1. List some popular meanings of the concept of church. The word "church" often refers to a building, an incorporation, an assembly, an abstract institution (religion), the universal church, a denominational family (such as Baptist), the nation Israel, and an organized local agency.
2. How does the non-technical use of the word church help to define the New Testament Church? When a general word is used in a special way, it becomes technical. Jesus deliberately chose the word church because it was a common Jewish word for assembly that gave special content or theological meaning. The non-technical use of the word "ekklesia" has led to a gradual growth from people's understanding of "ekklesia" to what Jesus intended for it to mean.
3. From the different technical uses of the word church, what can be learned about the concept of the Church? The church is an organism. It is the body of Christ, but it is also a reference to the local church. The church lives, and its inhabitants are meant to assemble themselves together. The inhabitants of the church also have a time when they are not assembled together. The assembly may or may not be of Christ, plus the work "ecclesia" in Acts 9:31 is plural and refers to multiple assemblies.
4. Give the six aspects of the theological definition of the Church. The church is an assembly of professing believers. The unique presence of Jesus Christ dwells in a church. A church is under the discipline of the Word of God. A church is organized to carry out the Great Commission. A church administers the ordnances (baptism and the Lord's Supper). A church reflects the spiritual gifts described in I Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4.
5. Why is the concept of "professing believers" used to qualify the definition? Based on Romans 10:9, all who profess should be included in the local assembly. This does not mean that they truly possess, but their profession should still get them in.
6. What does the concept of "the indwelling Christ" add to the meaning of the Church? Jesus is the Light of the world (Romans 8:12), and the church holds up that light. The church is an organism. Christ dwells within it, but He also is the church. In Revelation 2:3-5, He reveals Himself as the Candlestick, walking in the midst of the assembly. He threatened to remove Himself, thus take away His presence, if the church did not confess their sin and correct their false doctrine.
7. Why must the idea of "organization" be added to the definition of the Church? The church is organized to carry out the Great Commission. It is not merely a country club for people who want to band together.
8. List the factors that cause a New Testament church to cease being a church. A church ceases to be a church when it stops being a church spiritually. It ignores soul-winning, it ceases its basic ministry, and it ignores church discipline. A church ceases to be a church when it gets away from right doctrine and also when it gets away from a proper organizational structure. A split over authority, a compacent attitude, or a failure to maintain the proper compliment of church officers can cause a church to not be a church organizationally.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 5 - Analyzing The Definition Of The Church
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