In Gal. 5:19, 20 is a number of deeds and dispositions classified and called the works of the flesh, and we are told that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” In this catalogue of evil works you will find the word “heresies.” Upon examining other translations you will find it rendered sects. See Emphatic Diaglott.
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our [pg 138] Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions [schisms—margin] among you.” 1 Cor. 1:10. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 2 Pet. 2:1. In the German version the words “damnable heresies” is rendered “destructive sects.” Paul sternly reproves the Corinthians and declares them carnal because of a division that had been manifested among them. 1 Cor. 3:1-4; also 1 Cor. 1:10-13.
Organization Of The Church Of God.
We will have to go to the dictionary to find a definition of the word “organize,” since the word is not found in the Bible. “To arrange in parts; to form in due order; to furnish with organs,” is the common definition. While the term “organize” is not contained in the Scriptures, yet the work of organizing God's church was performed, and his precious truth tells us how, and by whom it was done. “For to one [individual] is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits, to another divers kinds [pg 139] of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1 Cor. 12:8-11. Nothing need be plainer. It is the mission of the Holy Spirit to impart unto or bestow upon each member of God's church such qualifications as will make him a useful and effectual organ in this holy structure.
What is necessary for the building and furnishing of the church of God is not necessary in the formation and organization of a man-made ecclesiasticism. For man to build what he is pleased to call a church he does not have to furnish it with “a gift of faith,” nor “a gift of healing,” nor of “working of miracles,” nor of “prophecy,” nor of “discerning of spirits,” nor of “diversities of tongues,” nor of “interpretation of tongues.” Neither does he require the “wisdom of God,” nor the “knowledge of God.” It is true he will require much knowledge and wisdom of the world, but of all the things necessary in furnishing the church of God, not one of them is necessary in the building of a sect.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Eph. 4:10-12. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of [pg 140] God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:28. “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular, and God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12:27, 28. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” 1 Cor. 12:18.
With this as with all other subjects of this work we must be brief.
Who Receives Applicants Into This Church?
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor. 6:17, 18. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him.” 1 Cor. 12:18. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Cor. 12:13.
By these texts we can plainly see that it is God by the Spirit that receives members into his church, therefore no sinner can enter there.