The New Testament Church is correctly called, the Church of Christ, how do we know that, where can we find that out? The first answer is found in, Colossians 1:18 (KJV).
Note at the end of the verse, the word, preeminence:
“that in all things he might have the preeminence”.
Strongs Numbers, and Thayer’s Greek Lexicon are well known for accurate definitions on New Testament words.
- Strongs Numbers, on preeminence to be first (in rank or influence)
- Thayer’s Greek Lexicon on Preeminence to be first, hold the first place
Note the (NASB) translation, on last part of verse, Colossians 1:18
“so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything”
First in rank or influence in all things implies the church should bare his name.
Another important reference is found in, Romans 16:16
- 16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you, KJV 16:16
- 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you, NASB 16:16
Paul in Romans 16:16 calls the church, churches of Christ. So if Christ is to be first (in rank or influence), and Paul calls the churches of Christ, it would seem the church should be called Church of Christ to be scriptural.
You want the church you belong to to strictly adhere to the teachings of the New Testament, with the name and only one referenced there.
Why didn’t the name Church of Christ stay true, we’ve discussed this back in part 2, it apostatized toward the end of the second century and developed into the Roman Catholic church.
Back in those days, second,third and forth centuries the New Testament was written on animal skins and parchment, the availability of it wasn’t as it is today, printed on fine paper, in various translations. An excuse can’t be given for the following away from New Testament teachings, but the task of keeping these manuscripts together followed by the church not controlled like it should have been helped in leading to the apostatizing of the true church.
The true church did reappear in 1798 known as the Restoration Movement.