Biblical Case for Presbyterianism

Question 1

What is organic connectionalism?

Answer 1

• One general visible church of Christ is acknowledged, and all particular churches, and all single congregations are but as similar parts of the whole.

Question 2

How does the NT present the visible church?

Answer 2

1. ) Local
2. ) Regional
3. ) Ecumenical (Universal)

Question 3

Where is the heart (institutional foci) of the different forms of church polity?

Answer 3

1. ) Prelacy (Hiearchial) - the seat of the bishop
2. ) Independence: the local congregation
3. ) Presbyterian: presbytery and Zion

Question 4

What are the 6 features of the Apostolic Church?

Answer 4

1. ) Office-bearers were chosen by the people
2. ) The office of bishop and that of elder are identical
3. ) There was a plurality of elders in each church
4. ) Ordination was an act of the presbytery (plurality of elders)
5. ) The assembled elders from the various churches exercised rights of government and received appeals.
6. ) Christ was recognized as the only head of the church

Question 5

What are the 3 standards of authority in Presbyterianism?

Answer 5

1. ) Primary: Bible
2. ) Secondary: Westminster Standards
3. ) Tertiary: Government, Discipline, and Worship of the Church