6:1
Some assert that “only commands are binding” excluding examples and inferences. Commands are certainly binding, yet there is a perception that overlooks the necessity of examples in defining God’s commands. Examples are the same as patterns being translated from the same biblical Greek words. The abandonment of following the pattern of sound words leaves one’s faith in the constant action of being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14).
Observing Biblical Patterns
Must Christians follow examples? Christians must follow the examples that define the commands. In Philippians 4:9, Paul revealed, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these things do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” This is a command to follow patterns. Christ, the apostles, and prophets give numerous instructions to follow the pattern of sound words (Rom 6:17; Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:7; 2 Thess 3:9; 2 Tim 1:13; 1 Pet 5:3). The examples of the Old Testament also establish examples (1 Cor 10:6, 11). In 1 Corinthians 11:1–2, Paul instructed, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.” How does one imitate? Well, imitating is to follow an example. Christians are to be imitators (1 Cor 4:16–17; Eph 5:1; Phil 3:17; 1 Thess 1:7; 2 Thess 3:7, 9; Heb 6:12; 3 John 11). The Greek for imitate is mimeiteis, and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, to imitate is “to follow as a pattern, model, or example.” Apparently, the Scriptures teach one to follow patterns, models, and examples. Being that Christians are to imitate the Apostles and Christ, then the examples and the inferences thereof are included.
When Examples Are Binding
How do believers follow biblical examples? When would an example be bound to a command?
Baptism
Water is not explicitly commanded for baptism, but baptism is a command (Matt 28:19–20; Acts 2:38; 10:48). The command to be baptized is defined by the examples and the pattern of immersion in water and in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:47; cf. John 3:5). Examples and patterns that define commands are as authoritative as the command. Adding or annulling God’s testament is forbidden (Gal 3:15).
The Lord’s Supper
Bread and grape juice are not explicitly commanded for the Lord’s Supper, but the Lord’s Supper is commanded (1 Cor 11:17–34). Paul referred to the example of Jesus establishing the Lord’s Supper as an authoritative example. Jesus blessed bread, broke it, and they ate, and then He blessed the cup and they drank. Jesus’s example defined what the Lord’s Supper is. Biblical Christians assembled on the first day of the week to partake of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7; cf. 1 Cor 11:17–34). The examples of the Lord’s Supper define the command (Mark 14:1, 25). Christians must not exceed the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).
Organization of the Church
A plurality of elders to oversee the church is not explicitly commanded for church oversight. However, Paul and Peter commanded elders to oversee and pastor the flock (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:1–3). Paul gave qualifications for elders and deacons to Timothy for the conduct of church (1 Tim 3:1–7). Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders (Tit 1:5). An example of a plurality of elders defines the overseeing of each congregation (Acts 14:23). These examples define what the scripture mean by being led by elders (Acts 11:30; 14:23). Recognizing the infallibility of Christ and His given to His Apostles and prophets, let us not add to what Christ made perfect (Rev 22:18–19).
The Assembly
First understand that the gathering of “the assembly” is not explicitly commanded, but the writer of Hebrews forbid forsaking the assembly (Heb 10:24–25). Christians are to assemble. Paul set a model and wrote specific instructions for the assembly in 1 Corinthians 11 and 14. Paul’s principles and examples define the assembly. The assembly consists of the Lord’s Supper, teaching, singing, praying, and giving to the collection of the saints (1 Cor 11; 14; 16). Paul’s commands came from God (1 Cor 14:37).
Jesus rose one the first day of the week (Mark 16:1; John 20:11). The first day of the week is not commanded for the assembly, but the assembly is to be at a specific time and John called the day of the assembly as “the Lord’s Day” (1 Cor 11:18, 20, 33; Heb 10:25; Rev 1:10, 13, 20). The example of Christians meeting on the first day of the week to break bread defines the assembly (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 16:1–3, Rev 1:10). No one should add to what the Spirit has revealed since He revealed all truth (John 16:13; cf. 2 Tim 3:16–17).
Examples that Are Not Binding
Are there examples that are not binding? Yes. Give some attention to these expedient examples. Paul’s teaching in the school of Tyrannus does not define all teaching to be done in a school of a man named Tyrannus (Acts 19:9). How do we know this? Because there are no specific commands regarding places to teach the Gospel. Are Christians only to teach on riversides, in synagogues, in Jerusalem’s Temple, or Athen’s areopagus (Acts 5:25; 16:13; 17:2)? Certainly not, these are not examples defining any commands, although these examples present wonderful principles and the great liberties that Christians have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bible examples are binding when defining commands. It is that simple. These set the pattern for the Church’s observation of all of Christ’s commands.
The Breath of God 
Scott, your link to Wineskins is broken. The site has been reorganized. The right link will eventually be – http://archives.wineskins.org/2013/12/03/issue-81-patternism/ but will be a week or two before that link has all the right content in it as I am having to rework everything. I just thought you would like to know. Actually, I will try to get that post working right today so that it will work for you. Thanks for your patience.
Scott,
I’m assuming that the above link to creedrehearsal.com is actually supposed to lead to the website. When I clicked on it I was sent to a strange photo of a stuffed animal. ??
Anyway, regarding patterns – if there is a pattern, shouldn’t everyone be able to agree on what it is? True patterns are usually very recognizable. The ancient Israelites had patterns in the OT that they recognized, followed and were in agreement on. Surely if God had given us a pattern in the NT he would have been equally clear in revealing it.
If you have the time, I would like to refer you back to this article about the matter at http://www.creedrehearsal.com/liberty-or-bondage. That’s easier than typing out my whole line of reasoning here. Guess I’m lazy. :)
I just clicked on the creedrehearsal link and it went to the intended site, but I wouldn’t be opposed to a stuffed animal. I guess that’s what happen when you link to a shady person.
Many of us see the pattern of water for baptism in Jesus’ name clearly, but if someone doesn’t, then is it Jesus’ fault for not being clear? Is it the fault of those who see this pattern? Our perspective has to be the perspective of Christ.
Again commands are the foundation, and from here, we have to apply those essential examples (patterns) that clearly define what something is. We do this with elders, with the Assembly, and with baptism. Jesus did this marriage (Matt. 19). May God help us if we bind an example of a simple occurrence of our liberty in Christ.
Regarding that article, Jesus tells us to teach others to observe all that He commanded. I believe Him. We can obey all these and observe them though Christians like myself have a hard time do it alone.
The writer here is an opponent of law containing commands rather than the law of Moses. Most of his list of laws are misleading and slanderous. This person uses no good sense here. If there was a word of truth in what he says, I be convinced and converted. There are some things on this list that have Scriptural commands against them. If anything should be gained from this list is that the one supported in Scripture need to be referred as such like greed should be condemn in connection with gambling. I could just as easy make such a list for the laws and liberties of progressives. It is showing of corruption when teachers who claims to be “progressive” groups ultra-conservative “non-institutional” leaders with the mainstream, and yet the “non-institutional” leaders libel the mainstream with the self-named progressives as “liberals”. If the mainstream needs to be addressed then do so, but let’s not polarize our own brethren. These defamation tactics are all throughout corrupt government politics.
To me, this article is just irrational gibberish. The very covenant of Christ is based on laws (Heb. 8). The beauty of the Law of Christ is that our virtues of His words written on our hearts directs us. In all of this, we are not lost as we walk in the light though we may stumble in obedience whereas the Mosiacal law and the natural law cursed all men. Instead of food laws, we have liberty in the virtuous principles of Christ’s Spirit who guides us in the light through His written Word.
If someone wants reform in the churches of Christ, then that person needs to follow the Way, lead the way, and teach the Way. Just simply quote the same Scriptures over and over and over again. People need to see what Christianity really looks like.
God bless.
See some assertions in opposition to this post here: http://creedrehearsal.com/pattern-theology
This post suffices to refute the incomplete thinking there. Notice the references to a “grand pattern”. Whatever “grand pattern” there may be, much is addressed above. Defining examples is not hard to grasp especially since every rational person on earth uses it in their daily lives from work to travel to whatever. This is post-modern thinking. For some reason, many supposed experts in biblical theology are saying that Christ’s words given to the Apostles and prophets cannot be understood. In other words, Jesus’ words cannot suffice and that Christ and His Spirit did have the ability to communicate their message. Therefore, according to them, Christ’s understanding of His own words are relative to readers and we cannot understand Christ by using His own words, which is are spirit and life. If this could be true, there would be no hope for any of us who cannot may well not understand His sacrifice.
The rift seems to be much deeper than issues such as instruments. How you approach the Bible differs.
Sure, Christ’s approach will always differ from all others.
Those who make the issue instrumental music are those who have introduced it. Just like those who introduce belief only salvation, praying to dead Christians, and having Archbishops.
Are you saying you are Christ? If not, then how can you impose upon scripture a hermeneutic that is contrary to the nature of the new covenant? Surely you know the inspired texts of the old testament that prophesy about the new covenant. Is the new covenant supposed to be about “law” or a genuine close relationship with God through Jesus? Jesus rejected those who sought to be justified by law-keeping.
It seems obvious to even a casual observer, that those who oppose IM make it to be the issue for the simple reason that those opposed to IM turn it into a “salvation issue”. Genuine salvation issues are clearly spelled out in scripture, and this “salvation issue” cannot be found in scripture without using subjective hermeneutical techniques, such as CENI.
https://godsbreath.wordpress.com/2010/02/03/law-of-christ/
“They have libeled imitating Christ and observing all that He as commanded as “patternism”, “legalism”, and not surprisingly “legalistic patternism”, but then confess that Jesus is that pattern and yet but…”
How have they libeled what Jesus taught? I’d like specifics regarding Jesus’ specific commands when I hear an accusation such as this. Did Jesus specifically address and command a pattern to follow? Yes He did, but it wasn’t as you infer. He didn’t preach on instruments, but worship from the heart. (John 4) He, in this chapter, taught the woman at the well that the worship system of ritual, pattern, and necessary inferences which the pharisees added, would be replaced by pure and direct worship.
“The abandonment of observing principles and examples leaves one’s faith in the constant action of being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14).”
I don’t see your conclusion as the ones you criticize follow the plain and simple Biblical principles and Biblical examples that reading the Bible without an agenda provides. “What is plain , matters and what matters is plain.” Do we need to rely on man’s wisdom and understandings to discern the word of God? The Bible is plain that we are NOT to lean unto our own understanding and that man’s wisdom, logic, and reason is contrary to God’s wisdom. So, why invent rules and patterns that are not plain in the scripture?
Calling the act of “imitating Christ” an “ism” especially “legalism” is to libel that action.
Exactly as you say, why invent rules or liberties for that matter? Both are sins. Please, be careful and don’t mischaracterize these Scriptural points to justify what your position. Let’s be honest here. I will. These things are plain in Scripture. We must follow “the pattern of sounds words…in faith and love which are in Christ”. Only the dull of hearing and blind in heart refuse to hear and to see, and so the ignorant are deceived. These are not the rules of men as shown above.
We can understand the Gospel (Eph. 3:3-5), and we can speak the same thing and we can be perfected joined together in the same mind and the same judgment (1 Cor. 1:10).
“All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.”
Jesus: “He didn’t preach on instruments, but worship from the heart. (John 4) He, in this chapter, taught the woman at the well that the worship system of ritual, pattern, and necessary inferences which the pharisees added, would be replaced by pure and direct worship.”
We probably missed chapter one trying too hard to be a New Testament Church. But, you remember that the church is built on the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles. In 2 Peter 1 Peter was leaving a “memory” and warned against “further expounding” the prophecies made more certain. Those prophecies inspired by the Spirit OF Christ detail the future church or REST in some detail.”
I believe that if you read carefully Jesus said that worship was IN spirit as opposed to IN the places of the old temples. In Philippians 3 Paul pinned it down by saying that we worship IN the spirit (mind) rather than IN the flesh. This was to guard against the “dogs” and you need to look carefully at the meaning of CYNICS. You can worship ONLY with your mind or spirit: even the Lord’s Supper is a showing forth act using an “evangelism” word. That is the CORE and if anything detracts from the BIBLE CLASS atmosphere it is outlawed by common decency.
The almost unique “worship” word of Peter and Paul and that practiced for almost 4 centuries spoke of giving heed to the Word. Churches of Christ have been a WORD centered church before it became an entertainment centered church.
Speaking through the prophets Christ radically condemned all of the worship of Israel and Judah and blamed the “instrument” for the people starving to death for lack of the “water” of the Word. There are many prophecies that, for instance, Judas as the “friend” in Psalm 41 would attack Jesus to “triumph over” or “alarm” That is specificially what is OUTLAWED for the Holy Convocation in the Qahal, synagogue or Church in the wilderness. That meant loud instrumental rejoicing. Simple: if you follow the Campbells who agreed with all of the Bible that church is “A School of Christ” you don’t need any legalisms to keep you silent while Jesus ONLY teaches when the preacher or teacher teaches “that which is written” or “that which has been taught.”
The CENI is included in the Great Commission: go make DISCIPLES (students) teaching what CHRIST taught them to teach. That, according to Peter includes the PROPHECIES where, for instance, Isaiah 58, defines a TRUE rest which Christ would bring us. The laded burden specificially outlaws any kind of arousal music which makes the preacher’s sermon null and void. the word REST or the Greek PAUO is a loaded word meaning STOP the performances.
Jesus “cast out” the musical ministrels using a word meaning “like dung.” He consigned the pipers, singers (lamenters) and dancers to the marketplace where they sold radishes, music and “virgins” often boys.
We really lost it when we forgot how to define words and seeing what they meant within the context of the time. Instrumental music in a religious sense is 100% the mark of the “crooked race” of skolion musicians in the symposium. A male singing and playing in any historic culture is not pretty: that is why up to 1/2 of the “owners” flee when the singy-clappy guys do body worship.
Scott,
You mention that some examples are binding and some are not. How do you tell the difference? Is there a logical and objective means by which we can separate the examples which are optional and the ones which are not?
How to tell the difference between optional from those not: As seen above, I am convinced that the example of water for baptism is essential. Why? Because it defines the command of baptism. That’s all. Examples are binding when defining a command.
This is true in working world. If a boss instructs an employee to weld something specific and shows them a specific example, then that example is bound to the instruction unless otherwise told.
How to tell the difference? Know God’s commands, and when an example defines the command, observe it. Otherwise, examples by themselves simply show us the freedom that we have in Christ. Examples may show us a way to obey a command.
God bless.
Amen. You are absolutely right. Thank you for the needed comment and God bless.
I am a retired engineer and tend not to follow any paths but have returned to the Bible. I have collected just about everything about instruments beginning with clay tablets and they always have a bad persona. People don’t grasp that the pattern is defined in the Great Commission so that disciple go to “a School of Christ” in the words of the Campbells and we have the obligation to teach that which has been taught. The pattern of the synagogue was always to read the text without any additions. Then, you may need to explain some unclear terms as Paul commanded Timothy and the church continued for centuries.
The problem with all of the winskinners is that they make no attempt to at context or story line and if they can find Hezekiah burning goats with the Levitical musicians making a loud noise they think that means that a SPIRIT told them to do it, namely Rick Atchley.
No one tried to “authorize” instruments until the Disciples failed otherwise to force what became The Church of Christ to join their denomination. That, according to Lipscomb, was in 1878.
The word PSALLO, however, is never musical unless you “pluck” an instrument string. That still does not music make. In the Old Testament you needed three terms to sing and play an instrument. The voice first is commanded to SPEAK that which is written and the Greek literature has many examples of the “heart strings” singing in people. In the HEART they think means UPON a HARP.
Ken Sublett