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THE NEW
APOSTOLIC OFFICE

THE NEW APOSTOLIC DOCTRINE

IN THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
AND
THE APOSTOLIC OFFICE IN THE END·PERIOD

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PREFACE

God's children of the Present, came to the Faith thru

the efforts of the Chief-Apostle, the Apostles and all the .
servants in the House of the Lord. They were permitted
to come to the knowledge, that in their faith and trust
to those Messengers sent by the Lord, they were not
deluded or misled, for they took unto themselves the
Divine Blessings and complete Redemption. And there-
by became living witnesses of the Resurrected One.

There are many who do not recognize the Gifts of

Grace which are offered them in the New Apostolic
Church, who seek to prove by the Holy Scriptures, that
the New Apostolic Doctrine is something which is un-
godly. Therefore the necessity has presented itself, to
take from the unlimited proofs in the Bible, the most
important places, in order, by a double testimony, on
one side the notes of the Holy Scriptures and the per-
sonally made experiences on the other, to bring thereby
proof of the authenticity of the New Aposotolic Doc-
trine.

This booklet contains, firstly, a proof of the Means of

Grace instituted and presented by the Lord Jesus to
His Church, by which it becomes comprehensible that
the Doctrine of the New Apostolic Church is in full
harmony with that of the Early Church. Added to
same, we find a short chapter that deals with the
Apostolic Office in the Last Period and a Parting Word.

It should especially be noted that in this year (1930)
a hundred years have passed since the second outpour-
ing of the Holy Spirit. (See page 30.)
By this act God has fulfilled His promise that He
shall send the Latter Rain. ( Hosea 6, 3; Joel 2, 23;
Zechariah 10, 1; James 5, 7.)
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THE OFfiCES OF THE CHURCH
After the Lord Jesus left this earth, His Work of
Redemption had to be carried on by other persons. He
had, before His Ascension, been concerned and had
opportunely provided for the regulated establishment
of His Church, in that He selected and commissioned
His Apostles, and acquainted them with the plans for
said establishment, so that they all, the Apostle Peter,
foremost of all, in conjunction with the offices called
into existence by them, could offer mankind the neces-
sary Help and Redemption. Subsequently we desire to
speak first of the "Gifts of Offices."
These "Offices" we find again in the New Apostolic
Church, endowed with the same Power and Commission
as in the Early Church.
'l'HE OFFICE OF CHIEF-APOSTLE
The New Apostolic Church possesses as visible Head
and Leader the Chief Apostle, with whom the Apostles
and all office-bearers of the Church are bound together
into a centralized Official Body.
In the early Church the Apostle Peter assumed a
prominent, and by the Lord accurately characterized
position, which the following verses of Scripture undis-
putedly prove: Matthew 1-6,18-19; Luke 2.'2,32; John
21,15-17. Conformable to these decisions of the Lord
Jesus, the Apostle Peter was more prominently placed
than the other Apostles and equipped with a special
f)
commISSIOn. This special selection of the Apostle Peter,
executed by the Lord Jesus, came unmistakably to the
fore in its effect, after the death of the Son of God.
Acts 1,15; 2,14; 15,7.
A detailed discussion, that the Chief-Apostleship is
desired of God and necessary, we possess in the pam-
phlet, "Is The Chief-Apostleship A Divine Arrange-
ment?"
THE APOSTOLIC OFFICE
The Calling of the first Apostles by the Lord Jesus is
perceptible in the following verses of Scripture: M at-
thew 10,1.5; 28, 19.,20; Mark 8, 14.15; 16,14.15; Luke
6,13; John ,'20,21.2,2.
In Matthew 10, 2-4 are given the names of the first
Apostles. Thru the development of the Christian
Church, there followed, in the course of time, the nat-
ural necessity for the further calling of other Apostles.
Frequently it is taken for granted that the number of
the Apostles in the Early Church was just twelve. The
Holy Scriptures state that in reality besides those first
chosen by the Lord there were others at hand or exis-
tent. The following Apostles are also mentioned:
Matthew: Acts 1,26; Barnaba,s: Acts 13,2.3; 14,14; Gal.
2,9; Paul: Acts 9,15.17; 13,2.3; 14,14; Romans 1,1;
1 Cor. 1,1; ,2 Cor. 1,1; Gal. 1,1.15; Eph. 1,1; Col. 1,1;
1 Tim. 1,1; 2 T1:m. 1,1; Titus 1,1.
Andron'icus, Jun'ia, Romans 16,'7; Ja,mes: Gal. 1,19;
Epaphroditus: Phil. 2,25.
6 7
In the original text as well as in the Lutheran transla-
tion, Epaphroditus is designated as an Apostle. This
information is given and may be read in all old editions
of the Bible.
In the newer, later editions of the Bible, for some unu-
sual reason the word messenger is substituted for the
word "Apostle." Furthermore, according to the per-
formance of Ananias, whom the Lord sent to Saul,
(later the Apostle Paul), we must absolutely conclude
that he also was a bearer of the Apostolic Office.
In Acts 9,17 it states: "Brother Saul, the Lord, even
Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou
camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy
sight and the Holy Spirit." Herein Jesus held to the
Way and Regulations laid down by Himself and dis-
pensed the Holy Spirit to Saul thru Ananias. As to the
personal characteristics of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit
does not leave us in the dark. The chosen Apostles were
men from out the masses and missed every special
training which was necessary according to human stand-
ards or conception. They did not preach with human
wisdom and wit, but served the souls with the Holy
Spirit which they had received (Mark 13,11; 1 Cor. 1,
26-29). Paul was the only Apostle, who stood out from
among the rest as one who had an especial education.
But he, himself, wrote that this knowledge is not neces-
sary for a bearer of the Apostolic Om.ee, and goes so far
as to say that it even may be harmful (Phil. 3 ;8.9). The
following scriptural passages will give more information
regarding the first Apostles. Math. 4,18.~1; 9,9; Mark
1,16-~O; ~,14. Luke 5,9-11.
The Apostolic Office was given to mankind by the
Lord Jesus for the carrying thru or execution of a com-
plete Redemption. If the Apostolic Office had been
superfluous Jesus never would have called it into
existence. The worth or value that the Lord attributed
to the Apostolic Office the following passages attest:
Math. 10,40; John 13,~O; 17,18.~3; ~0,21.
The necessity of this Office for the establishment of
the Church, we find in Eph. ~, 19.~0 and Romans 1, 4.5.
The various names conferred upon this Office also be-
speak the worth of this divine Gift.
The Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5,18).
The Ministry of Grace (Eph. 3,~).
The Ministry of the Spirit (2 Cor. 3,8).
The Ministry of the New Testament (2 Cor. 3,6).
The Ministry of the Keys (Math. 16,19) Luke 11,52).
The bearers of the Apostolic Office were also desig-
nated as:
Ambassadors for Christ (Romans 15,18; 2 Cor. 2,10;
5,20; 11,2).
Reapers, Fishers of Men (Math. 4,19; Luke 5,19;
John 4,38).
Light of the World (Math. 5, 13.14).
Salt of the Earth (Math. 5, 13.14).
Steward of the Mysteries of God (1. Cor. 4, 1).
Master Builders of God's Spiritual Temple (1. Cor.
3,10).
8 9
Moreover, from out of the various commissions en-
trusted to this Apostolic Office by Jesus, its importance
becomes self-evident and comprehensible. Of this the
following bear testimony: Math. 10,1. 5-8.16; 13,11-12;
16,18-19; 18,18; 28,18-20; Mark 16,15-18; John 14,26;
20,21-23; Acts 1,8.
The verses in John 20, 21-23, prove that the forgive-
ness of sins without the possession of the Holy Spirit is
absolutely impossible. Otherwise the Lord Jesus, when
He gave His Apostles the powers of binding and loosen-
ing, would not have first bestowed upon them the Holy
Spirit. THE APOSTLES, AND THEY ONLY HAVE
RECEIVED FROM THE SON OF GOD THE
POWER AND COMMISSION TO FORGIVE SINS.
The commission to upbuild His Church, the Apostles
had received from their Sender, Jesus Christ. Their
main commission existed therein, to offer mankind the
divine blessings and be helpful towards mankind's
redemption. Concerning this, the following chapter,
"The Three Sacraments" gives clearer information.
Moreover, they (the Apostles) especially had the re-
sponsibility of supplying the separate congregations
with the necessary pastoral needs, these will be more
fully described further on.
Striking is the fact in the High Priestly prayer of the
Lord Jesus, that He did not pray for the world, but
only for His Apostles and for those also who shall believe
on Him thru the Apostles' word. (John 17,9.20.)
Often one hears that the Apostolic deify their Apos-
tles and even place them above Jesus. Such an assertion
contradicts the facts. The Apostles of the Lord Jesus
are the instruments of blessing, whom the Lord uses for
the deliverance of mankind.
An Apostle is a person just as any other, but the Gifts,
which the Lord laid into this person, can be to other
persons eternal gain. Therefore, we honor and respect
this great divine "Gift." The Apostle Paul wrote as
follows in Gal. .~,H, that he was received as Christ Jesus
was received.
Furthermore, he designates himself as Father, who
had begotten those souls who came to the Belief thru
his word (1. Cor. 4,15). The present Apostles do nothing
without their Sender, Jesus Christ. They act entirely
by His commission and in the might handed down to
them by their Lord. The servant is never greater than
his Lord, nor the Apostle greater than the Son of God,
Who sent him (John 13,16). He who esteems the divine
Gifts, which the heavenly Father has given, esteems
and honors thereby the Donor. Therefore, we know
positively, that we have taken unto ourselves the Love
of God, because we have accepted and received His
Apostles.
In addition it may be mentioned that the Apostle
Paul on account of his great journeys, was not able to
earn a livelihood for himself. Therefore, the congrega-
10
tions took it upon themselves to sustain him with the
natural necessities (Phil. 4,14-19). Many believers of
our time, are of the opinion that the Apostolic Office was
only given for early Christianity and that for our time
it is unnecessary, hence there could be no true Apostles
of Christ in the New Apostolic Congregations. Upon
the preceding statements there comes to light, that the
establishment of the Apostolic Office should be a perma-
nent one. Just the fact, that besides the Twelve, other
Apostles are mentioned by name in the Scripture, fur-
nishes the evidence to that effect. Early Christendom is
unthinkable without the Apostolic Office. What once
was indispensable, is also indispensable today. God
holds fast to His Regulations. Furthermore, everyone,
who closely observes the work of the Apostles, and its
effect, will notice that in the New Apostolic Congrega-
tion the flow of the Holy Spirit is active, that the signs
of an Apostle were wrought and the souls collectively
are epistles of Christ, read of all men (1. Cor. 9,2; 2. Cor.
3,2-3; 12,12; Ro~ans 15,18).
The children of the Lord have been permitted to
realize the words of the Lord: "My doctrine is not mine,
but His that sent me. If any man will do His Will, he
shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself." (John 7,16.17).
THE OTHER OFFICES
After the Apostles of the Lord had begun the building
of the Church, it soon became evident that they alone
11
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could not perfonn all the Pastoral duties themselves.
As it is stated in 1. Cor. 12,28 and Eph. 4,7-14, it was
the Lord, Himself, thru the Apostles, who gave the
Church the other Offices.
The Apostles transacted the commission of their Lord
correspondingly. The Apostles are thereby commis-
sioned to call and instate office-bearers. (Acts 6,6;
14,23).
Prophet (Acts 15,32; 21,10; 1. Cor. 12,28; Eph. 4,11).
Bishop (Acts 20,28; Philippians 1,1; 1. Tim. S,1-7;
Titus 1,7).
We further find in the various Epistles of the Apostles
allusions to office bearers, but without any distinction
as to grade: Romans 16,1.S.9.10.21; 1.Cor. 16,10; Eph.
6,21; Col. 4,7.10.11.12.17.

Jesus pointed to this activity of the Apostles in

Matthew 9,37.38. The choosing of the following desig-
nated assisting-offices is therefore not a human estab-
lishment but one desired by God (1. Cor. 12,28; Eph. 4,
10.11). The sphere of activity of the various offices is
briefly given in Eph. 4,11-14.

The first office, given by the Apostles was the office of

deacon. On account of the growth of the Church, the
necessity of choosing more office-bearers came of itself.
The Holy Scripture gives us information concerning the
following Offices, of the early Christian Church.

Deaconess (Romans 16,1. 1. Timothy 5,9).

Sub-deacon (1. Timothy 3, 8-10).
Deacon (Acts 6,5.6; 1. Timothy 3,8-13; Philippians
1,1).
Pastor Teachers (1. Cor. 12,28; Eph. 4,11).
Evangelist (Acts 21,8; Eph. 4,11) .
. Elder (Acts 14,23; 15,2; 15,.f23; 20,17; 21,18; 1. Tim-
othy 4,14; 5,17.19; Titus 1,5; 1. Peter 5,5; James 5,14).
12 13

THE THREE MEANS OF GRACE
SACRAMENTS
The dear Lord does not desire that even one person
shall be lost. In order to attain this goal, He gave, be-
sides the Offices, the three Sacraments. The Scripture
informs us of three Sacraments: The Holy Baptism of
Water, the Holy Communion and the Holy Sealing.
Other Sacraments are not cited in the Bible; and neither
does the Holy Scripture give any evidence that there
were less than three instituted.
The three above-mentioned Sacraments belong in-
separably together; not one of these may be missing, if
one desires to come to the fullest enjoyment of the
Divine Promises. Proof of this are the words of the
Apostle John in 1. John 5,7.8. The witnesses of the
Early Church held that the three Sacraments were
absolutely necessary in order to enter the Kingdom of
God.
Thru the institution of the Sacraments, the Lord
paved the way upon which alone the goal of Glory may
be reached. That which the Lord regulated and held
was good and beneficial for the early Christians, is also
indispensable for our time. We would fear to withstand
the Will of God and not follow in His regulations.
THE HOLY BAPTISM OF WATER
The Lord Jesus conferred upon His Apostles the com-
14
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mission to baptize all nations (Math. 28,19: Mark 16,15.
16). The Baptism is: the Covenant of a good conscience
with God (1. Peter 3,21). The Rebirth of Water (John
3,4.5). The Confirmation or Seal of the Demonstrated
Faith (Acts 8,37.38).
In Matthew .'28,19 it becomes evident that all man-
kind have the possibility of taking unto themselves the
Baptism of "Water. Therefrom, even in the face of every
other opinion, the children are not excluded. Nowhere
in the Scripture can there be found the passage wherein
it states that the Baptism of children is inadmissible or
forbidden. Often the attempt is made to bring two
proofs against the Baptism of children. First: That
Jesus had conferred upon His Apostles the commission
to first teach and then baptize the children. With
adults there naturally must preceed a course of instruc-
tion and the Belief must be a preliminary condition to
the Baptism. Second: It is often cited that children
have no comprehension or understanding in regards to
the Baptism. But a child surely enjoys the benefits of
natural foods, given it, although it does not possess a
comprehension or understanding of same. In spite of
this, this food serves the child in the preservation and
upbuilding of its body, the parents bear the responsi-
bility for the care of the child. Once, the Lord Jesus
called the little children to Him and laid His hands
upon them. With the laying on of hands, the children
positively received the blessing from the Lord Jesus,
although they had no comprehension or understanding
15
regarding same (Math. 19,13-15). Furthermore, in the
old Covenant, the male children were circumcized the
eighth day after their birth (1. Gen. 17,10.11; Leviticus
12,3). The circumcision was a sign of the Covenant
between God and the people of Israel, and had, full
validity, although the children at eight days after their
birth did not know that an act had been performed upon
them. The true servants of the Lord will not close the
Kingdom to little children and forbid them the blessings.
THE HOLY COMMUNION
The Holy Communion was instituted by our Lord,
Who also commanded us to be partakers of same (Math.
:26,26-."28; Mark 14,22-."24; Luke 22,19.20; 1. Cor. 11,
.'23-25). The worth of the Holy Communion is given us
in John 6, 53-58; it is the food wherewith the Spiritual
Life is nourished and preserved. By partaking unwor-
thily of this Sacrament the Body and Blood of Christ
become our damnation (1. Cor. 11,29). The early Chris-
tians knew how to appreciate or esteem the Holy Com-
munion and laid great stress upon the partaking of
same. (Acts 2,42.46; 20,7; 1. Cor. 10,16).
In what manner the Holy Communion should be
celebrated we find in Luke 2.'2,17-20; and 1. Cor. 10,16.
The partaking of the Holy Communion is preceded by
the forgiveness of sins (Math. 26,28).
On page nine in the chapter "The Apostolic Office,"
there has already been written regarding the "Commis-
sion" of forgiving sins. The dispensing of the Holy
16
Communion to children is as precisely justified as the
dispensing of the Holy Baptism to them (see preced-
ing paragraph, page 15).
. THE HOLY SEALING
The Holy Sealing is the dispensing and reception of
the Holy Spirit. To Seal means to solemnly confirm,
definitely unite, fortify and lock. In the Holy Scrip-
tures it is named:
'The baptism of the Holy Ghost and Fire (Math. 3,11;
Mark 1,8; John 1,33; Acts 1,5).
The Holy Annointing (2. Cor. 1, 21.22; ,1. John
2,20.27).
The Spiritual Re-birth (John 3,5.6) .
The Seal of the Kinship of God (2. Tim. 2,19; Rev.
7,2).
The Consumated Election to Grace. (John 15,19; 2.
Peter 1,10).
The Bestowal of Citizenship to the Heavenly Jeru-
salem (Eph. 2,12.19).
The Security for Redemption and Future Glory. The
Covenant of Complete Mercy or Grace (2. Cor. 1,21.22;
5,5; Eph. 1,13.14).
The various passages of Scripture given above tell us,
what value the Gift of the Holy Spirit has. Jesus spoke
to Nicodemus: "Except a man be born again, he cannot
see the Kingdom of God" (John 3,5). Moreover, the
Apostle Paul says: "Now if any man have not the Spirit
17
of Christ, he is none of His." (Rornans 8,9). Good
works, prayers and alms can in no way compensate for
the possession of the Holy Spirit (A.cts 10,4.30.31.32.4.4).
The Lord Jesus was the first to receive the Holy Seal-
ing from God the Father (Math. 3,16). Then after
Ascension, the Apostles received the Holy Ghost at
Pentecost and consequently the Holy Ghost was dis-
pensed by the "Laying on of hands," by an Apostle
which is readily proven by the following scriptural pas-
sages (Acts 8,17-19; 9,17; 19,6; 1. 'Tirn. 5,22; 2. Tirn.
1,6). One single apparent exception God made at the
Sealing of the Roman captain Cornelius and his house
(Acts 10,4.30.31.32.44). In this case God had to proceed
in this manner, because the Apostle Peter as a former
Jew, held to the opinion that the Gentiles were not
worthy of receiving the Holy Spirit. The Lord first
made clear to him in visions at Joppa that that which
the Lord hath cleansed, he (Peter) should not call com-
mon, and so also the Gentiles are found worthy to re-
ceive the Holy Spirit and become members of the
Church of Christ. Only then, when Peter was present,
could the Holy Ghost be dispensed to Cornelius and his
house, but indeed thru the Apostolic Office of Peter, by
the efficacy of the Word. God could have dispensed the
Holy Spirit to Cornelius, when the angel of the Lord
appeared to him, but the Lord held strictly to the way
of His Established Regulations, which the dispen.sing of
the Holy Spirit to Saul (afterwards Apostle Paul)
clearly shows. The Lord appeared to Saul as .he found
18
himself on the way to Damascus, and here on this occa-
sion the Lord could have bestowed the Holy Spirit upon
him (Acts 9,17). Thence it is established or proven that
the Apostle Paul wrote of the office which gives the
Spirit (2. Cor. 3,8). Along this trend of thought the
Apostle Paul also expresses himself to God's children,
as father. (1. Cor. 4,15: Gal. 4,19). If it were possible
to receive the Holy Spirit just thru simple faith, it
would not have been necessary for the Apostles Peter
and John to go to Samaria in order to dispense the Holy
Spirit unto the faithful (Acts 8,14-17). So also when the
Apostle Paul came to Ephesus he found the disciples
who came to the Belief but had not as yet received the
Holy Spirit. Only then when he laid his hands upon
them did they receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 19, 1-7).
Naturally, the Holy Spirit cannot be dispensed with-
out further ceremony; thereunto certain preliminary
t;onditions must be complied with. The Apostle Peter
said: "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the Holy Ghost (Acts 2,38).
19

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit seeks continually to utilize His
bearers as good instruments. He manifests Himself thru
various gifts which are admirably written down in 1.
Cor. 12,1-14. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit differentiate
from the fruits of the Holy Spirit as love, joy, peace,
long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
temperance, diligence and charity. (Gal. 5,22; 2. Peter
1,3-7).
rrhe Gifts of the Holy Spirit are prophecy, visions,
dreams, divers tongues, songs of praise, wisdom, dis-
crimination of spirits, the power of healing and per-
forming wonders. Concerning the three Gifts which
most frequently present themselves, a few short expla-
nations are given with scriptural texts.
In early Christendom these Gifts became evident, al:l
resultant, thru the reception of the Holy Spirit (Acts
10,46; 19,16).
If in early Christendom the Gifts, following the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit, became manifest, it cannot
remain inevitable in our time, that with the Bearers of
the Holy Spirit, these spiritual Gifts also make their
appearance again. These spiritual Gifts are necessary
for the revivification, admonition, discipline, edifica-
tion, consolation, apprehension, revelation, for the
praise of God, for the glorification of Christ, for the
attestation of the Divine Future, and for the evidence
of the spiritual activity. Even the prophet Joel had
20
-
referred to these spiritual Gifts many years ago. (Joel
2,28; Acts 2,16-18).
THE PROPHECIES
The Prophecies in early Christendom were not a rare
occurrence, this is proven by many scriptural passages,
which speak of them. (Romams 12,7; 1. Cor. 11,4;12,10;
13,2.8.9; 14,1.3.4.5.22.24.29; 1. Thessalonians 5,20; 1.
Tim. 4,14; 2. Peter 1,21; Revelation 19,10).
VISIONS
The Gift of Visions was already existent in the Old
Covenant; examples of this we find in Gen. 15,1 ;46,2;
Numbers 12,6; Psalm 89,19. But first, in the New
Testament, after the dispensing of the Holy Spirit, did
this gift develop itself. (Acts 7,55; 10,10.11; 11,5; 16,9;
18,9 as well as the complete Book of Revelation.)
Thru visions the dear Lord revealed, first, to His
l:lervants and Apostles, various conditions in the congre-
gations which required correction or He revealed unto
them things of the future.
DREAMS
The dream sphere embraces a wide domain. There are
divine, human and satanic dreams. That which the dear
Lord discloses in dreams, shall fulfill itself; for He does
not disclose anything for naught. With human dreams
it is so, that which a person has experienced reflects itself
in dreams, also the mental and bodily condition playa
decided part (Ecclesiastes 5,3 ; Ecclesiasticus34,1-8) Satan
21
--- - - - ------------
seeks by dreams, begotten by himself, to lead mankind
upon sinful ways. The dear Lord has warned us of false
prophets who work by or thru satanic dreams.
(Jeremiah 23,25-32). Herein we shall only treat with di-
vine dreams. In the Old Covenant, God already revealed
many things thru Dreams. (Gen. 20,3; 31,24; 37,5.9;
Numbers 12,6; 1. Kings 3,5). The prophet Joel re-
ferred to this (Joel 2,28). God seeks thru these dreams,
by Him given, to direct mankind to the Redemption,
also beneficially influence them or to awe them. In this
manner He desires to protect them from harm and keep
them upon His way (1. Kings 3,5; Math. 2,12). When
we expect revelations from God thru dreams, the sup-
position is that we must allow ourselves to be found in
an attitude that is acceptable to God. For example,
when Saul disobeyed the Lord's commandment, the
Lord manifested Himself neither in dreams nor other
signs. (1. Samuel 28,6.)
Not all of God's children possess the Gift of Dreams,
for the Holy Spirit gives unto whom He will. (1. Cor.
7,7; 12,8-10; 1. Peter 4,10). In 1. Cor. 12,8-10 we read
that the distribution of the Gifts is very dissimilar.
22
OUR GOAL
Many believers are of the opinion that when the Lord
Jesus again appears on earth, He will come for the Last
Day of Judgment, wherein all mankind shall be judged
according to their works. The shallow Christian is satis-
fied with tnis assertion, but the Holy Scripture teaches
that the Promises of the Lord sound altogether differ-
ent. The Lord Jesus shall come again, first of all to take
unto Himself His Bride who was prepared thru His
Apostles (Rev. 7,3).
This is the first Resurrection. When the Lord appears
for the first Resurrection, He will take unto Himself,
first the "Overcomers" from out of the "Realms of the
Dead;" and after that He will come upon the earth in
order to transform the still living Faithful, and with His
Bride, as the Scripture tells, celebrate the Wedding in
Heaven. (1. Cor. 15, 51.52; 1. Thess . .4-,13-17). The
Lord has not left His Children in the dark, regarding
the first Resurrection. A series of Scriptural passages
prove the truth of the Belief on the first Resurrection;
Math. 25,1-13; John 14,3; Acts 1,11; 1. Cor. 15,23.24;
Rev. 3,5; 12,5; 20,1-6. The Apostle Paul wrote to the
Corinthians in an unshakable conviction of Faith: "F'or
we know that if our earthly house -of this tabernacle
were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not
made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." (2. Cor. 5,1).
After [he first Resurrection there follows the "Thousand
Year Reign of Peace," in which Christ shall reign with
His first-born, as a royal and priestly generation (Rev.
23
20,1-6). The Bride of the Lord Jesus we recognize in
the designation of the 144,000, who stand on Mount
Zion with the Lamb (Rev. 7,4; 14,1-3). After the Thou-
sand Year Reign of Peace, there follows the second
Resurrection, the Last Day of Judgment (Daniel 7,10;
Math. 10,15; 11,22.24; 12,36.41.42; Romans 2,5.6.16;
1. Cor. 6,2.3; 15,23.24; 2. Cor. 5,10; Rev. 20,4.11-15.
The goal of God's children exists therein, to become
worthy, so that they may be allowed to take part in the
first Resurrection, but to this there is required a thor-
ough preparation and transformation of mankind to the
image of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ. (Romans
8,29.) No one can say when the first Resurrection will
take place; the Son of God has expressed Himself re-
garding same as follows: "But of that day and hour
knoweth no man, no, not the angels of Heaven, but my
Father only." (Math. 24,36.) Further evidence we find
in Math. 24,42; 1. Thess. 5,1.2; 2. Peter 3,10 and Rev.
3,3; 16,15. At all events, thru the first Resurrection,
every hope of all those faithful enduring children of
God, shall fulfill itself, as the Scripture tells us: "Eye
hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into
the heart of man the things which God hath prepar-
ed.for them that love Him." (1. Cor. 2,9; Isaiah 64,
4; Rev. 21,6.7; 22,3-S.)
24
THE APOSTOLIC OFFICE IN THE END-PERIOD
As already stated in the Chapter "The Apostolic
Office," it is the Will of the Lord, thru this Office of
Grace, by Him given, to complete His already begun
Work of Redemption. In Luke 19,13 the Son of God
gives the advice "Occupy till I come." From out of this
there goes forth, that the work of the Apostles should
continue until His return.
In Mark 13, the Lord speaks of the End-Period of the
Christian Church and in the fifth verse gives the admo-
nition: "Take heed lest any man deceive you." A proof
that also in the End-Period Apostles must be at hand,
otherwise the Lord would not have given such an admo-
nition and in the same chapter, tenth verse, it further
states: "And the Gospel must first be published among
all nations." The Apostles of the early Church were not
able to carryon and complete this Work alone. It was
impossible in so short a time as their natural existence
to acquaint all nations with the Gospel of Christ. This
Work was reserved for the Apostles of the End-Period,
but at this time as it is written in the ninth verse, the
Apostles shall be delivered and beaten and brought be-
fore rulers and kings for the Lord's sake. If this proph-
ecy shall fulfill itself then there must be Apostles at
hand, and their Works become evident.
Also in the parable of the foolish and wise virgins, can
be found an allusion to the Apostles, who were to be
25
-~~-~--~-- ---.
called in the End-Period to bestow upon the souls which
belong to the Bride of the Lamb, the necessary Gifts
(Math. 25,1-13). In the ninth verse, the foolish virgins
are referred to the Apostles, who are in a position to dis-
pense the oil (symbol of the Holy Spirit). Here also is
to be seen that the work of the Apostles (dispensing of
the Holy Spirit) should not only be confined to the early
Church. In Rev. 3,18-19 the Work of the Apostles, at
the end of the Christian Household Period, is character-
ized and according to Rev. 18,20 the Apostles and
Prophets are asked to rejoice.
These are all proofs that the Lord did not complete
His Work of Redemption at the Sending of His Apos-
tles of the Early Church, but He desires, thl'll this
Office of Grace, given by Him, to effect a thorough and
complete Redemption of Mankind, from eternal death
and destruction. Historically, we find that after the
decease of the first Apostles, a deterioration of the
Spiritual Life began. The Light of the Divine Truth
could not enfold itself any more, as the Dispensers of
Blessings were taken by death, and thru this, mankind
fell into wrong ways or paths.
We do not expect that the Father of Love will allow
the Work of His Son to be lost. He actively carries out
His Will and Decree. History informs us just how far
the Church has advanced during the period she was
without Apostles. Some men recognized these condi-
tions,gathered others who were likeminded and sepa-
rated themselves from the existent religious system
26
with the earnest intention to serve and to follow their
Lord and Master Jesus Christ. With the death of the
founders, the greater number of these movements had
reached their highest point. By degrees there again be-
came evident a deterioration and separation, resultant
in a considerable number of denominations and sects
coming into existence. A division such as this is not
according to the Will of God, who always manifests
Himself as a God of Unity, Who has sent word that He
shall gather His people and not scatter them. (Math.
.'24,31.) Always thru these movements, in course of the
centuries, there was attained a certain freedom in belief
and freedom of mind, and the dear Lord strode to the
fulfillment of the prophecies of the Prophet Isaiah, to
again restore the Judges and Counsellors as at the
beginning (Isa'£ah 1,26). By the end of the eighteenth
century the Reformation which had taken a mighty
beginning came to a complete standstill. The spiritual
life almost everywhere became luke-warm and indolent,
and in the course of time a general debility took place.
On the contrary, in England and Scotland there ap-
peared active life. To be sure these conditions, likewise,
did not remain but the unbelief did not become so
manifest as it did elsewhere, and in the individual con-
gregations the Divine Truth was sought for. To this
period was credited the establishment of various mis-
sionary and Bible societies, who took upon themselves
the task to spread the Gospel and to acquaint the
greatest number of persons possible with the Means of
Grace. These were existent in the early Church thru
27
the Activity of the Lord and His Apostles. Many
Christians recognized that thru these agencies the Apos-
tles' Work of Deliverance was not performed, and there-
fore the call and supplication for the Regulations of the
early Church became audible. One occupied oneself in
eagerness with the searching of the prophetic scriptures,
and thereby came to the conviction that the religious
life, as it existed, did not correspond with the promises
of the Lord. A few sober and religious minded men
banded themselves together, and met for the first time
in the year 1826, in Albury, England, at the residence of
one of their members (Henry Drummond) for the pur-
pose of searching the Prophetic Books. In the course of
time the membership increased. High personages, cler-
gymen, laymen of various beliefs, took part in same.
Thru these investigations and meetings, one came to
the conclusion that it is the duty of all Christians to
petition the Lord for the Holy Ghos~ and all the spir-
itual Gifts connected therewith, so that the spiritual
temple, of which the Apostle Paul wrote in 1. Cor. 3,16,
come to completion. This calling and petitioning was
answered, for already in the gatherings, there pre-
sented themselves, revelations, which were recognized
by those present as manifestations of God. Independent
of these men, there also gathered in Scotland, souls
seeking and longing for Salvation and the Truth, who
likewise petitioned the dear Lord for the outpouring of
His Holy Spirit.
28
The Gifts and Powers of the Holy Spirit which were
existent in the Early Church, thru the result of its
activities, presented themselves here also, and the en-
treaties and supplications of these honest and upright-
eous souls, had their results. Prophecies, strange
tongues, and wonderful healings of the sick presented
themselves, thru which the Work of God was visibly
recognized. However, thru all this the Church of Christ
was not, by far re-established, but the Beginning to the
glorious Spiritual Temple was made thru the Second
Outpouring of the Holy Sp'irit in the spring of the year
1830. Prophetic powers became manifest, thru which
the Lord hinted that He had planned great things and
desired to re-establish His Work of Redemption on
earth in its primal state.
The Spiritual Manifestations produced material for
the bitterest revilings and conflict and many sought to
brand God's activity as a delusion of satan. Thus it
also happened to the Christians of the Early Church.
When the Spirit of the Lord was poured out upon them
at Pentecost, and they commenced, in the power and
fullness of this Spirit, to speak and testify, it was said
of them: "These men are full of new wine."
Nevertheless the scorn and ridicule could not check
the activity of the Spirit, on the contrary, those souls
who ()nly occupied thE;m$elves superficially with the
SpidtualManifestations, w~re fOrc~d to. takeil. stand,.
for or against, the Cause of the Lord, so that only those
who earnestly strove to work out their soul salvation
29
--------------- -------

remained steadfast. Thru the diversity of opinions of in prayers and supplications before the Lord, so that He
the outsiders regarding these separate meetings, the would give again, that which the early Christians pos-
men of the Albury circle came to hear of the Spiritual sessed, and wherewith they became heirs of the heavenly
Manifestations that took place in Scotland. For critical Kingdom: The Apostolic Office.
examination of the happenings, they sent several of
their members to Scotland, who sought to thoroughly
investigate, whether the manifestations were truly of
God. Upon the result of their observations they came
to the conclusion, that it was the Lord, Who there
manifested Himself thru persons with the Gifts of the
Holy Spirit. With this result they returned to Albury
and consulted with the members of the Albury circle.
In the course of time a joining together was effected.
A large number of the members of the Albury Circle
consisted of theologically educated men, several of
whom were active clergymen of various churches. They
now brought testimony of the Lord's activities, to their
congregations. But this came to the ears of the superior
church authorities and after the Powers of the Holy
Spirit had manifested themselves strongly in these con-
gregations, they were relieved of their office. Most of
the members of their congregations joined them and
henceforth they held meetings in other appointed places.
In these meetings the call became more distinct and
impressive: "Lord send Apostles."
In the beginning, one had not given this call the
necessary regard and attention, but when thru these
gifted persons, the reference to this Office of Spirit and
Grace became more forcible, there developed a unity
30 31
 APOSTOLIC OFFICE
The Lord, the Beginner and Finisher of His Work,
has, in the End-Period of the Christian Household, need
of the Offices, Gifts and Powers which were present in
the early church, so that the saints may be prepared for
the Work of the Ministry (Eph. 4,12). By this time, the
Lord had completed the preparations in so far that He
could again establish the Church-Body in its original
form. On November 7th, 1832, John Cardale, a prom-
inent member of these circles, was called and ordained
thru the Prophecy, as an Apostle. This calling repeated
itself, also in other congregations, thru other persons.
In the beginning, Cardale, who was conscious of the
great responsibility and weight of this office, held him-
self aloof from all official functions. A long time after-
wards, he chose a young man, by the name of Caird,
whom the Holy Spirit designated, thru the prophecy to
the Office of Evangelist, and endowed him with the
necessary authority. To this act, there followed later
further appointments to office, so that in the course of
time, those offices were again given, in the like manner,
as they were existent in the Early Church.
Thru further "Callings," which ensued thru various
persons and at various places, the twelve-fold Aposto-
late or Apostolic Office came to completion and the
Church henceforth was again in possession of the Apos-
tolic Regulations, as they were existent in the Early
Church. The will of the Lord, to again give the Aposto-
lic Office, could only be made known thru the medium of
32
the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. God, therefore, bestowed,
first of all, the prophetic Gifts upon a few persons and
allowed through these chosen instruments, the Apostles
to be called into office. That the Lord first of all
bestowed only the Spiritual Gifts, the way was paved
for the Apostles and a foundation for their Work of
Redemption was at hand. Jesus had, while on earth,
first chosen His Apostles and after the outpouring of
the Holy Spirit, they (the Apostles) selected the further
offices and dispensed the Holy Spirit, wherewith the
Spiritual Gifts were awakened. rfhe Prophetic Office
also came forth thru the Apostolic Office, but in the
Church of the End-Period, the Lord, in order to pave
the way for the Apostles, was compelled to first awaken
the Spiritual Gifts and give again the Prophetic Office,
thru which He, in vigorous spiritual attestations, called
the men chosen by Him to the Apostolic Office. The
chosen Apostles withdrew themselves with their co-
workers to Albury, in order to prepare themselves for
the duties which their offices called for. They drew up
and prepared a testimony which they sent to all reli-
gious and secular potentates in Christendom. Therein,
upon grounds of scriptural evidence, was laid clear and
distinct the plan of God's Decree and earnest reference
was made regarding the re-establishment of the Church
of Christ. Then, to each Apostle was allotted his field
of activity, wherein he should become active in bringing
to mankind, God's plan of Redemption. To Cardale
was allotted England; to Drummond, Scotland and
Switzerland; to King-Church, Holland and Denmark;
33

to Perceval, Italy; to Armstrong, Ireland, Greece and
the Orient; to Woodhouse, Southern Germany and
Austria; to Tudor, Poland; to Dalton, France; to Car-
lyle, North Germany; to MacKenzie, Sweden and Nor-
way; to Stillwell, Spain and Portugal; to Dow, Russia.
These meetings and deliberations in Albury lasted a
year. After the expiration of this time, the Apostles
entered upon the journey to their allotted fields of
activity, with the commission to make an exhaustive
investigation of the conditions in their respective coun-
tries. In about three and one-half years, they all
J'eturned to Albury.
They united, all congregations, under the name of
Catholic-Apostolic Church. The designation "Catholic"
in this combination signifies "Universal," "All-embrac-
ing," and has nothing whatsoever in common with the
Roman Catholic Church. In May, 1847, the Apostles
performed the first Sealings or Annointings and at
Christmas, 1847, the first manifestations of the Holy
Spirit took place in Germany (Frankfort a Main). The
Apostles had recognized and in their testimony defi-
nitely concluded that the re-established Spiritual Office
should remain until the Son of God come again to take
unto Himself those souls who have been prepared. When
several of the Apostles died and other men were called
to the Apostolic Office in order to fill said vacancies, so
that God's Work which had been started, should not
suffer interruption, suddenly those men who before
were permeated with the Holy Spirit, resisted this same
34
-
Holy Spirit. In the year 1860 a gathering took place in
which the six still living Apostles took part as well as a
few office-bearers. In this gathering the Lord called
Bohm to the Office of Apostle for Germany and Caird
as Apostle for France. The Apostles recognized also,
according to their doctrine these callings, but after a
conference, they suddenly declared that they would not
accept other Apostles than those already called and
designated those last called by the Lord, co-adjutors
(assistant Apostles). Upon his return from Albury, the
Prophet Geyer visited Bishop Schwarz, who at that
time was active in Hamburg, and there acquainted him
with all these occurrences. Later, when the Prophet
Geyer accompanied Apostle Woodhouse on a journey,
the Elder Rosochasky was called as an Apostle. Bishop
Schwarz as well as the Prophet Geyer and the congrega-
tion of Hamburg recognized this call as a divine one,
which corresponded thruout with the Apostolic Doc-
trine. The English Apostles retained the position or
attitude which was contrary to their Doctrine, but the
Lord did not stand still, but called for the furthering of
His Work, as many Apostles as were necessary. Now
Priest Preuss was called to the Apostleship and in 1836,
Bishop Schwarz. Apostle Schwarz was designated for
Holland and journeyed to Amsterdam that very year
to take up his activities there.
The Lord acknowledged Himself to the work of these
men and to these activities were bound success and
35
 ---- -----_~------

great blessings. The English Apostles refused to follow furt, in the presence of all European Apostles and a
the Holy Spirit and would not allow Him to lead them. gathering of 2000 Office Bearers and members of the
The last English Apostle (Woodhouse) died in 1901. congregations, ordained him as his successor to the
The dear Lord did not allow Himself to be retarded or Chief-Apostleship. The Apostles who are sub-ordinate
held back in His Work of Redemption, but thru further to the Chief-Apostle, see in him the God-given Leader,
"Callings" gave the necessary Apostles, who with their and in this unity, God's children are led and prepared
followers united themselves into the New Apostolic for the day of the Coming of Christ. The Church of
Church, in which the Holy Spirit gloriously manifests God spreads out further from year to year, the Lord
Himself and where thru the activities of the Apostles gives opportunely, the necessary Workers, so that the
the Faithful are led from one enlightenment into another Work of the Lord can advance unhindered. Surely,
and from one degree of perception to another. After the persons have at all times opposed and hindered the
death of the Apostle Preuss (1878), the leadership of the Divine Work of Redemption, but thru the constant
German congregations was invested in the Apostle increase and extension of the Church of Christ, as well
Schwarz, after Apostle Schwarz's death in the year as thru the Work of the Apostles and those faithful
1895, the mantle fell upon the Apostle Krebs. There Brethren in Office, upon the hearts of God's Children,
were other Apostles existent during the Leadership of the proof is forthcoming, that this Work is not of man,
the Apostles Preuss, Schwarz and Krebs, who were but that we stand in God's Cause (Acts 5,38-39).
active in the districts allotted to them, but the main
control or supervision actually lay in the hands of a
man who was destined by God to the Office of Chief-
Apostle, (Biblical references regarding the Office of
Chief-Apostle are found in the first Chapter of this
Booklet). In the year 1898, Apostle Herman Niehaus
was appointed or called to take over the Chief-Apostle-
ship after the demise of Chief-Apostle Krebs, who died
January 21st, 1905. Apostle H. Niehaus assumed the
office of Chief-Apostle on January 24th, 1905. On
October 10th, 1920 in a Divine Service at Bielefeld, he
chose Apostle Bischoff as his assistant and in December
14th, 1924, in a great solemn Divine Service at Frank-
36 37
 APPENDIX

Taking into account all the foregoing declarations

and explanations, it should be clear to every reader of
this booklet, that the New Apostolic Doctrine does not
only acknowledge certain parts of the Scriptures but
that everyone of its dogmas are grounded firmly upon
the Holy Scriptures and respond in every detail to the
Doctrine of the Early Church. Our joy and happiness
exists therein, that the Lord has again re-established
His Church in its primeval state, for our Salvation, and
that the New Apostolic Doctrine is firmly grounded
upon the complete Holy Scriptures. For the therein
unto us manifested Love of God, we are deeply grateful.
Glory and Honor be to the Father, to the Son, and to
the Holy Ghost.

38