The New Testament church is a unique institution of divine origin. The systematic study of Scripture reveals that Christianity is ordered after a pattern and possesses a distinct identity: designed by the Lord, conveyed through the words of the apostles, and seen in the practice of the early Christians. Author Edward C. Wharton establishes that Scripture contains a divine pattern for the church of Christ and presents a systematic study of the biblical passages relating to the church to create a clear understanding of the pattern set by God. Softcover.