The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

Chapter 11—Organization in the Church of Christ

Order is a divine law. Just as there can be no living, active human body unless its members are organically united and functioning together under central control, so there can be no living, growing, prospering church unless all the members perform their God-given duties and functions under the direction of a divinely constituted authority. BSPC 156.11

For the sake of healthy development and for the accomplishment of her glorious task of carrying the gospel of salvation to all the world, Christ gave to His church a simple but effective system of organization. Success in her endeavors to achieve her mission depends on loyal adherence to this divine pattern. BSPC 156.12

It is a good thing at times that we give study to the way God has led His people. There is a great danger of forgetting the many providences of God, and the many evidences of divine leadership in connection with His cause. A number of years ago we were told by the messenger of the Lord: BSPC 156.13

“In reviewing Our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us.”—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 31. BSPC 156.14