You have noticed by now that the Old Covenant had many physical things that pointed ahead to the true spiritual things of Christ and Christianity. The same is true about the church. Old fleshly Israel was a physical nation with an earthly king, capital and temple. The church is a spiritual nation, with a spiritual King, capital and temple (John 18:36; Hebrews 12:18-29; 1 Peter 2:5-11; Ephesians 2:19- 22). Therefore its organization is also spiritual rather than earthly.
The King, Lord, or Head is Jesus Christ (John 18:37; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:5). He has all authority (Matthew 28:18). We must listen to everything He tells us; those who fail to listen to Him will be cut off from God’s people (Acts 3:22-23).
The King’s capital is a heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling place of God (Hebrews 12:22). Christ reigns at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:33-36). Christians do not look to an earthly headquarters, for they are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). Their loyalty and obedience belong to heaven rather than to men (Acts 5:29; Galatians 1:10; 2:6; Colossians 2:8-10).
The King’s word has been passed on by His apostles with the help of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13; 2 Peter 3:2). What they and their fellow-prophets clearly commanded is His word and must be followed (1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Thessalonians 2:15). Evangelists and teachers are to guard this apostolic word (2 Timothy 1:13-14), and to pass it on “with all authority” (Titus 2:15; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). Sometimes Christ’s evangelists form teams in which some lead and others are trained (Acts 16:1-3; 18:5; 20:4; 2 Timothy 2:2).
The King’s special nation is the one church. It is also called the body, temple or priesthood (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:11-22; 4:4; 1 Peter 2:9). Its members are the kingdom on earth (Revelation 1:6; Colossians 1:13). Each member is a brother of Christ (Matthew 12:50; 23:8; Galatians 3:26), and spiritually sits with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6,18). Each has full access to God through Christ, the High Priest (Hebrews 10:19-22; 1 Timothy 2:5). This means that they do not go through other mediators, mediums or priests, of any kind.
The King’s people should gather in each community to encourage each other in obedience to His will (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11:18; Acts 9:26). This group that regularly gathers is called a local “church” or “congregation” of Christ. When it is fully formed, it should have overseers (elders) and special servants (deacons). These are not self-appointed. Rather, congregations of Christians discern and appoint men for these roles who meet the qualifications given by the Holy Spirit. (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1; 1 Peter 5; Acts 6:3; 14:23; 20:28). Though leaders have authority and should be obeyed (Hebrews 13:17), their leading is like Christ’s (Matthew 20:25-28). They mainly use humble service, personal example and sacrifice, prayer and careful teaching. If a member openly rebels against Christ, and refuses all efforts to win him, the other members should expel him (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5).
The local church is like a family in its relationships (1 Timothy 5). It cares for its poor, and does as much good as it can for others (Acts 4:32; 11:29; Galatians 2:10; 6:10). It shares with others its greatest treasure, the Gospel (Acts 8:4; 13:1-3). Each congregation should help to plant new congregations in new places (Mark 16:15; Acts 13,14; 19:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:8). The King’s will is that every person on earth have the opportunity to be saved through the Gospel (Matthew 28:19; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 5:9). Therefore it is vital that each place on earth should have a local gathering of New Testament Christians who serve as lights to those in darkness (Philippians 2:15; Ephesians 5:8).