Modeling All Things on the New Testament — the Case to Be Made

2026-10-18 · authorityscripturepractice

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What this essay will cover

What it means to take the New Testament as the working pattern for faith and practice — and what that commitment does and does not claim.

Primary evidence

The pattern language. 2 Timothy 1:13 — “hold fast the form of sound words.” Philippians 2:5 — have this mind in you which was also in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 2:21 — Christ left us an example, that we should follow his steps.
Teach them to observe all things. Matthew 28:20 — the apostles’ teaching is meant to be observed, not merely admired.
The apostles’ example as deliverable tradition. 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

Secondary evidence

The earliest congregations “continuing steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42) — a community shaped by a received pattern.
Jude 3 — the faith “once delivered unto the saints.”

Objections and replies

“The New Testament describes; it does not prescribe.”
“Every restoration attempt has produced another denomination. Why would this one differ?”

Sources to cite

Primary text first; then historians of the early church; then the strongest opposing voice, quoted fairly.

This essay is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 — share it freely with credit, unaltered, non-commercial. Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (public domain).