Part 27
"'For all the chosen race Shall meet around the throne, Shall bless the conduct of His grace, And make His glories known.'
"As many as God hath chosen, as many as Christ hath redeemed, as many as the Spirit hath called, as many as believe in Jesus, shall safely cross the dividing sea. We are not all safely landed yet:
"'Part of the host have crossed the flood, And part are crossing now.'
"The vanguard of the army has already reached the shore. We are marching through the depths; we are at this day following hard after our Leader into the heart of the sea. Let us be of good cheer: the rearguard shall soon be where the vanguard already is; the last of the chosen ones shall soon have crossed the sea, and then shall be heard the song of triumph, when all are secure. But oh. if one were absent — oh. if one of his chosen family should be cast away — it would make an everlasting discord in the song of the redeemed, and cut the strings of the harps of paradise, so that music could never be extorted from them." (Spurgeon, Charles H.; "MORNING AND EVENING"; Mclean, VA: MacDonald Publishing Co., p 42)
ATONEMENT
Atonement in the New Testament is a translation of the Greek word "katalithozo" (Strong's 2643). It appears as atonement only once, in Romans 5:11. The other appearances are translated reconciliation. Romans 11:15; 2 Corinthians 5:18; 2 Corinthians 5:19.
In the Old Testament atonement was always related to the idea of a sacrifice being given to atone for sins of the people. It is used almost exclusively in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Only four other occurrences are found outside these three books.
There are two words translated atonement in the Old Testament. ("Kippoor'" and "kaw-far'") The first comes from the second and the meaning is to cover. It is the word that is used in Genesis 6:14, "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." Noah was to use pitch, or kawphar to cover the ark.
Indeed, is not Noah covering the ark with pitch and being saved, a picture of the Old Testament saint that sacrificed an animal, and the animal becoming a covering for the sin, to protect the saint?
The New Testament term is one which we studied under propitiation. The term is translated reconciling or reconciliation in the New Testament usually, and atonement only once in the New Testament.
Atonement is the paying of a price to bring man and God back together. The question of whom the atonement was for, is often raised.
Some see the atonement as only for the elect. The strong Calvinist would be in this group. Christ died only for those that God in His sovereign will did elect in eternity past. Others view Christ's work on the cross for the sins of the world — for all of mankind.
The abundance of Scripture seems to indicate the unlimited atonement is best.
John 1:29 Christ taketh away the sin of the world.
John 3:16 God loved the world.
John 6:51 Christ gave flesh for the world.
Romans 11:12,15 Reconciling of the world.
2 Corinthians 5:19 Christ reconciling the world to Himself.
1 John 2:2 Christ propitiation for sins of the world.
2 Corinthians 5:14 Christ died for all.
1 Timothy 2:4,6 Christ ransom for all.
Titus 2:11 Grace that bringteth salvation appeared to all men.
Hebrews 2:9 Christ tasted death for every man.
2 Peter 3:9 God wants all to come to repentance.
(Pardington notes p 261 ff list more references if they are needed.)
It would seem from these verses that Christ died for the sins of every individual that has, or will live on this earth. The fact that many are lost shows that the work of Christ must be accepted to become effectual in the life.
There are some inadequate views of the atonement. We should look at these briefly.
1. Replacement Theory: (Iraneus) Christ's obedience to God replaced the Devil's disobedience, and thus Christ conquered the devil. This theory does not deal with sin, however, and that is the problem that man needs cared for.
2. Ransom To Satan: (Origen) Christ died to buy us back from the Devil. The problem with this theory is that the Bible nowhere mentions that we are Satan's, nor that we need to be bought back from him.
3. Mystical Theory: (Schleirmacher/a liberal) Christ took on a sinful nature. Just how making Christ sinful in nature cares for lost man's sin, I don't know. This theory does not deal with death nor penalty.
4. Moral Influence Theory also known as the Bushnellian Theory: (Abelard) Death of Christ softens our heart to lead us to repentance. As we consider and meditate on the death of Christ our soul is moved to repentance.
5. Honor, Commercial Or Anselmic Theory: (Anselm) Christ received honor and he didn't need it so Christ passed it on to us if we follow the Gospel.
The Roman Catholic church expands this thought and see grace as coming from this source. They feel that the Church Saints also had extra grace which went into a pool with that of Christ, where the person can come to gain grace, through the sacraments.
6. True Doctrine: (God) The atonement must be manward as well as Godward. God's holiness demands sin be punished. (eternal torment) Christ died as our substitute for our sin. This affects both God and man. Man becomes correct before God, and God can see His creatures face to face.
Christ did all that was needed to bring man to God. We could not do it.
7. Socinian: (originally set forth by Laelius & Faustus Socinus of Poland in 16th century. Today it is basically a Unitarian doctrine.) Only man has a problem. God is okay and when man gets it right all will be well. Man does this by his own will and works. Christ was an example for us to show how we are to be faithful to duty.
8. Grotian, Or Governmental Theory: God's governmental set up requires that the punishment be levied and carried out. This is what Christ was doing. It has nothing to do with God's nature.
9. Irvingian, Or Theory Of Gradually Extirpated Depravity: (Set forth by Edward Irvin in England 1792-1834 and presently held by some German scholars.) Christ took upon Himself a fallen human nature and through suffering here on earth lived a perfect life and purified that nature. His death on the cross was His final reuniting the perfected nature with God. (This may be similar to the mystical theory that has already been covered.)
10. Dramatic Theory: (Aulen 1879-1978) "Christ in His death gained victory over the powers of evil." (Reprinted by permission: Ryrie, Charles C.; "Basic Theology"; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1986, p 309)
11. Barthian Theory: (Barth 1886-1968) "Christ's death was principally a revelation of God's love and His hatred of sin. (Reprinted by permission: Ryrie, Charles C.; "Basic Theology"; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1986, p 309)
12. Substitutional Or Satisfaction Theory: This one is the correct one by the way. It was mentioned in number six previously. This view was set forth by Augustine, and later Calvin. It is present in todays Reformed and Presbyterian theologies. "Christ the sinless One took on Himself the penalty that should have been borne by man and others." (Reprinted by permission: Ryrie, Charles C.; "Basic Theology"; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1986, p 309)
Substitutionary Atonement is a term we often use today. It describes the fact that Christ died in our place as a substitute for us on the cross.
This principle is seen in the Old Testament sacrificial system. The saint was to lay his hand on the sacrifice as it was slain. Ryrie states of this, "This meant transmission and delegation, and implied representation; so that it really pointed to the substitution of the sacrifice for the sacrificer...." (Reprinted by permission: Ryrie, Charles C.; "Basic Theology"; Wheaton: Victor Books, 1986, p 287)
Pardington has more information on the theories if you want more study materials. Ryrie goes into great length on the use of prepositions in relation to the atonement, if you would like further study.
1. Christ died for the sins of the world. That's Missions.
2. Christ died in our place. That's Grace.
3. Christ paid the price. That's Love.
4. Jesus last words on the cross were these, "It is finished". That's Victory..
He was speaking of the work that God had given Him to accomplish on this earth. He did all that was required of Him. All that was required of Him was all that God had planned for Him before the foundation of the world.
Q. How do you as a believer react to what you have read in this series of studies? Has it changed your life one whit? Has it brought you under conviction about any of the overindulgences you allow yourself in the material realm?
Has it brought you face to face with the 2-3 Billion people that have never heard the Gospel once. 2-3 billion people that we have discussed as being lost and without hope of salvation. Have you really faced that issue in your life? (In 1992 the world's population was 5 1/2 billion. The estimates tell us that half of these people have never heard the claims of the Gospel.)
Has it put you into prayer about the multitude of things that Christ provided to you when you simply trusted Him as your personal savior?
Has it made you think of the 30,000 missionaries that will be retiring in the next few years. Many missions were established and manned shortly after World War II when the Christian servicemen were coming home after seeing the needs of people over the world spiritually. Most of these people are in their 60's and 70's.
We only have about 5,000 appointees and applicants on the line today to replace those 30,000 that are coming home.
If you truly believe all that we have studied this semester, then there is no way you can put these questions aside. You must deal with them. To ignore them is to ignore the Lord, for Missions is what it is all about.
Theology books may seem to be a funny place to talk of these things but let me tell you something. Our schools and seminaries are geared for raising Pastors and Missionaries. They raise them in separate gardens and the two are only allowed to learn from one another those things that happen accidentally. If we don't start teaching pastors to be missions minded we are never going to have a missions minded church.
If we don't apply what we learn here in these studies to the program of God then we are wasting both our time and His.
If in your mind, Theology is not related to the ministering of that knowledge you learn here to the souls of men, then Please stop wasting your time.
If the things you are learning in these books today aren't in your mind aimed at reaching the lost with the Gospel, you have a wrong concept of what is going on.
We have been studying the very essence of the Gospel. We have dissected it, we have chewed it up, we have inspected it and we have labored with it. We should have a good understanding of what Christ is sending us out to preach.
MAN is lost in SIN and God has provided Salvation.
How Are You Going To Relate This Information To Your Personal Life? How Are You Going To Relate It To The World? How Are You Going To Face God If You Don't Relate It To Both Your Personal Life And The World?
BACK TO GOD'S PLAN
"The day after the air raid which resulted in the demolition of the House of Commons chamber at Westminster, when we knew the worst, the thought was in millions of minds that after the war we must build that old historic house 'according to the original plan,' but alas. the old plan was nowhere to be found. The prime minister confessed to the House that all possible research was being made and would be made.
"Away back in the year 1882 a famous architect was going over a number of old plans and distributed those for which he had no further use to his staff of young designers and draughtsmen. One of these young men who chose a plan and who is still alive today was recently listening in to a talk on 'Planning,' and the speaker reminded his listeners that old plans and old papers had acquired a new value as munitions of war and suggested that those listening in should immediately search their houses and turn in all old papers for salvage. The architect who in his youth had acquired the plan from his chief made search in his attic, and there amid the dust of the years, discovered he had in his possession something of great value which had long ago been forgotten. It was the original plan of the House of
Commons. The good news was at once conveyed to the House, and the plan pronounced valid, and a great relief filled the minds of many people that in the period of reconstruction the House of Commons chamber would be rebuilt on the model of the old plan.
"There is surely a parable in this story. The world is in a terrible mess of trouble and disaster because the old plan of God's word and God's will has been lost or set aside. Men have either rejected it altogether or tampered with it. God's plan is the only solution. Nothing less will do. Let us seek out that old plan for the reconstruction which must follow war. Charles S. Rodenberg (Stuber, Stanley I. and Clark, Thomas Curtis; "Treasury Of The Christian Faith"; New York: Association Press, 1949)
I trust none of us mislay, or place in storage what we've learned in this section. We have the plan that millions need. How can we personally help in furthering God's program?
ARMINIUS 1560-1609
Actually his name was Harmen. Arminius was a Latinization of it. Some authors mention him as Jacob or James. He was Dutch. (Thomas, W.H. Griffith; "The Principles Of Theology"; Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979, p 245)
Steele and Thomas will be mentioned from time to time in this section. They have two books out which compare these two systems.
This is what Arminianism teaches however there are some differences with what Mark Arminius taught. His followers set forth "his" doctrine to the church of Holland in 1610, but they were pronounced unscriptural in 1619. Some authors state that the true Arminianism is somewhat different from that presented at Dort. These thoughts were written by Hugo Grotius and others. It is called the Remonstrance which is a presentation of reasons to oppose something.
Though condemned, the system of thought spread. Archbishop William Laud (1573-1645) introduced it into the Anglican Church where 100 years later John & Charles Wesley picked it up and used his thinking in establishing the Methodist Denomination. (George Whitefield also was involved.) I should make note however, Laud, I think was a minority and that the Anglican church for the most part was, and is calvinistic. Indeed, some list the Anglican 39 Articles as descending from Calvin's work.
The system teaches the following:
1. Free Will: Man is depraved, however not so badly that God can't help him find God. He is not slave to his sin nature, but can respond to God's drawing, or reject it. He is not forced against his will to accept God. The Holy Spirit will assist him if he so desires.
2. Conditional Election: God chooses people on the basis of his foreknowledge that is he knew before hand that they would respond to His working through the Holy Spirit. He elected only those that He knew would respond to Him. This makes election dependant upon what man would do.
3. Unlimited Atonement: Christ obtained salvation for everyone on the cross however this does not give everyone salvation. They must respond to God before this is effectual to them.
4. Resistable Grace: God the Holy Spirit calls all that are to be saved unto God. That call, however is not compulsory. Man can and does reject that call of the Spirit, thus condemning himself. The Holy Spirit can do nothing without the free will decision of the person.
5. Insecurity Of The Believer: The standard Armenian today holds that a person can lose his salvation. This doesn't seem to be the original position however, as the Armenians when the controversy started stated that this needed more study. Indeed, some Armenians over the years have held to a very strict view of the Security of the believer.
The system views God as the instigator of salvation (the call) and man the receptor. Between the two of them they get the job done, so to speak. Man is given the choice between heaven and hell, between peace with God and turmoil, between God and the Devil. He may choose as he wills. (I wonder why anyone would not choose God.)
JOHN CALVIN
At a meeting with King Charles IX in 1561 the Calvinists claimed the term "reformed" for themselves. They wanted to say by this that they were more reformed than the Lutheran churches were under Luther.
Calvin set forth his views in his Institutes in 1536.
John Calvin supposedly invented an acrostic to refute the Armenians at the Synod of Dort in 1619.
It would be good to point out that Augustine held these truths 1000 years before (according to Griffith Thomas in The Principles of Theology, p 246).
Some of the many confessions that grew out of different countries where his followers were located are the Heidelberg Catechism, the Canons of the Synod of Dort, the Westminster Confession of Faith and in the Church of England the Anglican Confession, or Thirty-nine Articles.
His acrostic was as follows:
T. Total depravity of man.
U. Unconditional election.
L. Limited atonement.
I. Irresistible grace.
P. Perseverance of the saints.
Let us go through his points.
Total Depravity Of Man: We are totally corrupt and unable to respond to God in any way shape or form, unless God does the moving. The strong Calvinist might even suggest that regeneration comes to the person, so that there is enough life within him to respond to the Gospel and call of God. Without this regeneration, it is utterly impossible for the person to respond.
Unconditional election: God chose the elect based on nothing but His sovereignty. There is nothing that the man can do at all. He is totally unable to help himself.
Limited atonement: Christ died on the cross for only the elect. Christ's work provided all that was needed for the salvation of man.
Irresistible grace: The grace that God extends cannot be rejected. The person must turn to God. There is a call to all to be saved which can be, and is often rejected, however for the elect there is an inner calling which cannot be resisted.
I Must Observe For A Moment. The terms "to come freely and willingly" that the Calvinist uses, are hilarious in this discussion. If he cannot resist, and if he cannot respond, and if the Holy Spirit is doing it, and if the man can do nothing except respond Then how can they use "freely and willingly"?
Perseverance of the saints: The saved person cannot lose their salvation. They are forever saved by the power of God. Since this salvation is based on the power, election, provision, calling and work of God, how can it fail.
Once the person is a child of God, there is nothing that can separate him from His God.
There is another system that has never been set forth with an official title. It is a system that is held by many theologians.
While in a college full of strong Calvinistic professors, some of the students, including myself, became dissatisfied with what was being taught. The professors found that there was a lack of acceptance of their doctrine, so they proceeded to teach Calvinism in every class, in every chapel, and in every other opportunity they had.
The result was that the dissenters were very frustrated. I finally wrote an open letter to the faculty asking that the Calpush be stopped. I included a poem of humor, and signed it A. Calmenian. Since, I have used the term to describe what I believe to be the proper mix of Calvinism and Arminianism to be.
CALMENIANISM
1. Total Depravity: Man is totally depraved.
2. Conditional Election: God chose and elected based on His foreknowledge of what a person would do if placed in a certain set of circumstances leading up to the point of a decision about Christ.
3. Unlimited Atonement: Christ died for all mankind as John 3:16 states. Christ made universal payment for all of mankind, however we must remember that Christ's death saved no one. Only applying that work will save.
4. Grace:
Desired Grace: God has revealed Himself within man and through nature according to Romans 1. This revelation if responded to would, I assume, lead to further revelation, and ultimately a confrontation with the cross of Jesus Christ. (In other words the drawing that brings the person to the decision.) Moving men to an effective faith in Christ is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Common grace is grace that is extended to all of mankind — rain, sunshine, etc.
Convicting grace is grace that convicts man of sin and judgment. This can be resisted even if believed;
Confessing grace which brings the person to salvation and is irresistible.
5. Security Of The Saints: Saved cannot lose their salvation. This view allows for logically bringing election and freewill together. By free will it is meant that the person has a free choice when he decides for, or against Christ. It is also indicated in Scripture that the person would not choose Christ except for the work which the Holy Spirit has been doing in the life.
CALVIN AND ARMINIUS CONSIDERED
These thoughts are not designed to prove my view, or anyone else's view, but are presented for your thought and consideration. I make no condemnation of these men, nor do I want to try to judge them in anyway. I merely want to observe some facts and draw from these facts some possible conclusions.
These conclusions may or may not be true, but I think they are worth considering when we are going to study and comment on two men's theological systems.
Calvin studied under the humanist Guillaume Cop at the University of Paris. He also studied law for awhile at the university at Orleans. Then came Calvin's conversion. To the astute mind that looks at things from the cause and effect point of view, you must wonder if Calvin's back ground wasn't very heartily affecting his theological studies.
Indeed, Mark Carins gives comment to one occasion which might help us to visualize this possibility more easily. "Forced to leave France in 1534 after he had collaborated with Nicholas Cop, the rector of the University of Paris, in an address that was tinged with Humanistic and Reformation ideology, he went to Basel." (Taken from the book, Christianity Through The Centureies by Earle E. Cairns. Copyright 1954, 1981 by The Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission.)
His "Institutes of the Christian Religion" was put out for the first time in 1534-36. It was not into it's final form until 1559. However, Calvin himself states that the work that he added to it was additions and enlargements — not change of any major approach. This came out when he was 26 years old. Fresh out of a humanist and law education and conversion. There is little doubt that humanism was a factor in his thinking.
"In the first edition of this work, not expecting that success which the Lord, in his infinite goodness, hath given, I handled the subject for the most part in a superficial manner, as is usual in small treatises." "...In every succeeding one the work has been improved by some further enlargements. But though I repented not the labour then devoted to it, yet I never satisfied myself, till it was arranged in the order in which it is now published;" (Taken from the book, Christianity Through The Centureies by Earle E. Cairns. Copyright 1954, 1981 by The Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission.)
If he felt free to mix his thinking in the early days then you must see the distinct possibility of it later in life. His humanistic training would influence his thought most of his life.
Carins further mentions the fact that his first book is very plainly influenced by Luther's Catechism. He is a man being influenced on many sides.
It seems to me that anyone converted from the thinking of humanism might well over react in his thinking where man / God relationships are involved.
Carins mentions that Arminius studied at Leyden and Geneva under Beza. Mark Beza, if you have studied Calvin, was the man that took over the banner when Calvin died in Geneva. "Theodore Beza took over his [Calvin's] work of leadership in Geneva." (Carins p 338) If Arminius studied under a staunch and strong, freshly cultured Calvinist, is it not somewhat possible that his theology might well be tainted with a pendulum swing of reaction also, and in the other direction?
Carins mentions (p 338) that Arminius came under great opposition from his colleague Francis Gomar, and as is seen later in history with others that
opposed his teaching. What does the underdog usually do when opposed? Dig in, hold on tight, and look for further proof that he is right. This would not necessarily make for an open mind when looking into Scripture for proof of one's beliefs.
It seems to me that we may well have in Calvinism and Arminianism the two extremes of theological thought that are back swings to humanism. This may well be why today we have most conservative theologians somewhere in the middle — Calmenians.
1. When you study these two men be sure you temper what they say with their backgrounds. Indeed, when you study anyone maybe you should look at their backgrounds.
2. Indeed, when you listen to someone, temper what they say with their background. To allow you to do this let me tell you my background. I was raised in a Christian Church. I did not hear the Gospel in that church. I received Christ in a Fundamental Bible church. I went to college at Western Bible Institute for two years. The faculty were staunch Calvinists. Indeed, they took several weeks to pound Calvinism into the students minds. Chapel sessions as well as in many of the classes. Out of this I was very frustrated because I had just studied the Word of God to find the answers to these questions and now they were telling me I was completely wrong. I then attended two years at an Independent Baptist College which was also very Calvinistic. Now you know my back ground. Maybe my study of the Word was based on some over reaction, however I don't think so. My study was done before anyone had told me what they thought to be the proper belief.
3. When you get tired of looking at backgrounds and trying to figure out just what is affecting each author you might try going to the Word of God and see what He thinks. He Had A Perfect Background Upon Which To Draw, When He Spoke.
4. Is it any wonder that a middle of the road position which mixes the two systems has come on the scene? Maybe, should we say a system which
stems from many pendulum swings over the years to a more Biblical accounting of what the Word of God says?
CONCLUSION
In the dedication of his "Institutes" to "His Most Christian Majesty, Francis, King of the French and his Sovereign" he states, "But our doctrine must stand, exalted above all the glory and invincible by all the power of the world; because it is not ours, but the doctrine of the living God, and of his Christ, whom the Father hath constituted King,..." (Taken from the book, Christianity Through The Centureies by Earle E. Cairns. Copyright 1954, 1981 by The Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission.)
This man, as I am sure did Arminius, believe what he taught was the very best they could do with the Scriptures, and that what they believed was the truth that God had revealed.
I trust that you will consider what you have read in this section and come to the point that you will center your studies on the Word of God and use the commentaries, and theologies, and the other books as tools to assist you and to check you in your studies. Do not look into these books for your answers but look into THE book. Do not look into these books for your truth but look into the Book of Truth.
THE DECREES
I will include a brief listing of the positions concerning the decrees. Most theology works have further information, if you would like further study.
Rightfully expressed, most feel that God had only one, over all decree, but that for our ease of understanding we break it into several decrees. Four lines of thinking as to the sequence of decrees are to be found. Infralapsarian, Sublapsarian, Supralapsarian, And Arminian. The first three are to be found in the Calvinist camp.
The term "lapsarian" comes from the idea of the fall — the lapse.
SUPRALAPSARIAN
Those holding to this sequence would usually be the Ultra or High Calvinist. They would place the order of the decrees as follows:
1. Decree to elect some to be saved and to reprobate all others.
2. Decree to create men both elect and non-elect.
3. Decree to permit the fall.
4. Decree to provide salvation for the elect.
5. Decree to apply salvation to the elect.
INFRALAPSARIAN
Those holding to this order are usually moderate Calvinists.
1. Decree to create all men.
2. Decree to permit the fall.
3. Decree to provide salvation for men.
4. Decree to elect those who do believe and to leave in just
condemnation all who do not believe.
5. Decree to apply salvation to those who believe.
SUBLAPSARIAN
Those holding to this order would be classified as moderate also. There is little difference between the Infra and Sub. That difference being that the Sub. place the decree to elect after the one to allow the fall.
1. Decree to create all men.
2. Decree to permit the fall.
3. Decree to elect those who do believe and to leave in just condemnation all who do not believe.
4. Decree to provide salvation for men.
5. Decree to apply salvation to those who believe.
ARMINIAN
The Arminian view is as follows.
1. Decree to create all men.
2. Decree to permit the fall.
3. Decree to provide salvation for men.
4. Decree to elect those who do believe and to leave in just condemnation all who do not believe.
The election that they speak about is based on the foreknowledge of God. That is the foreknowing of "human virtue, faith, and obedience" (Chafer Vol. III, p 182) The election in the Calvinist camp is based upon God's choice only.
5. Decree to apply salvation to those who believe.
STANDING AND STATE
This study will be a bit abbreviated due to the depth to which we could take it. I will list topics, references and a few comments followed by some application. This section will cover standing, state, and then a comparison of the two.
STANDING THE RICH KID
"The two doctrines of Christian standing and daily life or state merge into one important truth, hence may be treated here together.
Standing, as distinguished from state or daily contact with Christ, is a reference to Christian position — the unchangeable and perfect work of God for the believer, while state refers to the changing and imperfect condition of his soul from moment to moment. Faith secures standing, but adherence to all the laws governing a spiritual life must secure daily benefits for the soul."
Dr. Chafer comments in closing, "All that enters into the believer's experience after he is saved — divine training and development — is to the end that he may be more conformed in his state to what he possesses in standing from the moment he is saved." (Chafer, Lewis Sperry; "Systematic Theology"; Dallas, TX: Dallas Seminary Press, 1947, Vol. VII, p 293)
We've all heard of the big muscle man fellow that can whip five guys at once in a fight. Now, imagine this man after he's had a few drinks. He begins bragging about his abilities and strengths. As he gets drunker and drunker he becomes weak — dizzy and disoriented. Finally as he's leaning against the wall for support, he is bragging about his ability to whip every one in the room.
His standing is that of a very strong man — he can beat several fellows at once. His state is — poor — sick — dizzy — unable to stand up — about to pass out.
Now, His state doesn't change what he really is, but it doesn't make him look like he has that standing.
Standing is the believer's place before God, provided by the work of the cross. State is the walk of the believer in this life.
Standing: God has given us certain things, and they are ours no matter what we do in this life.
Romans 5:1,2
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
We stand in the grace of God almighty. Grace is all around us. To bad we don't act, and live like it.
1 Corinthians 15:1
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;"
Our standing finds it's origin in the Gospel of Christ that we heard, and accepted at salvation.
STANDING/TERMS USED
In Christ: We are in Christ's body, the church (invisible). We are an integrated part of His organism, His body. (Romans 8:1)
We are in Christ and as a result, there will be no condemnation. We stand before God as if already glorified.
Because we are in Christ, we have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). These things are done in God's mind but we have to wait for these things for a time — His time. He will bring these to pass in their completeness at His own time.
We are a new creature. Think back on your pre-salvation life. Remember what you were. Now, what are you at this point in time? There should be a change (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We will be changed physically at the rapture (1 Corinthians 15:51-57).
We have all spiritual blessings awaiting us. These too are partially unfulfilled to us, but not to God. The blessings we have today may have nothing to do with these promised blessings (Ephesians 1:3).
With Christ: We are crucified with Christ. He lives in us. This is not obvious in our state, but it is true (Galatians 2:20). Can you fathom this doctrine? This doctrine of Christ living IN us. That is similar to me finding a slimy smelly garbage can to live in.
Our life is hidden with Christ in God. We are to seek things above (Colossians 3:1-3).
We Sit In Heavenly Places: This is obviously still future. We see promise of our resurrection. (Ephesians 2:6)
The Fact Of Standing: Many things are done and are ours through our standing.
1. The believer is redeemed: Ephesians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 1:30.
2. The believer is justified: Romans 5:1; Romans 4:25; Romans 5:9; Romans 3:19-28.
3. The believer is translated: Colossians 1:12,13; Ephesians 2:6.
4. The believer is sanctified: 1 Corinthians 1:2.
5. The believer is in God's family: John 1:12.
6. The believer has an inheritance: Ephesians 1:11.
7. The believer is sealed: Ephesians 1:13.
8. The believer is glorified: Romans 8:30
How do we use all of this information?
Let's recap.
We're part of Christ
No condemnation
Wisdom
Righteousness
Sanctification
Redemption
New creation
Blessings
Heavenly eternal dwelling
Forgiveness
Inheritance
Sealed
Glorified
All of this is made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ. All of this plus more is tied up in the gift of God in Romans 6:23. All of these are ours at the point of our salvation.
In light of what He has prepared for us, shouldn't we have a walk befitting our future position. This should be our example to prepare us for our future with God.
We truly are rich kids. We should act like it at our Fathers feet in our thanksgiving and praise.
When we really comprehend what we have in this standing we will.
Realize just how wonderful God is.
How blessed we are.
How much we owe God for sending Christ to die for our sins.
How much we owe Christ for dieing for us.
How really sinful we are when we place ourselves first.
How much God really loves us.
How we have nothing whatsoever to be proud of.
He has given us everything we have. As we really realize how worthless we are He will begin using us more and more.
STATE A ROSE OUGHT TO BE A ROSE.
God is full of decisions for us to make. First of all He tells us we are a sinful lot, and on our way to eternal Hell. We are worthless and worthy at the same time. We are worthless to Him, but we are worthy of His wrath and judgment because we are sinners.
Then He gives us a choice. He tells us that Christ died for our sins and that we can go to heaven. We now have a choice. Heaven Or Hell. What is that choice based on? A choice. A choice to accept Christ, or to reject Christ.
After we take the logical choice and accept Christ then we are told in Scripture that we are the children of God. We have many new gifts given to us. We have seen these in our study of standing. We are redeemed, justified, forgiven, glorified etc.
But We still have another choice to make. How are we going to live in the future? This leads us to state.
State: What, who and why we are in this life is our choice and this becomes the state in which we exist.
Philippians 2:19,20
"But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state."
This pictures Paul's concern for how the believers were living.
I have a standing — I'm a son of God. I am His child as I stand before Him, however I am in a miserable state. I'm sinful at times. I'm rebellious at times. I'm lazy at times. Let's face it, I'm not much of a son at times. I'm not much in my state even though I am a son of Almighty God in my standing.
STATE/TERMS USED
In the World: Philippians 2:15 We are to be blameless, harmless children of God without rebuke. We do these in a crooked and perverse nation to be shining lights.
Titus 2:12 We're to deny ungodliness, deny worldly lusts, live soberly, live righteously, and live Godly, In This World.
Walk in Him: Colossians 2:6 The context shows that we should live a life centered in Christ.
THE FACT OF STATE
1. The Believer Should Walk By Faith: 2 Corinthians 5:7 This is fact — not a request or an option. We are to live by faith.
2. The Believer Should Walk In Love: Ephesians 5:2 We should walk in love, or live our life and base it on love.
3. The Believer Should Walk In Light: 1 John 1:5-7 In short our walk should be centered in God. God is light and we are to walk in light. This means we should check with God about everything we do This means the buying of a house, of a car -- every area of life.
4. The Believer Should Walk In Newness Of Life: Romans 6:4-11 We are to have a change of life. Instead of serving sin we can turn our backs on it and walk in our new life with God. This doesn't only mean the lying, drinking, covetousness, immorality etc. It includes the pride, the gossip, the self esteem and the self righteousness. ALL SIN.
5. The Believer Should Walk In The Spirit: Galatians 5:16 What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? It means a life with Him in control.
How do we do this? By allowing Him to control our lives — every aspect of our lives. We need to constantly try to allow Him to exhibit His fruit in our lives. Galatians 5:22,23 Mention this fruit.
A spiritual king of the mountain contest. Who is it that will control your life — YOU, OR THE HOLY SPIRIT?
6. The Believer Should Walk Worthy Of His Vocation: Ephesians 4:13 This includes: lowliness, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another in love, and trying to keep the unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace.
7. The Believer Should Walk Circumspectly: Ephesians 5:15 Walk as wise not as fools. Verse 16 "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." In short if you use your time for Christ properly you are wise, but if you use your time improperly you are a fool. Our time on earth is for God's purposes, not our own. Are you wise or a fool?
8. The Believer Should Walk In Christ: Colossians 2:6 We've already looked at this one. It tells us to center our life in Christ — 3:1 tells us to set our aims on things above.
9. The Believer Should Grow In Grace: 2 Peter 3:18 Grow in grace. We, as sons of God, are sons because of God's grace. We then should grow, or mature as children grow — into adulthood. "Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior...." Part of the maturing process seems to be from the Word of God.
Point of interest: Apostles, prophets evangelists and pastor teachers are for the educating of the saints. Now, What if a pastor, at the leading of God prepares lessons, or sermons that certain Christians really need, or maybe the Christian has told the pastor he needs it and that person doesn't show up for that lesson or series. I believe that person is responsible for the knowledge he missed if it was an unnecessary absence. We can't grow as Paul says, unless we are learning, be it at Church, or at home.
When the child of a very important person is seen, or read about most people are very alert to see if they are up to snuff.
When I was in high school everyone's eyes were upon the pastor's son. They wanted to see if the son reflected the father.
I was quite surprised at President Fords daughter and son. The son admitted to smoking marijuana and the daughter had her mother's permission to try sex before marriage. Miss Ford also requested a song
that is, at best, suggestive to be played before the President of the United States, the Queen of England, and other dignitaries. This does not reflect well upon the parents.
A Christian that has outward sin in his life is no different in a spiritual sense because he is reflecting poorly upon God his Father.
We Are Sons And Daughters Of Almighty God. We should act like it. If God truly be our Father, then we truly should try to conform our walk to a walk similar to Christ, our example.
We covered a verse earlier — let me quote it again. "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation to which ye are called."
If, today you are a born again Christian, you have an holy calling from God — a holy vocation — you are the son or the daughter of Almighty God.
Paul begs us to live like it. When you go to the home of someone you know is quite important how do you want your children to act? You hope they are on their good behavior. You want them to be at peace with one another — to be helpful — to be, or act somewhat intelligent.
God is trying to impress the unsaved world with His children. He is trying to show the unsaved that His family is worth being a part of. He wants us to be on our good behavior.
The question is this, are you a proper child, or an embarrassment to your Father?
State is a personal choice for the Christian. You may not approve of the way I live. Maybe you think I'm wrong in some area of my life. That is between myself and my Father. I choose my state for myself, and you choose your state for yourself.
The point is this: We should all be before God planning our state. He will show us what He wants our state to be if we will ask Him. This state will always, let me emphasis ALWAYS be in line with the Scripture and always upward toward service and holiness.
He will never tell you to go downward in your spiritual life. He may give you a choice, but never say God told you to detract from your spiritual life.
Once, while we were between churches I didn't really feel like trying another new church so threw a prayer to God and came up with the fact that we shouldn't go to church that morning. GARBAGE. He gave me a choice, and I said no to Him. He didn't tell me not to go to church.
State is the believers chosen place and practice on the earth.
If we are committed to God, our STATE becomes His chosen place and practice on the earth for us. If we are not committed to Him then we do as we please. May each of us worry about our own states half as much as we worry about everyone else's state.
STANDING AND STATE COMPARED
STANDING STATE
1. In heaven Ephesians 2:6
On the earth. Philippians 1:1
2. It is perfect Hebrews 10:14
It is imperfect. Philippians 3:12-14
3. It is eternal Hebrews 10:14
It is till death
4. It is changeless Hebrews 10:10
It is changeable
1 Peter 3:18
5. We are sanctified 1 Corinthians 12 Yet to be sanctified 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
6. Result of one act Acts 13:38,39
Result of many acts 2 Corinthians 5:9,10
7. Justification by faith Romans 4:1-5
Justification by works
James 22:1-26
JUSTIFICATION
JUSTIFICATION
BEFORE GOD
BEFORE MAN
8. It assures salvation 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 It determines reward 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
9. In it resurrection is past Ephesians 2:5,6
Resurrection is future
Philippians 3:20,21
CONCLUSION
Realizing that salvation is something that takes place in a moment, we must also realize that there is a sequence of events. As a house is built one phase at a time, and each phase depends on the prior, so salvation is built one concept upon another. Without this sequence, there cannot be
salvation. For example you cannot have salvation until the step of belief has been made.
When I was teaching, the final test for this section was to graphically present this process for the purpose of making overlays for an overhead projector.
If you want a good review and challenge, take the following topics and place them in chronological order graphically.
Calling, Heirs, Adoption, Fall, Understanding, Faith, Sin, Belief, Acceptance, Confession, Separation, Sanctification, Holiness, Grace, Atonement, Propitiation, Redemption, Justification, Salvation, Reconciliation, Regeneration, Renewing Of The Holy Spirit, Righteousness, Forgiveness, Adoption, Security, Glorification, Intellect, Will, Sensibility, Repentance, Conscience, Mediation, Obedience, Lordship, Perfection, Standing, State, Substitution, Temptation, God's Will, Foreknowledge, Predestination, Decrees, Election, Chosen, Sin Nature, Imputed Sin, New Nature, Old Nature, Personal Sin, Punishment, Resurrection, Quickened, Body, Soul, Spirit, Begotten, Sacrifice Of Christ On The Cross, Sacrifice Of Christ In The Heavenlies
GLOSSARY
CALLING INVITATION
HEIRS RIGHT OF BEING A SON
ADOPTION BEING MADE SONS
FALL FROM INNOCENCE TO
SIN
UNDERSTANDING GRASPING KNOWLEDGE
FAITH TRUST IN THE UNSEEN
SIN MISSING THE MARK
BELIEF KNOWLEDGE ACCEPTED
ACCEPTANCE ACTING ON BELIEF
SEPARATION WALKING GODLY
SANCTIFICATION SET APART
RIGHTEOUSNESS HOLY LIFE
HOLINESS SET APART
GRACE GIVING WHAT ISN'T
DESERVED
ATONEMENT MAKE RIGHT
PROPITIATION SATISFACTION
RECONCILIATION BRINGING TOGETHER
(CHANGE)
REDEMPTION PURCHASE
JUSTIFICATION DECLARED RIGHTEOUS
SALVATION SAVED FROM
REGENERATION MAKE ALIVE
RENEWING OF THE
REBIRTH
HOLY SPIRIT
FORGIVENESS PUTTING AWAY
SECURITY IMMOVABILITY
GLORIFICATION FINAL STEP TO ETERNAL
JOY
INTELLECT MAN KNOWING
WILL MAN DECIDING
SENSIBILITY MAN FEELING
REPENTANCE CHANGE OF MIND
CONSCIENCE MAN JUDGING
MEDIATION GOING BETWEEN
OBEDIENCE MINDING THE FATHER
LORDSHIP BELIEVERS RELATION TO
CHRIST
PERFECTION FUTURE HOLINESS
STANDING HOW GOD VIEWS US
STATE OUR WALK
SUBSTITUTION IN PLACE OF
PREDESTINATION SETTING THE END
RESULT
TEMPTATION DESIRE TO SIN
GOD'S WILL HIS DESIRE
FOREKNOWLEDGE KNOWING BEFORE
DECREES GOD'S PLAN
ELECTION CHOICE
CHOSEN SELECTED
SIN NATURE BENT TOWARD SIN
IMPUTED SIN OURS IN ADAM
NEW NATURE BENT TOWARD
GODLINESS
OLD NATURE BENT TOWARD SIN
PERSONAL SIN DISOBEYING GOD
PUNISHMENT JUST DESSERTS
RESURRECTION NEW ETERNAL LIFE
SACRIFICE OF CHRIST/THE CROSS
SUBSTITUTIONARY
SACRIFICE
SACRIFICE OF CHRIST/HEAVEN
ATONEMENT
OUICKENED RENEWED
BODY MATERIAL MAN
SOUL MIND AND INTELLECT OF
MAN
SPIRIT ETERNAL PART OF MAN
BEGOTTEN BORN OF
CONFESSION AGREEING WITH GOD
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
OF THE CHURCH
I undertake this study realizing that I have limited experience in pastoring a church in person. I do bring with me to this work the realization that I have been in local churches for twenty-five years and have observed many things over those years.
These observations have impressed me with the trouble, the problems and the anguish that can come within a church. I have also realized that many of these items could be bypassed if the church was operating under a Biblical form of church government.
I am aware that all churches feel their forms of government are "Biblical," but since there are multitudes of forms out there, Someone Must Be Wrong. Some feel that the Scripture is general enough to leave room for all forms of government. This does not really make good sense if the Bible is Really our rule for faith and practice. This is very similar to the church's view of divorce and remarriage today. We declare unabashedly that the Word is our only rule of faith and practice, yet there is a multitude of views as to whether a person can be divorced and remarried. The views run from no remarriage to remarriage for any reason. Now, can all those views really come from the same standard of faith?
It is my purpose to look at the Word of God to see what It teaches on the subject of the Church. I personally believe that most church government systems are designed around personal desire and the need of the day with a few proof texts added in to make it "Biblical."
I trust that this study will concentrate on the Biblical, and not the "Biblical." We need to understand what God wants in our churches, not what we want propped up by His Word.
ECCLESIOLOGY
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE CHURCH
In our day and society, does "Church" communicate what the Scripture presents when It speaks of church? I doubt it.
Years ago I wrote my dissertation on church renewal and some comments I ran across were very relevant to our study. Many realized several years ago there were some problems in the church. It is sad that we must report that the great renewals of those periods have not changed the church as a whole. There have been individual churches that have made some serious attempts at change and have had a measure of success, however the general condition of the church in the U.S.A. has not changed for the better, but for the worse.
Renewal has the idea of renewing something that is lacking. If you renew a car you go through it and repair or replace all problematic parts and components.
Some have called for the resurrection of the church. Resurrection was a drastic request in the 1970s. Though the term was drastic then, Resurrection may be a good term for the church today. At the very least we need a reanimation of the church.
Today little is being done in the church and reanimation would correct that. We need to become active in the local church.
Renewal has been likened to the rearranging of chairs on the deck of the sinking Titanic. Renewal just has not been successful.
When I was in the Navy, we had occasion to meet a ship of the British Navy with the same name as our ship. I was on the USS Cavalier and it was the HMS Cavalier. Some British sailors mentioned when talking about painting their ship, they never chipped away the old paint. They just painted over the old. On US ships all old paint and rust are chipped away and anti-rust paint is applied, then the color coat. The British sailors mentioned that on one of their ships the rust had continued to work over several years to the point that the metal was completely gone. They discovered the problem when a man fell through the deck. The rust had
been doing its work in a certain spot for years and finally had eaten away all of the metal and had left the layer upon layer of paint and there was no strength left to support the people above.
The church is akin to this in many people's minds today. It looks good on the outside but is rotting on the inside. Let us consider some problems that are quite observable in the church of our recent past and up to our own day.
The Church Is Sometimes Inconsistent: In the late 1970s a church in Mid-Nebraska split over the issue of allowing a negro/white couple into the fellowship of the church. Some were willing to have segregation within their church.
In the late 1980s we attended a Southern Baptist Church in North Carolina. The smell of cigarette smoke was throughout the church. They raise tobacco so there is nothing wrong with it, even though it is killing the church membership.
We preach against divorce in the world, yet it is a very prevalent problem in the church. We need to be consistent in our beliefs and lifestyles.
The Church Is Sometimes Irrelevant: A missionary to Zambia tells of a man dying of starvation only a few hundred yards from the mission compound where the big discussion was what to do with left over communion bread. Today half the world awaits the bread of life and we are too busy eating the bread of this life.
The Church Is Sometimes Incompetent: When we were on deputation to go to Ireland, our children were concerned about some things we might not find in Ireland. One of our children asked if we could buy Coke there. I told them that I was sure that we could, because Coke is all over the world. The realization of my comment struck all of us. Coke is everywhere in the world, yet we were still trying to get the Gospel to the lost in Ireland.
The Church Is Sometimes Isolated: Geographically most of the work is being done in our own country. Geographically most of the money spent on missions is being spent in this country. Temporally we are isolated to the 11:00 service. Personally we are isolated by the fact that we allow the pastor to do everything.
The Church Is Sometimes Inane: In a church in Denver I suggested that we glue chorus sheets into the front of the hymnals. This suggestion would have to go through three committees. The music committee to get the sheets, the finance committee to pay for the sheets and glue, and the building committee to okay the gluing of the sheets into the hymnals.
However. All Is Not Lost. I finally saw a Christmas program that caught my interest because it had a message that was clear and understandable this year. The teenagers in a local church youth group wrote and produced it.
Why do I bring up these comments? I have seen many steps downward over the last few years. If you are going out to perpetuate this type of church, then I believe that you shouldn't bother. Either get out there and start a life giving church or go find a dead church where you can rot away. We Don't Need Any More Dead Or Dying Churches. There Are Too Many Poor Churches Already.
This is a study of the church and I trust that it will produce within you an excitement about what the church is supposed to be like so that you can go out and reproduce it so it can reproduce other living churches. I trust that we will find the Bible's view of the church and see how it fits into God's plan, and then I trust you will go out prepared to help mold and shape lives into this scriptural style of church. Allow the studies to challenge your thinking about what the church is and what the church is to be doing. We may challenge what has always been. We may challenge what has always been taught. We may challenge what has always been believed. The Important Thing Is To Be Open To The Word As We Move Along And Allow Ourselves To Be Challenged.
WHAT IS "THE CHURCH?"
1. Introduction To The Church The church defined.
Everyone has self-concept, or what they think they are and their value to others. We all have some idea of what we are to ourselves.
What is your concept of the church? What good is the church to you as a Christian? What good is it to the unsaved? What is the main function of the church in your life?
May I introduce you to some concepts of church in the Christian world today? The National Association of Evangelicals has built sewers in South America. I was told recently that a church in this country was spending a million dollars to build a gym for the youth group. How about the congregation that was going to build a million dollar church because they were tired of carrying hymnals in and out of their rented building. Many nominal believers see it as a front for their religiosity.
WHAT IS THE CHURCH?
Is it worship? Is it learning? Is it evangelism? Is it helping others? Is it teaching? Is it missions? Is it praise? Is it growth? Is it fellowship? Is it counsel? Is it giving? Is it help? Is it prayer? Is it God's work?
These Are Part Of Church, Or At Least Should Be. The Question Is, "In Your Church Are All Of These Things Taking Place?"
What offices should a church have? Deacons, deaconesses, elders, board members, trustees, pastors, evangelists, teachers, physical plant engineers?
What type of church government should a church have? Ecclesiastical, congregational, dictatorial, one board, two board, elder rule?
Who can be a member of this church? What are the qualifications? Baptism, salvation, testimony, good life, a business in the city? Consider these things a few moments before you go on.
Now That You Know Something About Your Concept Of The Church, We Will Check That With The Scriptures And See What You Want To Change Or Retain In Your Concept. We trust that it won't be too painful.
THE CHURCH DEFINED
Just what do we mean when we talk about the church? Do we mean a building? Do we mean a group of people that listen to tapes from a man in another state? Do we mean an organization? Just what do we mean?
To see the Biblical idea of the church you must see two items of business. First of all the church is a universal body made up of all believers no matter what color, shape or breed they are. This universal church will make up all those that are raptured when the Lord returns for His Church.
Secondly, there is the local aspect of the church. The local aspect is the body of believers that calls themselves a local church. This local aspect of the church will be the emphasis of this study.
Another way of distinguishing between the church universal and the church local, is found in the terms "organism" and "organization." The Universal Church is an organism or a living body that has its life in its Head Jesus Christ. The local church is an organization to control, guide and feed the local gathering of believers in a certain geographical location.
Before we begin this look into the local church we should take a brief look at the Church Universal. We will look at this aspect in more detail later in the study as well.
When Christ spoke to Peter about building His Church in the Gospel Christ was speaking of the Universal Church, His church, His Bride to be. This Church is comprised of only believers, and He is the only one that knows the true extent and membership of that body of believers.
There will be believers from many denominations, organizations, and fellowships of our country. There will be believers from areas where there is no organized church.
These people will be those that have accepted Christ's work on the cross as a substitutionary payment for their sin. These people may be from any group or church as long as they have that one thing in common — that free salvation that is in Christ alone.
The Universal Church met only once in the past as a complete body and that would have been on the Day of Pentecost when the church began. We will meet in mass in the air at the Rapture, and then will attend the marriage feast of the Lamb together. That should prove to be a time of pure joy as well as a time for some surprise concerning those that are present. Many will attend that we probably could not have associated with here on earth due to their life styles and doctrine, yet there we will have pure and complete fellowship, not only with one another, but with the Lord.
We are automatically baptized into the Universal Church when we become Christians. We are placed into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. We
then identify with that body when we are baptized with water. The water baptism should be tied to a local church as the deliverer of the ordinance, but the act is the identification of the person with Christ and His body, the Church. Taking of church membership then identifies us with a particular local church.
Some have suggested that when we speak of the church universal we capitalize the word church and then when we speak of the local church we use a small letter. This will not be followed in this study for it seems an item more of tradition than necessity. The local church should be made up of people from the universal church so the distinction is not needed.
A good study that we won't attempt to get into on this subject would be to take all occurrences of the word church and determine which are speaking of the universal and which are speaking of the local church. I find many times that pastors use the references interchangeably and this ought not be done. At times what is true of the local church is true of the universal church, yet at other times there may be differences.
To sum up our study thus far, we have seen that the church local, is a part of the Church Universal. All local churches make up the universal church. All local churches also should be made up of only believers from the universal church. The local church governs our activities in this life and the universal church will be our place for all of eternity.
The universal church is composed of all those that have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. The local church is a body of believers that have gathered for specific purposes. Those purposes will be discussed shortly.
There are those that teach that where two or three are gathered you have a church. The Lord mentions that when two or three are gathered that He is with them, but He never declares that to be a local church, nor do any of the New Testament writers. This is not to detract from the fellowship that we can have together in small groups, but there is a difficulty in two or three practicing communion when they are not an organized church.
Some suggest that the book of Acts shows that in the early days of the church there were meetings in homes, and these fellowships comprised the functioning of the local church at Jerusalem. The item that is usually left
out is the fact that the apostles were overseeing the functions of the church. This is very clearly shown in chapter six when they called for a new office of deacon to serve the church in a specific manner.
It is also to be suggested that the breaking of bread in the early part of Acts is not easily shown to be the Lord's table observance. It could just as easily be the breaking of bread in a meal. The other side of this coin is the possibility that we might see in the Acts that the believers were commemorating the Lord's death each time they gathered to eat. That might have application to our own potlucks and get-togethers. It might well be if we were concentrating more on His death we might be closer to Him and our service to Him.
In defining the Church there will be five aspects to the local church which we want to look at. First, it was organized, second it was made up of believers, third it was a Spirit filled group of people, fourth it was the deliverer of the ordinances and finally, it was in a geographical location. We do not want to expand our definition further at this point. We need to understand these five points of our definition before we go on to look at the purpose of that body — the edification of the saved and the evangelization of the lost. Those two purposes must be an integrated part of the church, or it is not really a church, but the five points are really the definition as opposed to the purpose.
a. Organized: Just how do we know the early church was organized? Many things could be offered as proof of this point. The apostles were over the church. The people came to the apostles with problems in chapter six, and again we see in chapter fifteen there was a council to settle a dispute of doctrine. Later in the New Testament we see that Paul gives instruction concerning the elders and deacons, the ministers of the church.
It might be wise to set the stage for this study by stating that we are not pushing organized church, or organizationalism. The study will look at what the Lord had in mind for His local churches. There will be an attempt to show what the New Testament shows organizationally and go no further. There was organization in the early church, but we are quick to point out there was LIMITED organization.
b. Comprised Of Believers: The church is comprised of believers only. This is clearly seen in the Scripture in Acts two when the church was started. Only believers were present and only believers were baptized into the Body of Christ. Later in Acts the idea of belonging is linked with that of accepting Christ. The book of Second Corinthians shows clearly that the believer is not to be yoked with non-believers. This is applicable to the church membership in that the logic that Paul used in this text precludes lost people in our relationships or in the church (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
It is easy to observe in many of our churches today there are non-believers in membership where they ought not be. Indeed, there are lost people in places of leadership in churches today. This causes no end of difficulties for that particular church. How can a church be directed by its Head, Jesus Christ, if there are lost people in places of leadership? ILLOGICAL. The communication link is broken.
c. Spirit Filled: The Spirit filled the believers on the day of Pentecost and we know from our study of the Holy Spirit that He indwells each believer in this age. The New Testament tells the believer to be filled with the Spirit as we gather together for worship and fellowship (Ephesians 5:1820). (The filling of the Spirit makes reference to the fact that the Spirit is in control of the believer and not the believer controlling himself.) If every believer is controlled by the Spirit of God, then they can be properly lead of the Spirit to do the will of the Head of the church, Christ. If part of the body is not controlled by the Spirit then there will be limited, if not impaired, control of the body by Christ.
d. Deliverer Of The Ordinances: In this point we do not want to bring about visions of the Roman church that dispenses grace through the sacraments, but we do want to help the reader to understand that the ordinances are not for bodies of people other than the church. The church should be the center of the ordinances. It is not to say that the pastor must be the only one involved in administering the ordinances either. The church leadership is to be overseeing the dispersion of the ordinances. Any lay person can be involved in the ordinances as long as the leaders have control of that involvement. We were pleased that one of our sons was baptized by a layman in the church. The church leaders had allowed the man to
baptize his own children and they decided that he might as well baptize everyone that Sunday. This is perfectly acceptable.
The ordinances are two: The Lord's table and baptism. These topics will be covered later in detail, but at this point let us only mention that baptism is by immersion and that it is not an extension of grace or favor. It is only a sign of the believers' rebirth. The Lord's table is an observance which brings our mind to the death of our Lord on our behalf. These two are to be observed under the authority of the local church, and are not to be a part of individual worship.
e. Local Geographical Location: The church was started in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost and then spread throughout the known world. The fact that it was linked to geographical locations is easily seen when we look through the index of our Bible. Paul wrote to the church at Rome, Corinth, Thessalonica etc. James wrote to believers that were scattered, but the emphasis of Scripture is on local assemblies.