Someone inquires, “Is organized religion true?” Over the years, it has been popular to disavow organized religion in any form, instead preferring often to resort to some supposed spiritual [subjective inner emotions] feelings without stipulated outward manifestations. The appeal of such is obvious – a lack of requirements and specified actions.
It is true, though, that much of what represents itself as religion today – portraying Christianity or some other world religion – is foreign to the God-given religion of the New Testament. For instance, denominationalism typically structures itself in accordance with manmade hierarchies that are not found in the Bible. Often, some human heads and rules a church from some earthly headquarters through descending branches of organization.
The church of the New Testament qualifies as organized religion, and it is true. However, it differs greatly from the churches that have originated from the efforts of mere mortals. Jesus Christ alone rules His church (Matthew 16:18) from heaven (Acts 7:55). Each congregation is autonomous or self-ruling instead of being chained to an ecclesiastical hierarchy. Furthermore, each fully organized congregation is led by elders (Acts 14:23) who are selected according to biblical qualifications (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9); elders are also called bishops.
Every congregation is bound to one another as well as directed by Jesus Christ through the Word of God – the Bible. Particularly the New Testament is the sole creed for the Lord’s church (Galatians 1:6-9; Jude 3). In it, one discovers how God wants to be worshipped, the divine plan of salvation, Christian living, Christian service and Christian doctrine.
Fully organized churches also have biblically qualified deacons to serve the congregation (1 Timothy 3:8-13). In addition, a congregation is served by preachers (Romans 10:14) and teachers (Hebrews 5:12). All of the members, including preachers, teachers and individual elders submit to the elders (eldership), for they watch for the souls of the spiritual flock and must give an answer to God for them (Hebrews 13:17).
Is organized religion true? That depends upon whether the organization is manmade or whether it is the organization of the one true church of the Bible over which Jesus alone is the Head. Only Jesus Christ has authority “in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
