WHAT THESE OFFICERS WERE FOR.
In another place he tells the reason for having these officers in the church.
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. . . . That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine." (Ephesians 4: 12, 14).
These officers were to continue in the church, "till we all come to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God." (Eph. 4: 13).
NEED OF APOSTLES AND PROPHETS.
People differ in their opinions regarding the Gospel. There is, therefore, a need of apostles and prophets to declare the word of God to them. His revealed word will settle all differences and bring those who believe on it to a unity of the faith.
WHAT ST. PAUL'S WORDS PROVE.
The scriptures just quoted prove that apostles and prophets must always be in the church of Christ. Any church not founded upon apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief corner stone, is not the true church of Christ. Any religious organization that rejects these and the other officers mentioned as belonging to Christ's church, or does away with the miracles, gifts of healing, helps, governments, and diversities of tongues, is not the true church.
POWER TO DO MIRACLES.
When Jesus called unto Him twelve apostles He "gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease." (Matthew 10: 1). When He sent them out to preach the Gospel, He told them to say, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." He also told them to "Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils." (Matthew 10: 7, 8).