WCF 25 Of the Church Flashcards
What are Witherow’s six principles of church government?
- Office-bearers are chosen by the people.
- The office of elder is identical with that of bishop.
- There should be a plurality of elders in each local church.
- Ordination is an act of the presbytery, of a plurality of elders.
- Privilege of appeal to assembly of elders outside the local church.
- Christ is the Head of the Church. (The pope and king are not.)
Define invisible church
The whole number of the elect–past, present and future.
Define visible church.
All who profess the true religion, as well as their children.
How does the visible church relate to the invisible?
The visible builds up the invisible.
Visible has been given the ministry, oracles and ordinances of God. It is to gather and perfect the saints in this life. God’s Spirit makes this work effectual.
What is the work of the church?
To gather, perfect and strengthen the saint for this life to the end of the world for the work of service, and to pass on the covenant.
What is the spirituality of the church?
The church’s authority and scope are not civil but spiritual, teaching God’s law and administering church government. Thornwell said that the church must only speak from the Bible.
What did God give to enable the church to do its work?
His presence–His Spirit to make ministry effectual according to His promises.
What relation do parachurch organizations have to evangelism and discipleship?
Whatever purports to gather and equip the saints should be under the authority of a particular church.
What are the marks of the true church?
The pure gospel is taught, and people encouraged to embrace it.
The ordinances (including church discipline) should be rightly administered.
Public worship conducted in purity.
In 25.6 should the part about the pope being an antichrist have been deleted?
Pipa says no. The church is magisterial and should minister only the Word of God.
