The Doctrine of the Church ECCLESIOLOGY The Doctrine of the Church

1 Timothy 3:14-15 Information concerning the church. It is the household of God. It belongs to the living God. It is the pillar and ground of truth.

CHURCH (ECCLESIA) Means “to call out,” can also be translated ASSEMBLY or CONGREGATION Two main uses of the word church in NT. Universal church (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25) Local church (Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 1:2)

GENERAL DEFINITION TWO VIEWS Covenant Theology Dispensational Theology Church of Christ includes regenerate persons of all time and ages. Dispensational Theology Church includes all the regenerate persons between Pentecost and the rapture

SEVEN DISPENSATIONS Innocence - Adam & Eve to fall Conscience - Fall to Noah Human Government-Flood to Abraham Promise-Abraham to Moses Law-Moses to cross Grace (church)-Cross to rapture Kingdom-Millennium

THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH Often referred to as the “body of Christ.” This refers to all true believers from Pentecost to the rapture. Matthew 16:18 Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:25

BIBLICAL SUPPORT Ephesians 3:5-6 1 Corinthians 10:32 Matthew 16:18 ’ Ephesians 3:5-6 1 Corinthians 10:32 Matthew 16:18 Ephesians 5:25-27 1 Corinthians 12:13-14

DIVINE DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH These descriptions say much about our subjective relationship with Christ. Christianity is a relationship with a person, Jesus Christ. It is not just a religion full of facts and principles.

BIBLICAL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE CHURCH The Shepherd and the Sheep (John 10) Shepherd = Christ Sheep = Believers

The Vine and the Branches (John 15) Setting Upper Room Discourse Substance Cause of fruit bearing – the Father (15:1-3) Condition of fruit bearing – abide (15:4-6) Consequence of abiding

Significance The same life is in the branches as is in the vine. The branches bear fruit because of their vital connection to the life-giving vine.

THE BUILDING (temple) (Ephesians 2:19-20) Israel had a temple (Exodus 25:8) The church is a temple (Ephesians 2:21) Certain characteristics: The chief cornerstone is Christ (Eph 2:20-22; 1 Peter 2:6) Each believer is a living stone (1 Peter 2:5) The Spirit indwells it (Ephesians 2:22)

THE HIGH PRIEST AND ROYAL PRIESTHOOD (1 Peter 2:5-9) The High Priest = Christ (Heb 7) Royal Priesthood (1 Pet 2:5-9; Rev 1:6) Consists of worship (Heb. 13:15). Consists of service of sacrifice. Consists of intercession .

THE HEAD AND THE BODY (1 Corinthians 12) Head = Christ (Eph 1:22-23; 5:23). Body = Believers (Col 1:18). A self-developing body (Eph 4:11-16). Body members given gifts (Rom 12; 1 Cor 12; 1 Pet 4; Eph 4). The body is one (1 Cor 12:12, 13)

THE LAST ADAM & THE NEW CREATION (Romans 5:12-21) Last Adam is Christ New Creation

THE BRIDEGROOM AND THE BRIDE (Ephesians 5:22-23) The Bridegroom = Christ The bride = church (Ephesians 5:24; 5:32-33)

THREE MAIN DUTIES OF THE CHURCH TO GLORIFY GOD Ephesians 1:6, 12, 14; 1 Corinthians 10:31 In worship – individual and corporate praise and thanks. In witness – individual and corporate exhibitions of the excellencies of Christ. TO EVANGELIZE Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8 We have the authority of the risen Lord to evangelize. We are told to make disciples. We are told to “go,” “baptize,” and “teach.”

THREE MAIN DUTIES OF THE CHURCH (cont’d) TO EDIFY THE SAINTS Matthew 28:19-20; Ephesians 4:7-16 All believers are given spiritual gifts (Ephesians 4:7). The church is to equip the saints for work of service for building the body (Ephesians 4:12) Purpose is to come to unity of the faith (doctrine). Includes knowledge of Christ, growth to maturity, stability in doctrine and life, speaking the truth in love and functioning in love.

DESTINY OF THE CHURCH RAPTURE – The end of the church age 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 The event at which Christ returns The dead in Christ are raised The living are transformed These two groups are caught up together to be with the Lord forever. It will occur in a moment. It has been called a mystery because this was not revealed to the nation of Israel in the Old Testament.

DESTINY OF THE CHURCH (cont’d) REWARD 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10 During the Tribulation, believers will go before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Meaningful works will receive a reward and worthless works will perish. RETURN AND REIGN Revelation 19 and 20 The church will return with Christ at His glorious Second Coming and will rule with Christ as His bride.