattern con- cerning the plan of salvation. According to the New Testament, one must believe the gospel (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9-10). It is necessary that one repents of his sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30). A part of the pattern in the plan of salvation is confessing Christ (Matt. 10:32; Act 8:37). The act that puts one into Christ is baptism (Gal. 3:27).
Just as Moses was admonished to make all things showed to him in the mount, so Christ commands us to follow the pattern of the New Testament in the realm of worship. Worship is an act of devotion paid to God. Worship, which is pleasing to God, re- quires that we worship the right object: God, with the right attitude in spirit, and in the right way, according to the truth (John 4:24). That which Christ has not authorized, we cannot do. Following the New Testament pattern in the area of worship demands that we assemble with the saints on the Lord’s day. The early church set the pattern for us. Luke records, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42.) The early church was admonished to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Thus, there was singing, preaching or teaching, fellowship (which may have been giving), the Lord’s supper, and prayers in the early church. We know that giving was a part of that Lord’s day assembly because Paul commanded the churches of Galatia and Corinth to give as they had prospered every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
It has been argued by some that since the collection that Paul was writing of in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and elsewhere was for a special need, there is no requirement in our day of the Lord’s day collection unless some special need arises. It is true that Paul was gathering money for a special need. It not only was it to help the poor, but to improve Jew/Gentile relations in the church. However, the passage teaches how the Lord’s money was to be collected for a certain authorized need. If there is an authorized work or need for the church in which money is required, then we are authorized to use the same method of raising money for that need, which is free will offerings on the first day of the week. Is there not always work in which the church must be engaged? Mission work, supporting preachers, helping the poor, keeping the building and grounds up, etc., are all things that require money. I think the real reason some argue that the Lord’s day collection is not required is that some are too stingy and do not want to give. They rob God when they fail to give (Mal. 3:8-10). Giving is a part of the pattern. If one throws out giving, he might as well throw out the pattern. Some have thrown out the pattern.
A study of the New Testament pattern will also show the right organization of the church. Christ is the head of the church (Col. 1:18). Each congregation is autonomous, meaning self-governing. Each congregation is fully organized when it has overseers or elders who meet the qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. They look after the souls of the members under their charge (Heb. 13:17). Men who meet the qualifications found in 1 Timothy 3:8-13 are deacons, serving in various capacities in the church. A congregation may, through its eldership, decide to hire a preacher. All members, including elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, are under the oversight of the eldership. However, el- ders are only authorized to make decisions in the realm of judg- ment. Christ is overall.
The work of the church can also be seen from the New Testament pattern. Paul wrote, “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” (Gal. 2:9-10.) We can derive from this passage that the work of the church involves preaching the gospel and helping the poor. Preaching the gospel at both home and abroad is the work of the church. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. That is the work his body must continue to do. And as we do that, we also are to care for the fatherless and widows (James 1:27; Gal. 6:10). The work of the church is not entertainment of its members or its members’ children. That is the work of the home. The work of the church includes but is not limited to developing its members spiritually, training the young and old to be of service in the kingdom.
Let us strive to do all things according to the pattern of the New Testament.