Ecclesiology Flashcards
What does the Greek word “ekklesia” used in the Septuagint Greek OT mean?
It can refer to meetings for civil affairs (1 Kings 2:3), for war (Numbers 22:4), of nations (Genesis 35:11), and a variety of other gatherings, including, and most importantly, Israel’s gatherings for religious purposes (Joel 2:16).
what does ekklesia or mean in the NT?
It refers to the church of God meeting in a home (Rom 16:5) in a particular city (1 Corinthians 1:2), in a region (Acts 9:31) or larger area such as Asia itself (16:19).
Define Church.
Universal body of all true believers in Christ, united in Him by the Spirit, expressed in local and geographical “churches”. There is only one church (Ephesians 4:4).
What are the seven metaphors which the church is referred to by the Scriptures?
- the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). 2. God’s family (2 Corinthians 6:18) 3. her intimate and dependent relationship to her Lord is likened to a vine and its branches (John 15:1-11). 4. the pillar and ground of Truth to the world (1 Timothy 3:15) 5. a building (1 Corinthians 3:9), a living temple that grows (Ephesians 2:20-21), and a holy temple in which God dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16). 6. a “holy nation” or “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). 7. the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-15).
What does the church have to do with the kingdom of God?
- the church is not the kingdom. 2. the kingdom creates teh church 3. the church witnesses to the kingdom of God 4. the church is the instrument of the kingdom 5. the church is the custodian of the kingdom
How do covenant-amillenial theologians view the relationship between the Church and Israel?
They think the church has replaced national Israel in God’s plan of blessing and has herself inherited the promises to Israel, thus becoming the new Israel. The David covenant is now being fulfilled in the church and will be ultimately fulfilled in the eternal state, and that there is no future for ethnic Israel an no special future for ethnic Jews either.
How do classic Dispensational-premillennial theologians view the relationship between the Church and Israel?
They think the church and Israel are distinct and must not be merged. They claim that the Davidic covenant is not now being fulfilled in the church (since it was made with national Israel), but that it and all God’s promises made to Israel will be fulfilled in the millennium. The church fulfills God’s heavenly promises and Israel fulfills God’s earthly promises.
How do covenant-premillennial theologians view the relationship between the Church and Israel?
They think there will be a future restoration of many ethnic Jews as Paul argues in Romans 11, but not the kind of national restitution that the classic or revised dispensationalist holds.
How do progressive dispensationalists view the relationship between the Church and Israel?
They think the Davidic covenant is being fulfilled in the church, but that does not set aside the fulfillment envisioned in the OT with the nation of Israel. There is a soteriological equality among all the people of God (Israel in the OT and the church in the NT), but there are structural differences that will be maintained in the future millennial reign of Christ and in eternity.
What is the purpose of the church?
To carry on the work of Christ in proclaiming the gospel and being a light to the world (Acts 13:47).
How is the church to worship?
We should have a Godward focus in worship, praise, and prayer. Freely worshipping the Trinitarian God and praying for each other as well as those in the world, including political leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
What is the church commissioned to do with respect to new beleivers?
We are to teach concerning the gospel and its ethics such as obedience to the Lord’s commands, love for each other, and responsible and holy living in a fallen world.
Name the three basic forms of church government.
- Episcopalian 2. Presbyterian 3. Congregational 4. non-governmental
Describe the Episcopalian form of Church government. Where is this form of church government found?
The archbishop (there are several) has authority over the bishop who in turn presides over a diocese, i.e., several church, which are cared for by the rector or vicar. The archbishop, bishop, and rectors are all ordained priest. This form of government is seen in the Methodist, Anglican, and Catholic churches.
Describe the Presbyterian form of church government.
The local church elects certain elders to the “session” (Presbyterian) or “consistory” (Reformed Church), some or all of whom are members of a higher governing body called the “presbytery” (Presbyterian) or “classis” (Reformed). Some of the members of the presbytery or classis are chosen by the presbytery or classis to form a synod. A yet higher governing body in the Presbyterian church is The General Assembly which is itself composed of lay and clergy representatives from the presbyteries.
Describe the Congregational form of church government.
Both the autonomy of the local church (under Christ) and the rights of its members are stressed. The conviction here comes from there being no evidence in the NT that churches were controlled by other churches or individuals. Paul told Titus to establish leaders among the churches in Crete (Titus 1:5). There is no mention that these leaders were responsible to outsiders for their budget or day-to-day, practical considerations. The priesthood of all believers is held in high regard, but a leader or leaders are almost always chosen. These leaders do not replace the ministry and involvement of the members.
What system of church government does the NT seem to support?
It supports the idea of a plurality of elders at any one location (James 5:14), but not the idea of a developed hierarchical structure beyond this.
What qualifications must a person meet before being considered for the role of elder?
They must be morally above reproach, a good leader in the home, have an ability to teach, and must not be a recent convert (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1).
What are the principle roles of the elder?
Leading, teaching, and protecting the church of God.
What qualifications must deacons have?
(1 Timothy 3:8-13) They must have good morals, being a good leader in the home, but nothing is mentioned regarding teaching the faith. It seems their duties would then include finances and church administration.
What two ordinances has the Lord given the church?
Baptism and the Lord’s supper, which is commonly called the Eucharist.
What 2 things did Christ command his disciples to do when going and making disciples of all nations?
- baptizing them in the Trinitarian name of God, and 2. teaching them to obey everything that Christ had commanded.
What evidence is there that “to baptize” means complete immersion and not sprinkling?
The most common meaning of the verb in Greek and the NT is to “immerse” “dip,” or “plunge.” It does not mean “to sprinkle.” John baptized people in the Jordan river and not on dry ground, which is best explained if with immersion instead of sprinkling. Jesus is said to go down into the waters and come up out of the waters. John baptized at Aenon near Salim because there was much water there. (John 3:23) A great amount of water would not be needed for immersion. In the case of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, they would not have had to wait until the Ethiopian saw a large amount of water if it was sprinkling. And why would they go down into the water if sprinkling were required? Paul uses water to symbolize “dying and rising” with Christ in Romans 6:4, a parallel easily understood if immersion is the method that Paul had in mind (Colossians 2:12).
Who should be baptized?
It is to be administered to believers only. It does not work ex opere operato as the Catholic church teaches (1 Peter 3:21), but is an ordinance given to those who have personally trusted in Christ, conscious of what they are doing. There are several passages in Acts that make this clear, so other passages that seem to speak of the baptism of households should not be understood to include infant baptism nor the baptism of unbelieving adults (Acts 2:41).
