IS THE PUBLIC MINISTRY NECESSARY?

By Gary Ray Branscome

Although the public ministry has been instituted by God, and plays an important role in the salvation of souls, it should never be regarded as being necessary for salvation, as if the salvation of souls depends upon the work of the church rather than faith in Christ alone.

The words, “Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation… He will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD,” tell us that the faith of Abraham was passed on to his descendants, from father to son, long before the public ministry was instituted (Genesis 18:18-19). And, throughout history there have been times when persecution was so severe that the faith could only be preserved by passing it from parents to children within the family.

The words, “I am the vine, you are the branches: He who remains in me, and I in him, produces much fruit: for you can do nothing without me,” tell us that because believers have been joined to Christ, He works in and through believers to produce fruit (John 15:5). And, the words, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; as you teach and counsel one another singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord, with grace in your hearts,” list some of the things that Christ does through us (Colossians 3:16).

Nevertheless, even though the public ministry is not absolutely necessary to salvation, it should never be despised because God has set it in place and works through it to plant and nurture the seeds of faith. As it is written, “Since… the world through its wisdom did not know God, it pleased God to save those who believe through… preaching” (1Corinthians 1:21). And, again, “The gospel of Christ… is the power of God to salvation to every one who believes,” // “I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase” (Romans 1:16, 1Corinthians 3:6).

Therefore, “Remember your leaders, who have taught you the word of God: and emulate their faith, considering the outcome of their life,” // “Listen to those who lead the congregation, and follow their guidance: for they watch for your souls, as men who must give account, so that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for that is not to your advantage” (Hebrews 13:7-17). And, do not forsake “the assembling of” yourselves “together, as the habit of some is; but” encourage “one another: and all the more, as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).