Lecture 1/10/22 Flashcards
Why is polity important?
Order is the condition that allows for the flourishing of the church
Reading of Acts reveals about the extraordinary?
That it yields to the Ordinary
Transitional vs Programmatic
Transitional = temporary
Programmatic = on going
Is the Pentecost transitional or programmatic?
transitional
Is the apostolic council transitional or programmatic?
programmatic
why study Polity?
Right structure that best affords full and true nature of church
Polity is doing right thing in the right way.
What are 5 blessings of denominations?
1) Accountability of members
2) Safety for pastor
3) Safety for congregation
4) Unity of doctrine
5) Unity in fellowship
what happens when you disregard polity?
disregard doctrine
What are 2 things churches need to avoid in future related to polity?
getting rid of their denominations
forming alliances (bc too lose to hold accountable)
What does waters say this has to do with the great commission?
In order to accomplish the great commission she must be governed well. The integrity is bound up with the polity
what is the esse of the church?
being of the church
what is the bene esse of the church?
well being of the church
4 kinds of churches
- Pure (rightly ordered)
- imperfect (Baptist, Anglican)
- corrupt (catholic ? )
- false (mormon)
What is a PURE church NOT?
Sinless. Still has man in it.
two things Theodore Beza said about the church
- Satan knows it’s easier to overthrow gov than doctrine
2. laxity will lead to erosion of doctrine
what makes up the invisible church?
all the elect, have been, are, shall be, under Christ. Spread across many generations. #’s fixed, never change.
What is the visible church?
All those throughout earth that profess Lord Jesus Christ. CURRENT. It’s the church you and I see. #’s increase or diminish.
What are the marks of the church?
a. Preach word
b. Prop admin of sacraments
c. The faithful exercise of Church Discipline
who is under church discipline?
we are all under church discipline
Unlike apostolic succession, What is handed down in Protestant?
teaching of the apostles
List 4 items in Formal Principle of reformation
Sola Scriptura
RPW
RPP
Presbyterian tripod
Describe Sola Scriptura
Bible is only rule for faith and practice. Only infallible rule.
Faith = what we believe
Practice = how we behave
what is the regulative principle of worship?
RPW
bible decides how we conduct worship services
must do what bible tells us to do