Introduction

One of the more interesting pieces of history found here in Arizona is that of the city of Tombstone. Known as “The Town Too Tough to Die”, Tombstone was established in 1877. It obtained its nickname primarily from outliving two fires plus most other towns based on mining finds have become veritable ghost towns. Tombstone, however, continues to survive and thrive as one of Arizona’s most historic towns.

The church, mentioned in the New Testament, could hold the same nickname as “Too Tough to Die”. Established in 33 A.D. the New Testament church is still alive and active today! 

Was the Church destroyed?

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, however, will tell you a different story. They claim after all of the apostles died out, the church, as it was known, was went into an apostasy. 

Why would they say this? Perhaps they took the passage, found in Eph. 2:19-21 a little too literal. Let’s read: Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. Maybe they believe that without the apostles, the foundation is gone. Not so. It’s not the men, but their teachings they obtained from Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.

This is why members of the LDS church has apostles and prophets of their own; claiming to be the original church restored. The idea of these modern apostles can be easily refuted. The apostle Paul (a real one) wrote, Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead) (Galatians 1:1).

None of the apostles were made by men by through Jesus Christ. Paul was the last apostle made by Jesus therefore any that come after him are false apostles.

Deceitful Workers

Speaking of false apostles, Paul talks about this in his second letter to the church in Corinth, But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12-15)

If that’s not enough, they have their own religious book, The Book of Mormon, which states on its cover that it’s Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Paul refutes this as well, But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

The Church Still Exists

Contrary to what the member of the LDS church will have you to believe, the church, as established in the scriptures, is still in existence even today! It’s only law, doctrine, creed, etc. are found within the pages of the bible itself.

The church of Christ (Rom. 16:16) worships God, today, just as they did in the first century and does not add or take away anything in scripture (Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19). As you can see, it’s so important that it’s mentioned three times in scripture.

Conclusion

If the New Testament church were to fall into apostasy as some claim, it’s very simple to return to its former glory. The instructions are found in the scriptures themselves. Paul wrote about this to Timothy, Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13). Everything we need to know is found in the Bible (Jas. 1:25; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).