A step by step look at the new covenant laws of Christ
|
The new covenant, as described in the bible, is the standard of authority for everything a Christian can do.
The bible gives us information about what Jesus requires us to do and is not subject to interpretation.
Therefore, we offer the scriptures in this checklist without interpretation simply presenting the scriptures as they are written.
Detail information for each item on the checklist can be found on other pages of this web site.
In the interest of making this a simple page, each checklist point presents the supporting scripture
with a "Reference" link for more detail on those other pages.
We leave it to the reader to click on the "Reference" links as well as links to the full bible text to further research the laws of Christ.
It is our goal to do only that which the bible allows us to do.
Deuteronomy 4:2
Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments
of the Lord your God which I command you.
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
God requires that we do not change his law in any way, neither adding to it or ignoring any of it.
This verse from the old testament shows the nature of God.
He requires us to be obedient to him since the day he created mankind.
See NKJV text
Numbers 22:18
Numbers 22:18
Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak,“Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold,
I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
Balak son of Zippor who was king of Moab asked Balaam to have God put a curse on the
Israelites so he could defeat them (Numbers 22: 1- 18). Even though the king asked
him to do this, Balaam understood that when God said no, he requires that we do not
change his law in any way, neither adding to it or ignoring any of it.
This verse from the old testament shows the nature of God.
He requires us to be obedient to him since the day he created mankind.
See NKJV text
Numbers 24:13
Numbers 24:13
If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord,
to do good or bad of my own will. What the Lord says, that I must speak?
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
Balak son of Zippor who was king of Moab asked Balaam a second time to have God
put a curse on the Israelites so he could defeat them (Numbers 24: 10-13).
Even though the king asked him to do this, Balaam understood that when God said no,
he requires that we do not change his law in any way, neither adding to it or ignoring
any of it. This verse from the old testament shows the nature of God.
He requires us to be obedient to him since the day he created mankind.
See NKJV text
Proverbs 30:6
Proverbs 30:6
Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
God requires that we do not change his law in any way, neither adding to it or ignoring any of it.
He required this in the old testament as well as references made in the new testament concerning his new law.
This verse in Proverbs tells us if we do we will be found a liar.
See NKJV text
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars
shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
According to Proverbs 30:6, if we add to his words we will be found a liar. This verse in Revelation states that all liars
shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
See NKJV text
|
The law of the Lord:
|
A new covenant to replace the old covenant
|
Jesus issued a warning about obedience to the New Covenant
|
"Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say ...
Luke 6:46-49
Luke 6:46
"But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?"
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
Jesus said this as a warning to be obedient to his teaching
See NKJV text
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven ...
Matthew 7:21-23
Matthew 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven,
but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
Jesus said this as a warning to be obedient to his teaching
See NKJV text
Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction ....
Matthew 7:13-14
Matthew 7:13-14
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
Jesus said this as a warning to be obedient to his teaching
See NKJV text
|
Jesus said to his apostles (only) about truth
|
"When I leave you, I will send a Helper, the Spirit of truth, who will guide you into all truth."
John 14:16
John 14:16
And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper,
that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth
See NKJV text
John 16:7-8
John 16:7-8
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away;
for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
See NKJV text
John 16:13
John 16:13
When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth
See NKJV text
All Truth, inspired by the Spirit of truth, was recorded in the bible for our instruction
2 Timothy 3:16-17
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
See NKJV text
|
Jesus said "I will build MY CHURCH"
|
The church is both spiritual and earthly / local
Reference
|
Organization of the local church
Christ is the one and only head of the churcn
Elders / Pastors
Deacons
Evangelists / Preachers
Teachers
Members
Reference
An Evangelist / Preacher is not a pastor
Reference
|
There is no organization higher than Jesus Christ
Reference
|
NAME of the Church
|
The bible does not specify a particular name for the church on earth,
it is identified by several
NAMES
.
Of these names, faithful christians have chosen the name "church of Christ"
to identify the Church that Jesus built.
|
The work of the church is
Preaching the Gospel, Benevolence and Edifying the members
Reference
|
How Does One Obtain Salvation?
|
HEAR the Gospel
BELIEVE in Christ
REPENT of sins
CONFESS Jesus is the son of God
BAPTIZED for the remission of sins
Live faithfully the rest of your life
Reference
|
Once saved a person becomes a member of the spiritual (universal) Church that Jesus built
and will identify with an earthly local church.
|
Once a person becomes a member of the local earthly church, that person will participate in the following:
|
COMMUNION a remembrance of the new covenant
|
Jesus "instituted" the communion as the new covenant in His blood
Matthew 26:26-28
Matthew 26:26-28
26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
See NKJV text
luke 22:17-20
luke 22:17-20
17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves;
18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
See NKJV text
The only specific time was on the first day of the week
Acts 20:7
Acts 20:7
Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread ....
--------------- ANALYSIS ---------------
The first day of the week is the only day the early Christians, guided by the Helper, observed the communion. It is observed every first day of the week.
See NKJV text
Reference
|
Singing
|
Without the use of a mechanical instrument
Reference
|
Contribution
|
Members of the local church support the local congregation (only)
Reference
|
|
|