THE ORIGIN OF DENOMINATIONS
Lesson Three
I. THE FALLING AWAY
A. The fall was predicted: Acts 20:28-30; 2 Thess. 2:1-12.
1. The church was exactly as God wanted it; unity in doctrine,
worship, work and organization.
2. Men have never been pleased with God's arrangements.
3. Old Testament apostasy developed in organization.
a. The Israelites desired a King -- 1 Sam. 8:5-20.
b. Acts 17:30 -- The time of ignorance
c. Matt. 19:8 -- The hardness of their heart.
d. A King they had; although Jehovah did not wish it.
B. SECULAR HISTORY: The "Ante-Nicene period." (The period between
the close of the New Testament and the council of Nicea (325
A.D.).
1. A very difficult time for God's children.
a. The Roman Empire ruled with a vengeance. Their emperors
were cruel and wicked.
b. The home (or family) had little place in Paganism.
c. Women were treated as mere property.
d. Many suffered at the hands of Nero (65-68 A.D.) and
Domitian (89-96 A.D.).
(1) Ignatius of Antioch (about 108 A.D.).
(2) Polycarp. (Burned to death -- 155 A.D.).
(3) Diocletian sought to "exterminate Christianity" (303
A.D.). Copies of the Bible burned, churches torn
down, some burned with their members inside.
e. Many died, yet thousands persevered, refusing to deny
Christ.
2. During this period changes began to take place in the
organization of the church.
a. During the second century a distinction began to be made
between elders. One elder was selected to preside over
the meetings as a permanent president. This presiding
elder became known as the "bishop." (Distinguishing him
from the other elders.) With this distinction came a
gradual increase in authority.
b. As this authority increased, each "bishop" was assigned a
territory or district over which to have the oversight.
This territory was eventually called a "diocese."
c. As various problems arose, the "bishops" of different
"dioceses" would meet to discuss them. These meetings
became permanent and began to be called "Synods" (Greek)
and "Councils" (Latin). These "councils soon began to
decide issues and, the next step, to enact laws. These
laws were called "cannons" ("rules").
d. Over a period of time, the "bishops" from the larger
cities gained preeminence and power. They became known as
"Metropolitans," later called "Patriarches" ("chief
fathers"). At first there were three "Patriarchs": at
Rome, at Alexandria and at Antioch. Later two more were
recognized: at Jerusalem and at Constantinople.
e. Of these developments, Mosheim says: "Hence, it came to
pass that, at the conclusion of this century (4th
Century), there remained no more than a mere shadow of
the ancient government of the church. Many of the
privileges which had formerly belonged to the presbyters
and people were usurped by the bishops, and many of the
rights, which had been formerly vested in the universal
church, were transferred to the emperors, and to
subordinate officers and magistrates." (Mosheim, An
Ecclesiastical History.)
3. Another change that occurred very gradually was a
distinction between the "Clergy" and the "Laity."
a. By the end of the second century, a distinction was made
between the preachers and the other members of the
church.
b. The ministry took on the attributes of the priesthood;
borrowed from Judaism; thus exalting the ministry as a
higher order than the members.
c. From this distinction, the term "father" and "reverend"
(terms belonging only to God) began to be applied to
preachers and religious leaders.
d. Paul refused worship and all pretense of homage (Acts
14:13-15). Peter refused worship (Acts 10:24-26).
4. The Council of Nicea (325 A.D.).
a. Constantine (313 A.D.) issued his "Edict of Toleration."
(1) This brought an end to the religious persecution (of
the government) brought against the church.
(2) As peace came upon the church, new problems arose
from within the church.
(a) Differences over the doctrine of the Trinity. The
relationship between the Father and the Son.
(b) Differences about the nature of Christ.
(c) Questions relating to sin and salvation.
(3) In an attempt to settle the controversy about the
Trinity, the council of Nicea (325 A.D.) was called
with 318 "Bishops" attending. Emperor Constantine
presided.
(4) "The Nicene Creed" was formulated. A human creed was
adopted and Christianity received the approval of the
Roman government.
Conclusion:
1. Remember that we are covering a period of 300 years. Changes
took place very gradually.
2. The simplicity of the gospel and the early churches was
gradually being changed and rather than each congregation
solving its own problems, central authority began to rule over
the churches.
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