The Distinctiveness of the Church 3 Ecclesiology

The Distinctiveness of the Church (3) Ecclesiology

Relationship of the church to the Kingdom If one were to try to summarize the relationship of the church to the kingdom, he would have to say that it is related but not equivalent to certain concepts of the kingdom; it is unrelated to another concept; and it is equivalent to another. The concept of the kingdom must be defined before one can determine the relationship of the church to it.

The relation of the church to Israel The distinction stated: “The church stands distinct from Israel and did not begin until the Day of Pentecost, and thus did not exist in the Old Testament period. ” Israel was God’s vehicle to prepare for the Messiah, the church is Christ’s body, made up of those who respond in faith to the Messiah in this age.

The relation of the Church to this age The distinction stated: “The church did not exist in Old Testament times but was constituted on the Day of Pentecost. It is distinct to this present time period. ”

Relation to Christ: Christ’s position • He is the Founder (Mt 16. 18) • He is the Foundation (1 Cor 3. 11)

Relation to Christ: His work for the church • He chose apostles to act with him in the foundation of the church (Eph 2. 20) • He trained the apostles with respect to doctrines of the church that was to come – Most explicitly in the Upper Room Discourse (Jn 13 -17) – Key new instructions • The new commandment (Jn 13. 34) • The new hope [the Rapture] (Jn 14. 1 -3) • The new relationship (Jn 14. 20) • The new basis for prayer (Jn 16. 24)

Relation to Christ: His work for the church • He became the cornerstone by his death and resurrection (Ac 4. 11, Eph 2. 20) – Purchased the church with his own blood (Ac 20. 28) – Became head over the church by his resurrection and ascension (Eph 1. 20 -23) – As head, he gives gifts to his body, the church (Eph 4. 8) • He sent the Holy Spirit who energizes the church (Ac 2. 33)

Relation to Christ: Founding principle What is the Rock on which the Church is founded? • Catholic view: Peter (petros vs. petra – not identical) • Some commenters: Jesus himself (as in 1 Cor 3. 11; 1 Pt 2. 5 -9) – But… you are Peter (points to Peter) – And upon this Rock (points to himself? ) – Doesn’t seem to fit the text at hand, he is not correcting Peter • The confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”

Relation to Christ: role of Peter • Leading role on Pentecost (Ac 2. 37 -41) • Lead role in Samaria (Ac 8. 14 -17) • Lead role with Cornelius (Ac 10. 44 -48) Thus Christ is the Founder of His church in that He chose the apostolic foundation, gave basic teaching concerning relationships in the church, gave His life to become the Cornerstone, and then sent the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost to activate the church.