5. Manna issue 85 - In Search of the True Church 尋找真教會
Discerning the truth amid
the plethora of Christian
denominations and beliefs.
各種基督教派及信仰學說到處充斥的時候，如何分辨真理
Philip Shee—Singapore 新加坡 許腓利執事
The Christian world comprises diverse denominations that have emerged
or evolved because of historical, political and doctrinal developments.
Whilst modern ecumenical movements may seek to bring these groups together in a bid for commonality,
it remains undeniable that some of the differences are fundamental.
Indeed, the diversity of belief among the denominations is at odds with the biblical concept of the church.
基督教世界，因為歷史，政治，及教義發展的原因，
由此產生及衍生出各種不同的教派所組成。
現今全基督教運動，或許想要把這全部不同的團體聯合在一起，以求可以互相流通，
然而無可否認的是，有些不同差異是根本上的不同。
就是這樣，各各教派信條上的差異，就會與聖經裡教會的概念有所不一致。
The Bible’s stance is that the church is the body of Christ (Eph 1:23; Col 1:18)
and that there is but “one body” (Eph 4:4).
This concept is reinforced in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that body,
being many, are one body, so also is Christ.
…But now indeed there are many members, yet one body” (1 Cor 12:12, 20).
The question is, can different Christian denominations be reckoned as members of the same body?
聖經的立場就是，教會是基督的身體(弗 1：23；西 1：18)，
而且就只有"一個身體"(弗 4：4)。
保羅給哥林多教會的書信，再次強調這個想法：
12就如身子是一個，卻有許多肢體；而且肢體雖多，仍是一個身子；基督也是這樣。
20但如今肢體是多的，身子卻是一個。
(林前 12：12，20)
而這裡的問題是，這些各種不同的基督教派，可以被認為是同一個身體的其他肢體嗎？
In expanding on the teaching of the one body, Paul highlighted its link to
“one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father” (Eph 4:4–6a).
It leads us to reflect that, while different denominations may claim to uphold one hope,
one Lord, one God and Father, it is debatable whether they have the same Spirit and baptism.
These churches have differing views about receiving the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Likewise, on baptism, some advocate immersion, while others endorse alternative modes;
some perform infant baptism, while others oppose the practice.
The diverse characteristics of various denominations mean that they do not uphold a common faith.
In light of this, it is incorrect to conclude that all denominations are members of the same body.
Against this backdrop, it is important for us to understand the attributes of the church from a biblical perspective,
in order to determine the true church of God.
為了擴展一個身體的教導，保羅強調其連結性，
"聖靈只有一個，同有一個指望，一主，一信，一洗，一神，就是眾人的父"(弗 4：4-6a)。
這讓我們聯想到，雖然各種不同的教派，都會宣稱自已堅守一個盼望，一位救主，真神和天父，
然而他們是否持有同一個聖靈，接受同樣的洗禮，就很具爭議了。
這些教派對於領受聖靈及聖靈的恩賜，已經有意見不同的看法。
同樣的情況，對於洗禮的看法，有些人贊同浸禮，而另一些人認可了替代的方式；
有人會進行嬰兒洗禮，而另一些人反對這種作法。
各種不同的教會，會有各各不同的特質，大家並沒有確認相同信仰方式。
按照這種不同的情況，若強制總結說，所有教派都是同一身體的肢體，就是錯誤的說法。
為了對抗這種認知不同背景，為了認明誰是神的真教會，
我們要從聖經的觀點，來研究教會的特質，是很重要的。
The church established in the apostolic era is clearly the model
we should use as a benchmark as we navigate the plethora of Christian groups that exist today.
After all, the apostolic church was established as one integrated organization with a common set of beliefs,
even though she gradually branched out geographically.
In contrast, the denominations we see today have emerged as a result of complex social,
political and religious developments over the course of history.
使徒時代建設的教會，很明顯就是我們可以用來當作檢驗標準的模型，
由其是今日存在很多基督教派，到處泛濫。
畢竟，使徒教會建立的是一個整合在一起的組織，有一套共信之道，
即使她逐漸在不同的地方，擴展了其他的會堂。
相反的，我們今日所看到的各種基督教派，
是因著各種複雜的社會，政治及宗教歷史的發展路線，
而產生出來的結果。
ESTABLISHED AND SENT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT 由聖靈建設，受聖靈差遣
The apostolic church was established when the Holy Spirit was poured down on the day of Pentecost,
according to the plan and promise of the Lord.
Heeding Jesus’ instruction, the apostles and early believers,
about 120 in total, were gathered with one accord in Jerusalem, waiting for the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5).
After the Holy Spirit was poured down (Acts 2:1–4), Peter stood up to testify for the Lord.
Three thousand were converted, and the apostolic church was established.
Thereafter, the believers gathered regularly for worship and preached the gospel actively,
resulting in the Lord adding souls to the church daily (Acts 2:38–47).
使徒教會的成立，是因為五旬節的時候，聖靈降臨，
也是依照神的規劃和應許。
若留心耶穌的教導，眾使徒及早期信徒，總共約有120人，
集合在耶路撒冷，同心合意，等候聖靈的降臨(徒 1：4-5)
於聖靈降臨之後(徒 2：1-4)，彼得挺身而出，為主作見証。
有三千人信主，於是使徒教會成立了。
在那之後，信徒會定期聚集作禮拜，很積極的傳福音，
以致於，主耶穌每天都給教會加添新信徒(徒 2：38-47)。
This entire sequence of events, from the resurrection of Christ,
His appearance and instructions to His disciples,
to the downpour of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost,
reinforces the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in the commission of the church.
整個事件的發展順序是，一開始從基督復活，祂顯現給門徒看，指示祂的門徒，
五旬節的時候，聖靈降臨，
在託負給教會責任的時候，再次強調聖靈是不可或缺的角色。
After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and gave them a series of instructions.
One of them was the great commission to go into the entire world
to preach the gospel and to baptize (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15–16).
But interestingly, instead of hastening their despatch into the world,
He instructed them not to depart from Jerusalem,
but to first wait for the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4–5).
He added that when the Holy Spirit came upon them,
they would “be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
Since the commission to preach the gospel was undeniably urgent,
why did the Lord hold them back until the downpour of the Holy Spirit?
耶穌復活後，祂顯現給門徒看，給他們一連串的指示。
其中之一就是最重要的委託，要傳福音給普天下，為萬人受洗。(太 28：19；可 16：15-16)
但有趣的地方是，祂沒有叫他們很很分散到世界各地去，
而是叫他們不要離開耶路撒冷，
首先要等候，應許聖靈的降臨(徒 1：4-5)。
又補充說，一旦聖靈降到他們身上的時候，他們就會
"並要在耶路撒冷、猶太全地，和撒瑪利亞，直到地極，作我的見證。"(徒 1：8)
因為傳福音的使命，不可否很是很緊急的，
為何主會暫停他們的行動，真到聖靈降臨呢？
“For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?
And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?
And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?”
(Rom 10:13–15)
13因為凡求告主名的，就必得救。
14然而，人未曾信他，怎能求他呢？未曾聽見他，怎能信他呢？沒有傳道的，怎能聽見呢？
15若沒有奉差遣，怎能傳道呢？
(羅 10：13-15)
This passage states that only those who are sent shall preach.
And this is the reason why the Lord held the disciples back.
They had to receive the Holy Spirit in order to be “sent.”
Likewise, only the church with the Holy Spirit is “sent” to preach the gospel.
這段經節說到，只有被派遣的人才可以傳道。
這就是為何神會阻止門徒的原因。
他們要先得到聖靈，才會被"差派出去"。
同樣的情況，只有得到聖靈的教會，才會被派出去傳福音。
BAPTISM: A PREREQUISITE FOR SALVATION 洗禮：得救的先決條件
1. The Remission of Sin 罪的豁免
When Jesus commanded His disciples, “Go into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15),
He followed with the teaching, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mk 16:16a).
From these words we understand that, after believing in Christ, we have to receive baptism to be saved.
Peter explained why on the day of Pentecost.
When the people, cut to the heart by Peter’s message, asked what they should do, he responded,
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).
These verses highlight that baptism is for the remission of sins, and is necessary for salvation.
耶穌給門徒使命，"你們往普天下去，傳福音給萬民（萬民：原文是凡受造的）聽"。
(可 16：15)
接著祂又教導，
16信而受洗的，必然得救；
(可 16：16)
從這些經節裡，我們了解到，信主之後，要洗禮才會得救。
彼得解釋為何五旬節的時候，有人會覺得他說的話很刺心，就問彼得他們要怎麼作，
彼得就回答，
"你們各人要悔改，奉耶穌基督的名受洗，叫你們的罪得赦，就必領受所賜的聖靈；"
(徒 2：38)
這些經節強調，洗禮是為何赦罪，對得救是必要的。
2. The Blood of Christ 基督的寶血
Baptism is a clear instruction from Christ, which we need to fulfill for the remission of sins.
But how do we reconcile this with the understanding that
it is ultimately the blood of Christ that has the power to wash sins away (1 Jn 1:7)?
洗禮是來自於基督很清楚的指示，為了可以得到赦罪，就要照著實行。
但是我們要怎麼理解這樣的認知呢？
最終只有基督的寶血，才有能力把罪洗去？
(約壹 1：7)
This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ;
not only by water, but by water and blood.
And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.
For there are three that bear witness in heaven:
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, water, and the blood;
and these three agree as one. (1 Jn 5:6–8)
6這藉著水和血而來的，就是耶穌基督；不是單用水，乃是用水又用血，
7並且有聖靈作見證，因為聖靈就是真理。
8作見證的原來有三：就是聖靈、水，與血，這三樣也都歸於一。
(約壹 5：6-8)
The gospels tell us that John the Baptist came only by “water,”
meaning that the baptism he performed did not have the efficacy of blood.
In contrast, Jesus came by “water and blood.”
Not only did He institute baptism and command His disciples to administer it,
He also shed His blood for remission of sins.
Without this sacrifice, the remission of sin cannot happen.
But with it, baptism is the avenue by which one’s sins are cleansed by His blood.
福音書告訴我們，施洗約翰的出現是藉著"水洗"，
意思就是他施行的洗禮，並沒有寶血的功效。
相反的，耶穌帶著"水洗和血洗"而來。
祂不只設立了洗禮，還命令門徒要遵行，
祂也流出寶血為我們赦罪。
落沒有這樣犧牲，無法作到赦罪。
但有了耶穌的寶血，洗禮就是一條通道，
人們可以藉著耶穌的寶血潔淨自已的罪。
This is supported by Paul’s explanation to the Romans that through baptism one dies with Christ,
and is buried and raised with Him (Rom 6:3–4).
In the process, the old man is crucified with Him,
so that the body of sin may be done away with (Rom 6:6–7).
這種方法，是有保羅於羅馬書闡釋的証據所支持的說法，
因著洗禮，我們可以與基督同死，同埋葬，同復活(羅 6：3-4)。
經由洗禮的程序，舊人與耶穌同釘十字架，
因此帶罪的身體，可以脫離罪的轄制(羅 6：6-7)。
But how can the blood of Jesus be in the water during baptism?
The passage above states the three entities on earth that bear witness:
但是，耶穌的寶血，怎麼會在洗禮的時候，出現在水裡呢？
上面的經節有說到，在地上會有三個存在為此作見証：
“the Spirit, water, and the blood.”"聖靈，水洗，血洗"
While a human minister on earth physically administers water baptism,
the Holy Spirit is at work to enable the blood of Jesus to be present in the water.
For this reason, water baptism is effective for the remission of sins.
Hence, Paul says, it is “by one Spirit [that] we were all baptized into one body” (1 Cor 12:13a).
地上有身為人的長執，在實體上執行洗禮，
聖靈同時動工，讓耶穌的寶血存在於受洗的水中。
因為這個理由，水洗才會有赦罪的功效。
因此，保羅說，是因為
"都從一位聖靈受洗，成了一個身體，飲於一位聖靈。"
(林前 12：13a)
The next question is, what role has the church in all of this?
接著問題是，教會在這全部的條件中，扮扮演什麼角色？
THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE CHURCH 教會的特性
1. The Keys to the Kingdom of Heaven 進入天國的鑰匙
“[A]nd on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:18b–19)
18我要把我的教會建造在這磐石上；陰間的權柄（權柄：原文是門），不能勝過他。
19我要把天國的鑰匙給你，凡你在地上所捆綁的，在天上也要捆綁；凡你在地上所釋放的，在天上也要釋放。
(太 16：18-19)
The keys of heaven have been given to the church and, with them,
the authority to bind or loosen on earth, triggering corresponding results in heaven.
Hence, the church plays a key role in facilitating our entry
into the kingdom of heaven through the removal of sins.
This is further reinforced in the message of Jesus,
when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection:
天國的鑰匙已經給了教會，有了這些鑰匙，
在地上就有權柄可以捆綁人或是把人給釋放了，
同時也會在天上引起同樣的反應。
因為，教會的角色很關鍵，可以讓我們因為罪得赦，
而可以進入天國。
而耶穌復活之後，出現在門徒面前，
祂所傳達的信息中，也再次強調：
So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”
And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them;
if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” (Jn 20:21–23)
21耶穌又對他們說：願你們平安！父怎樣差遣了我，我也照樣差遣你們。
22說了這話，就向他們吹一口氣，說：你們受聖靈！
23你們赦免誰的罪，誰的罪就赦免了；你們留下誰的罪，誰的罪就留下了。
(約 20：21-23)
This aligns the authority of the church “to bind” with that of retaining one’s sins,
and “to loose” with the forgiveness of sins.
This authority is given through the Holy Spirit.
When the church administers water baptism, the church releases or loosens the recipient from sin.
Likewise, when the church decides against administering baptism,
or exercises church discipline through the ex-communication of erring believers,
the church binds or retains the sins of believers (Mt 18:15–18).
這段經節，提到教會的權柄，
有"捆綁"，會留住人的罪，
有"釋放"，會赦免人的罪。
這個權是經由聖靈所賞賜的。
而教會施行洗禮的時候，教會就釋放或是鬆綁了受洗者的罪。
同樣的情況，若教會決定要反對施行洗禮，
對那些犯大錯的教會信徒進行除名的動作，
教會就捆綁或留住這個犯錯信徒的罪。
(太 18：15-18)
In short, we can see that having the abidance of the Holy Spirit
is an indispensable attribute of the true church.
This is the reason that Jesus instructed His disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit
before setting forth to preach and baptize.
It is only through the Holy Spirit that
the church has the authority to carry out this commission in His name.
Without the Holy Spirit, the administration of baptism is not effective for the forgiveness of sins.
總之，我們可以明白，有聖靈的同在，
是真教會一個不可或缺的特質。
這也就是為什麼，耶穌教導門徒要在出發去傳福音或為人洗禮之前，先等候聖靈降臨。
只有經由聖靈的能力，教會才有權柄，奉神的名執行教會的使命。
若沒有聖靈的能力，施行洗禮，並不會有赦罪的功效。
2. The Holy Spirit and the Truth 聖靈和真理
Another indispensable attribute of the church is the complete truth that leads to salvation.
As Paul says, the church is the “pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15),
which means that the role of the church is to uphold the truth.
另一項教會不可或缺的特性是，教會有能讓人得救的全備真理。
如保羅所說，教會是"真理的柱石和根基"(提前 3：15)，
也就是說，教會的角色是維護真理。
The importance of upholding or continuing in the truth
was a constant theme in Paul’s epistles to the church and her leaders.
He warned the Galatians on the severity of deviating from the gospel
that was first delivered to them by the apostles (Gal 1:6–9).
He reminded the Ephesians that the church had been “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Eph 2:20).
He added that the church was to be mature “in the unity of the faith…
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…[where they are no longer] children,
tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:13–14).
He exhorted the Philippians to “[hold] fast the word of life” (Phil 2:16).
He told the Colossians, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit
…according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Col 2:8).
And he reflected to the Thessalonians on how God had “[chosen them] for salvation through sanctification
by the Spirit and belief in the truth” (2 Thess 2:13).
維護真理及傳承真理的重要性，是保羅給教會及其領導者書信中，沒有改變的主題。
他警告加拉太教會，偏離真理的嚴重性，而這真理一開始是由使徒傳給他們的(加 1：6-9)。
他提醒以弗所教會，教會是
"20並且被建造在使徒和先知的根基上，有基督耶穌自己為房角石"(弗 2：20)。
他又補充說，教會要變得更加成熟，
"...真道上同歸於一...滿有基督長成的身量...[而他們不再作]小孩子，
14被一切異教之風搖動，飄來飄去，就隨從各樣的異端；"
(弗 4：13-14)。
他勸勉腓利比教會，要"16將生命的道表明出來[堅守生命之道]"(腓 2：16)。
他告訴歌羅西教會，
"8你們要謹慎，恐怕有人用他的理學和虛空的妄言，不照著基督，乃照世上的小學就把你們擄去。
(西 2：8)
他向帖撒羅尼迦教會反應，說到有關神已經，
"揀選了你們，叫你們因信真道，又被聖靈感動，成為聖潔，能以得救。"
(帖後 2：13)
As we recognize the complete truth as an indispensable attribute in the church,
we should further appreciate the significant role of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus assured His disciples that He would not leave them as orphans after His departure,
He revealed that they would be given another Helper—the Holy Spirit—who is also the Spirit of truth.
The Holy Spirit would teach them all things and
bring to their remembrance the words spoken by the Lord Jesus (Jn 14:16–18, 24).
Jesus further reiterated, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (Jn 16:12–13a).
當我們承認這全備的真理，就是教會不可或缺的特性，
我們就會更進一步體認到，聖靈其重要的角色。
耶穌向祂的門徒保証，祂離去之後，必不會棄下門徒為孤兒，
祂揭露了，門徒會得到另一位保惠師，保幫者-聖靈-也就是真理的聖靈。
聖靈會教導他們萬事，讓他們想起來，主耶穌曾經所說過的話(約 14：16-18，24)。
耶穌更再次重申，
12我還有好些事要告訴你們，但你們現在擔當不了（或作：不能領會）。
13只等真理的聖靈來了，他要引導你們明白（原文作進入）一切的真理；
(約 16：12-13a)
From these passages, we know that the Holy Spirit plays a key role
in helping us understand the complete truth as taught by Jesus.
This is illustrated by how it was only after His resurrection that
the disciples remembered and understood what Jesus really meant about
the temple being raised in three days (Jn 2:19–22).
Subsequently, when John wrote his first epistle and discussed the discernment of spirits,
one practice he advocated was to test if the spirit is of truth or of error.
To do so, one has to compare the teachings being espoused with the teachings of the apostles (1 Jn 4:1–6).
This aligns with Paul’s warning that one should not believe any other gospel
besides that which was originally delivered,
not even if Paul himself or an angel from heaven should happen to be the bearer of the message (Gal 1:6–9).
從這些經節中，我們知道，聖靈扮演重要的角色，
要來幫我們明白這耶穌教導的全備真理。
要解釋清楚這件事，只有在耶穌復活之後，門徒才能記起來，並且明白耶穌說法真正的意思，
什麼叫作聖殿會在三日之內重新建立起來(約 2：19-22)
接下來，約翰寫了他第一封書信，討論有關靈界辨証的主題，
他所倡議的作法，就是要去辨証，靈是來自於真理，還是來自於錯誤之靈。
要能如此行，就要去比較，所奉行的教導，是否吻合於使徒的教導(約壹 4：1-6)。
這也符合了保羅的警告，人們不該再相信其他的福音，
除了相信那原本所傳承的教導，
即使出現了是保羅自已，或是天上有天使，出現說他自已是傳福音的人，也不要相信。
(加 1：6-9)
Paul also pointed out that when he and the apostles preached,
they did so “not with persuasive words of human wisdom,
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor 2:4).
He further mentioned that the content of his preaching was the “wisdom of God in a mystery,
the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages
...which none of the rulers of this age knew” (1 Cor 2:7–8a).
保羅也指出，當他和其他使徒在傳福音的時候，
他的行動，
"4不是用智慧委婉的言語，乃是用聖靈和大能的明證，"
(林前 2：4)
他又再提到，他所傳講的內容，
"7乃是從前所隱藏、神奧祕的智慧，就是神在萬世以前預定...
8這智慧世上有權有位的人沒有一個知道的"。
(林前 2：7-8a)
He explained why he was able to expound God’s message:
他說明了，為何能夠解釋神的訊息：
God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him?
Even so no one knows the things of God except by the Spirit of God.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God,
that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches,
but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Cor 2:10–13)
10只有神藉著聖靈向我們顯明了，因為聖靈參透萬事，就是神深奧的事也參透了。
11除了在人裡頭的靈，誰知道人的事；像這樣，除了神的靈，也沒有人知道神的事。
12我們所領受的，並不是世上的靈，乃是從神來的靈，叫我們能知道神開恩賜給我們的事。
13並且我們講說這些事，不是用人智慧所指教言語，乃是用聖靈所指教的言語，將屬靈的話解釋屬靈的事。
（或作：將屬靈的事講與屬靈的人）
(林前 2：10-13)
Given the intention of the Lord that “the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church” (Eph 3:10a),
and the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing the mysteries of God, teaching and guiding us into all truth,
we can further appreciate why it is so important for the church to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Without the Holy Spirit, we cannot understand the complete truth relating to salvation.
鑑於神的旨意，
"10為要藉著教會使人，現在得知神百般的智慧。"(弗 3：10a)
而聖靈的角色，就會顯露神的奧秘，教導人，帶領我們進入全備的真理。
若沒有聖靈，我們就不能了解關於得救的全備真理。
The existence of so many different denominations,
which embrace and preach a diverse range of doctrines and practices,
begs the question of whether they are all aligned with the original teachings of Jesus and the apostolic church.
The Bible is clear that the truth must not be changed through time:
there should be nothing added, subtracted or altered.
The truth is “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3b).
This links to Paul’s encouragement to Timothy:
“Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.
Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim 4:16).
有這麼多不同教派的存在，
他們接受了不同涵蓋程度教義，加以傳揚，並且實行之，
回避了實質的問題，他們有沒有和原本耶穌和使徒教會時期的教導符合。
聖經很清楚的表示：真理一定不會因為時間的關係而改變：
一定不可以有所增添，刪減或修改。
真理是"論我們同得救恩的時候，就不得不寫信勸你們，要為從前一次交付聖徒的真道竭力的爭辯。"
[為了大家，這個信仰是一次就交付予聖徒]
(猶 3b)
這也連結到保羅對提摩太的勸勉：
16你要謹慎自己和自己的教訓，要在這些事上恆心；
因為這樣行，又能救自己，又能救聽你的人。
(提前 4：16)
3. The Holy Spirit and Signs, Wonders and Miracles 聖靈，異象，奇事，神蹟
As the true church of God sets forth to preach the gospel and fulfill her ministry on earth,
God is “bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles,
and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will” (Heb 2:4).
This was indeed the case in the early church, as evidenced by the words of Mark:
“And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them
and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mk 16: 20).
神的真教會開始傳福音，完成其地上的事工，
4神又按自己的旨意，用神蹟、奇事和百般的異能，並聖靈的恩賜，同他們作見證。
(來 2：4)
地上的教會，確實有這種情況，而馬可福音也印証這一點：
20門徒出去，到處宣傳福音。主和他們同工，用神蹟隨著，證實所傳的道。
(可 16：20)
While the manifestation of the Holy Spirit
in signs, wonders and miracles is another key attribute of the true church, we must also be discerning.
Not all manifestations in the world are necessarily of the Holy Spirit,
and neither do they necessarily point to the true church.
As Jesus Himself warned:
聖靈會在異象，奇事，神蹟上有所展現，是真教會另一項很重要的特質，
我們也一定要詳細的辨別。
但不是世上所有的這種表象，就一定來自於聖靈，
而他們這種情況也不一定就能指向真教會。
耶穌親自警告大家：
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven
….Many will say to Me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name,
cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you;
depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ ” (Mt 7:21–23)
21凡稱呼我主阿，主阿的人不能都進天國；
22當那日必有許多人對我說：主阿，主阿，我們不是奉你的名傳道，奉你的名趕鬼，奉你的名行許多異能麼？
23我就明明的告訴他們說：我從來不認識你們，你們這些作惡的人，離開我去罷
(太 7：21-23)
Signs, wonders and miracles are not the main focus in God’s ministry.
Rather, they go hand in hand with the gospel that is taught by the church;
their purpose is to “confirm the word” and to “bear witness” of the genuine gospel.
For one to determine the true church, one has to discern the evidence of both.
在神的事工之中，異象，奇事，神蹟，並不是主要的焦點。
反而是，他們要聯合真教會所教導的福音；
他們存在的目地，就是要"印證聖經"，為"証實"真正的福音。
若是要辨別真教會，就要細察這兩種證據。
In summary, we must preach the truth first and then signs will follow; it is not the other way round.
For this reason, a common Christian practice of leveraging “miracle rallies”
as the main appeal of Christianity is clearly misaligned with the Bible.
While the true church will be the conduit through which
the power of the Holy Spirit is manifested in signs, wonders and miracles,
we must also understand that these will only happen according to God’s will and mercy;
they cannot be dictated by man through miracle rallies.
And while we should certainly believe in miracles,
we must be watchful and remember the Lord’s prophecy that, in the last days,
“false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive,
if possible, even the elect” (Mt 24:24).
總之，我們要先宣傳真理，然後神蹟就會隨著；而不是因為有神蹟就是真理，相反的情況。
因為這個原因，一般基督教常用的作法，是利用神蹟來聚集人氣，
作為基督教最主要的吸引力，很明顯就偏離聖經的方向。
而真教會就一個管道，聖靈經由她把力量展現在異象，奇事，神蹟，
我們也要了解，只有因著神的旨意和慈愛，他們才會出現；
他們不能因為神蹟法會的原故，受人命令而出現。
雖然我們大概一定會相信神蹟的事，
但一定要小心，要記得神的預言，在末日的時候，
24因為假基督、假先知將要起來，顯大神蹟、大奇事，倘若能行，連選民也就迷惑了。
(太 24：24)
THE TRUE JESUS CHURCH 真耶穌教會
From a biblical perspective, we can conclude that the true church must have three key attributes:
看聖經的角度來看，我們可以總結，真教會一定有三樣主要的特質：
1. The true church must be established by and have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit,
as in the case of the apostolic church.
真教會一定是由聖經所設立的，有聖靈居住在其中，
就如同使徒教會的情形一樣。
2. The true church must embrace and preach the complete truth concerning salvation,
as preached by Jesus Christ and the apostles.
真教會一定會保存完備的真理，宣揚完備的真理，
因為這有關得救，就如當初基督耶穌和使徒的所傳的真理一樣。
3. The true church will have accompanying signs, wonders and miracles to confirm the word of God.
真教會有異象，奇事，神蹟隨著，應證神的話。
As we apply these criteria to the Christian world today
and examine the beliefs and the practices of various denominations,
there are obvious gaps when compared to the apostolic church.
This is particularly evident in the different beliefs surrounding the Holy Spirit.
For example, while most Christian groups advocate that
one receives the Holy Spirit at the point of accepting Christ,
the True Jesus Church upholds the original teaching of the apostolic church.
While accepting Christ is the first step in one’s journey of faith,
the Bible clearly records that receiving the Holy Spirit is a completely separate matter.
This is shown in the Bible’s accounts of how the Samaritan believers received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:5–17),
and likewise the Ephesians (Acts 19:1–6).
In both cases, they had accepted Christ, and the Samaritans had even been baptized,
but the Holy Spirit had not yet been given to them; receiving the Spirit was a subsequent event.
Also, in the True Jesus Church, as in the apostolic church,
the belief is that receiving the Holy Spirit is evidenced by speaking in tongues (Acts 2:1– 4; 10:44–48; 19:1–6).
當我們採用這些標準，來衡量今日世界的基督教，
檢驗各種教派的信條和作法，
一比起使徒教會，其中就有很明顯的落差。
特別明顯的是，各種教派對於聖靈，有不同的看法。
例如，會有很多基督教團體主張，
人一旦接受了基督，就會得到聖靈，
而真耶穌教會持守使徒教會原本的教導。
雖然認同基督，是個人信仰之旅的第一步，
聖靈卻很清楚的記載，祈求聖靈完全是另外一回事。
這記載在聖經裡面，撒瑪利亞的信徒是如何得到聖靈的(徒 8：5-17)，
同樣的情況，以弗所教會也是一樣。
這二個案例中，他們都已經接受基督，
而且撒瑪利亞信徒甚至已經受洗了，
但聖靈還沒有賜給他們；下一個事件中才得到聖靈。
而且，真耶穌教會，就像使徒教會一樣，
都認為，得到聖靈的證據，就是會說舌音的靈言。
(徒 2：1-4；10：44-48；19：1-6)
Another difference between the True Jesus Church
and other Christian denominations concerns the remission of sins.
While most Christians argue that it occurs automatically upon one’s acceptance of Christ,
and that baptism is merely an outward expression of the faith within, the True Jesus Church disagrees.
The Bible is clear that baptism is crucial for salvation (Mk 16:16; 1 Pet 3:21),
for it is through baptism that our sins are washed away (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom 6:3–8).
另一個真耶穌教會和其他基督教派的差異點，就是關於赦罪的論點。
雖然大部份基督徒會主張，一旦人接納了基督，赦罪是自動發生的，
洗禮不過是發生在內心情況的外在表現，但真耶穌教會卻不認同。
聖經很清楚強調，洗禮對於得救很重要(可 16：16；彼前 3：21)，
因為是經由洗禮的原故，我們的罪孽才得洗爭。
(徒 2：38；22：16；羅 6：3-8)
Besides the beliefs relating to the Holy Spirit and baptism,
there are other areas in which the True Jesus Church aligns with the apostolic church and the Bible.
As we reflect upon these attributes, we ought to have the strengthened conviction that
the True Jesus Church is indeed the revival of the apostolic church and the only true church of the end time.
We must also recognize that only the True Jesus Church is sent by the Holy Spirit
to preach the complete gospel of salvation in these last days.
This belief does not stem from arrogance, but from a thankful heart that
God has restored the true church for humankind through His grace and love.
除了有關聖靈和洗禮的信條，
還有其他的地方，真耶穌教會符合使徒教會的情況和聖經的記載。
當我們回顧這些特質的時候，就應該加強確信，
真耶穌教會真的是使徒教會的復興，末日之時的真教會。
我們一定要認知到，只有真耶穌教會是聖靈所差派的，
在末世傳揚全備救贖的福音。
這樣的信仰，不是根植於自大，而是來自於對神一顆感謝的心，
因著神祂的恩典和慈愛，為了全人類，復興了真教會。
Importantly, as members of the True Jesus Church, this conviction should motivate and remind us
to shoulder our responsibility to continue the commission of the apostolic church
—to preach the gospel to the ends of the earth.
After all, “how shall they preach unless they are sent” (Rom 10:15a)?
重要的是，身為真耶穌教會的信徒，
這種堅定的信仰，要能激勵我們，提醒我們，
把自已的責任肩負起來，持續完成使徒教會的使命 -把福音傳到地極。
畢竟，"15若沒有奉差遣，怎能傳道呢？"(羅 10：15a)
小頁 markvmax@hotmail.com
歡迎主內同靈來信加入翻譯
