Vol.V No.V Pg.4
July 1968

Headquarters In Heaven

Robert F. Turner

Streaking toward the west coast in a sleek jet is also a good place to discuss the cause of Christ. Small talk with a fellow-traveler moved from occupation to church to "Where is this church's headquarters?"

"Lady," I said, "You aren't going to believe this, but I want to tell you the honest truth. Headquarters for the church of which I am a member is in heaven.

There was a moment of silence, and then she replied politely, "You are correct, I don't believe it; but I will listen to your explanation." What more could anyone ask?

GOD,   GOD, GOD, GOD

Apostles

JUDGES, KINGS, CHRIST, NOT Bishops

or Church

People. People. People. People

Take your time, to study this. God (Deity) first ruled His chosen people through Judges, then through Kings, and finally-- Christ sits on David's Throne. (Acts 2:30-f) Christ is today both King and Priest -- He can not be one without the other. (Heb. 7:) The sovereignty of Divinity is exercised through the Son of God, and through none other. (See 1 Cor. 15:24-28)

The Apostles were (and are) ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20) delivering His message. "There is one lawgiver--." (Jas. 4:12) Legislative, executive, and judicial authority resides wholly and only in Christ. Our "headquarters" is in Heaven!! Since the Apostles and N.T. prophets were inspired, spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit -- we do not go to them for guidance; except as to earthen vessels, whose contents we seek. (2 Cor. 4:7) And now, in the absence of inspiration, how absurd to consider any board, council, or ecclesiastical body as our headquarters.

We do not go to "the church" for forgiveness, mercy, or any of the spiritual blessings. All are in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3) Our headquarters is in Heaven! We may "come boldly to the throne of grace" in Heaven; (Heb. 4:16) for here is our altar. (Heb. 9:18-24-f)

The "church" is not the mediator between God and man; Christ is our "middle-man"-- we come to God through Christ, not through the church. Each one of us much approach God as an individual, through Christ. It is only when I have found God in Christ, when I have become obedient to His commandments, subject to His authority, that I am one of His saints a member of His "called out" ones the church.

Stressing individual obligations to Christ does not minimize the importance of Christ's church -- it doesn't erase the local church as God's people operating collectively. It just puts the church in its proper place. God's people (the church) must depend upon Christ, His word; not on people!

God,

Christ,

God's People, The Church!

Yes maam, my headquarters is in Heaven!