10. THEOLOGY - THE CHURCH

Question 1

What is the universal church?

Answer 1

God’s elect for all time—past, present, and future.

Question 2

What is the visible church?

Answer 2

The church which Christ established in this world for the gathering and perfecting of professing believers and their children

Question 3

What are the attributes of the church? Prove from Scripture.

Answer 3

Holy (1 Pet. 2:9-10)
Catholic (Eph 4)
Apostolic (Eph 2:19-20)

Question 4

What are the marks of the church? Prove from Scripture.

Answer 4

1. Preaching of the Word - 2 Tim.4:1-2 (preach the word; be ready in every season)
2. Administration of the Sacraments - 1 Cor. 11 (do this in remembrance of me)
3. Exercise of discipline - Mat. 16 & 18

Question 5

Who is the head of the church?

Answer 5

Jesus.

Col. 1:18

Question 6

Define three basic forms of church government.

Answer 6

1. Congregational (independent)
2. Episcopalian (order of bishops)
3. Presbyterian (elder ruled)

Question 7

What are the principles of Presbyterian church government? Support from Scripture.

Answer 7

1. Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph. 1-2)
2. The Word of God is Authoritative (2 Tim. 3:16)
3. Christ Has Given Power to the Church (Matt. 16)
4. Power Rests in the Local Church (2 Tim. 3)

Question 8

What is the role of women in the church?

Answer 8

Women are to be fully recognized as co-heirs of the kingdom and fully involved in kingdom work; however, they are not to be in the role of officers of the church.

1 Tim 2:12
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.”

Question 9

What is “subscription”?

• Why is there disagreement on this subject?
• What view of subscription do you hold and why?

Answer 9

Strict “subscription” (interpretation) of the Westminster Standards.

Agreement on doctrines but debate on practice.
e.g. Sabbath recreation.

Westminister View of the Sabbath which says no recreation.

Question 9

May women serve as officers in the church?

Answer 9

No. 1 Tim. 2:12

Question 10

What privileges do Christians share?

Answer 10

Hebrews 11:23-25 teaches that we share common confession, encouragement to do good works, and the joys of fellowship.

Question 11

What duties do Christians owe each other?

Answer 11

Love

Question 12

Does the “communion of the saints” deny the right of private property?

Answer 12

No. Rather, we are told to labor so that we will have something to share with one who has need.

Question 13

What authority does the church possess?

Answer 13

-Discipline: Keys of the Kingdom
-Power to Censure
-Power to Loose (forgive) and to Bind (hold accountable)
-Fence the Lord’s Table

Question 14

What is the purpose of church censures?

Answer 14

1. To reclaim disobedient sinners
2. To protect the purity of the church
3. To deter others from similar sin
4. To purge out bad leaven
5. To vindicate the honor of Christ and Church

Question 15

What censures may the church impose?

Answer 15

1. Admonition
2. Suspension from the Lord’s Table
3. Excommunication

Question 16

Identify some Scripture passages that support the practice of church discipline.

Answer 16

Titus 3:10
“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,”

1 Thess. 3:14
“If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.”

1 Cor. 5:13
“God judges[a] those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

Question 17

Who may properly call church assemblies, synods, or councils?

For what purpose?

Answer 17

The overseers (elders) of the church.

For edification, not destruction.

Question 18

What authority do church councils possess?

How should Christians respond to them?

Answer 18

To determine controversies of faith and cases of conscience.

With respect and obedience, unless they violate the teachings of Scripture.
(Heb. 13:17 - Obey and submit to leaders who watch over your soul)