CHURCH DOMINION by W. N. G.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 5, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 18.

CHURCH DOMINION.

By W. N. G.

“Christ is the head of the church,” and “the church is subject unto Christ.” Eph. 5 : 23, 24. Not only is Christ the head of the church, as “the body of Christ,” but He is the “head of every man.” 1 Cor. 11 : 3. It is claimed by the Church of Rome that Peter was the delegated head of the church after the ascension of Christ, and that the pope as successor of Peter is the vicegerent of Christ, and therefore the visible head, having spiritual dominion of the body. Hence, as head of the church, he assumes to be director of the faith. The only man mentioned in the Scriptures as having a general oversight is not Peter, but Paul. In referring to the persecutions and trials through which he had passed, he says, “Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.” 2 Cor. 11 : 28. But this “care” is not one of dominion or authority, it is an obligation. “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.” Rom. 1 : 14. “For tho I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, wo is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!” 1 Cor. 9 : 16. Altho God had anointed him, yet he says to the church at Corinth, “Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand.” 2 Cor. 1 : 24.

At the very time Paul was having this “care of all the churches,” tho disclaiming any dominion over their faith, he gives this record of his manner of labor at Ephesus: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20 : 18–21.

Nor did he claim a very large income for his services, or allowance for the helpers which his great charge necessitated. Altho he was entitled to temporal support from those to whom he ministered in spiritual things, yet he gives this testimony as to his self-denial in respect to his maintenance: “I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Verses 33–35.

This is the only true principle upon which any one can have a proper oversight of churches. Jesus said to His disciples: “Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant; even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt. 20 : 25–28.

W. N. G.