Nature of the Church Erickson ch. 50 [49] / McCune 49-52

M (50) 5. The believer's relationship to the future kingdom.

A church saint of today is a part of the citizenry of the future kingdom. Church saints have been "transferred ... to the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Col 1:13) in a judicial or positional sense.

M(49) 4. Three-fold usage of the term in the New Testament.

A civil assembly (political gathering) / The congregation of Israel Acts 7:36 / The N.T. Church

E4. Of the different references of the term ecclesia in Paul's letters. Which is the most common?

A group of believers in a specific city

M (52) 3. Define a mystery as used in the Bible.

A mystery is truth hidden in the mind of God and revealed later (Rom 16:25-26)

M (50). 1. What the definitions of the universal church by A.H. Strong, Millard Erickson and Wayne Grudem have in common? In what way and on what basis does McCune disagree with them?

A. H. Strong says, "The church of Christ, in its largest signification, is the whole company of regenerate persons in all times and ages, in heaven and on earth.... In this sense, the church is identical with the spiritual kingdom of God." Millard Erickson offers a tentative definition, saying that the church is "the whole body of those who through Christ's death have been savingly reconciled to God and have received new life ... whether in heaven or on earth."Wayne Grudem offers this definition: "The church is the community of all true believers for all time," and "the invisible church," he adds, "is the church as God sees it."

M(49). 3. Basic meaning of ecclesia in secular usage and in the Septuagint

Basically ekklesia means assembly. In secular thought, the ekklesia referred only to the meeting or assembly itself, not to the people who comprised the assembly. When the assembly dismissed, it ceased to be an ekklesia. When the people assembled again, a new ekklesia was then formed.

E1.Name and describe the approach to defining the church that Erickson favors.

Biblical-philological method. Describe: The meaning of the New Testament concept must be seen against two backgrounds, that of classical Greek and that of the Old Testament.

M (50) 4. The six aspects of the future kingdom.

SEEPSP Spiritual John 3:3 Ethical Isaiah 40:4 Ecclesiastical Ezekiel 40-48 Physical Isaiah 35 Social Isaiah 2:4 Political Isaiah 32:1

E14. The origin and development of the concept of the invisible versus the visible church

": p. 1054 (2nd ed.) p.966 (Logos 3rd ed.) -- Augustine first distinguished between the two -- Luther first enunciated the distinction -- Calvin incorporated the concept into his theology. NOT the same as the distinction between the local and universal church The question: The extent to which the true church is to be identified with the present earthly institution a.Is it possible that persons within the visible church are not true believers / not members of the Body of Christ? b. can there be membership in Christ's body apart from affiliation with some segment of the visible church, some local collection of believers? In essence: Is the prior factor institutional or personal/spiritual?

E15. Groups that teach that membership in the visible church is prior to membership in the invisible church

"A -- Anglican C - Catholicism (Traditional Roman Catholic) E - Eastern Orthodox This type of organization interprets Matthew 16:18-19 to mean that Jesus conferred a special status on His apostles to define doctrine, convey grace, and forgive sins. So without this "apostlicity" there is no church, no salvation and no Christians. "What authenticates a group of people as a church is visible connection to a present-day organization that can be traced back historically to the New Testament church. Those who hold this view set extreme importance on such matters as the order of the church, its leadership and government, and the ordained clergy."

M(49). 3B. Basic meaning of ecclesia in the Septuagint

"Ekklesia is used to translate the Hebrew word qahal in 77 passages. Although qahal is also translated by seven other Greek words, ekklesia is used to translate only qahal and no other Hebrew term, and it is used in the majority of the translations of qahal. Qahal has the meaning of congregation, assembly or convocation. It is elastic enough to cover nearly any kind of gathering, with the context determining its exact nature and purpose. Qahal refers to the actual meeting or gathering, not necessarily to the people who make up the gathering.

E16. How does Erickson characterize he dispensational view of the church? To what degree do you think that this characterization is accurate?

"In some cases, the de-emphasis of the visible church may stem from a dispensational view that regards the church in general as a parenthesis in God's plan, a virtual afterthought. The emphasis here is that God's original intention related to national Israel. When the time of God's dealing with the church is completed, Israel will be reinstated to its position of primacy. . . The church is a temporary phenomenon unforeseen in the Old Testament. Indeed, no Old Testament prophecy pertains to the church or is fulfilled in the church."

E18. The significance of the fact that Luke never uses ecclesia in Luke but uses it 24 times in Acts.

"It is notable, however, that Jesus makes only two references to the church (Matt. 16:18; 18:17), and that in the former case he is speaking of the future ("I will build my church"). The fact that Luke never uses ἐκκλησία in his Gospel but employs it twenty-four times in Acts is also significant. It would seem that he did not regard the church as present until the period covered in Acts. (While Acts 7:38 uses ἐκκλησία of the people of Israel in the wilderness, it is likely that the term is here being used in a nontechnical sense.) We conclude that the church originated at Pentecost."

M (50) 2. The five arguments McCune gives for distinguishing the church from Israel, with Scriptural support where he gives it.

"P - Purpose Israel and the Church Differ in Purposes [I] earthly/political theocracy with a "spiritual phase of the kingdom" [Church] God's purposes for the church are spiritual and are to be fulfilled principally in a personal sense. The institutional church is not given a mandate to enter the political arena or to be the social watchdog of the world in any corporate sense. // O - Origin - Israel and the Church Differ in Origin: [I] 1. Call of Abram/ racial/ethnic 2. Exodus from Egypt/ Law at Sinai [Church] Originated at Pentecost //D - Destiny Israel and the Church Differ in Purposes [I] earthly/political theocracy with a "spiritual phase of the kingdom" [Church] God's purposes for the church are spiritual and are to be fulfilled principally in a personal sense. The institutional church is not given a mandate to enter the political arena or to be the social watchdog of the world in any corporate sense. // D - Distinguish church from Jews The Church Is Distinguished from Jews (1 Cor 10:32). The ethnic idea of "Jew" or Israel is never lost. The New Testament // D - Distinguishes Jews and Gentiles within the Church (Gal. 6:15-16) The Israel of God still retains its ethnic connotations and here refers to Hebrew or Jewish Christians in the church

M(49) 7. By means of what act is membership in the Body of Christ obtained?

1 Cor. 12:13 by the baptism of the Holy Spirit

E6. List and understand three or four of the most important passages pointing to the universal nature of the church.

1 Corinthians 10: 32; 11: 22; 12: 28; the church in a specific place represents the totality or the universal church. The church includes all persons anywhere in the world who are savingly related to Christ.

M (52) 1. List the different positions regarding when the church began.

Covenant theology: church began with Adam or Abraham / ends with 2nd coming and the general resurrection/ judgment. Covenant premillennialists -- Tribulation and Millennium saints also in the church because they too participate in the one covenant of grace, one continuing people of God. Others -- begin the church somewhere else in the Old Testament, somewhere in the Gospels (with John the Baptist, Jesus Christ), at Pentecost,4 or at various times in the Acts (so-called ultra-dispensationalists).

What is Erickson's opinion after considering the various views of the church?

ERICKSON'S VIEW: "Having examined these several views, we conclude that the distinction between the visible and invisible church needs to be maintained, but with qualifications. The parable of the weeds amid the wheat (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) and Jesus's teaching about the sheep and the goats (Matt. 25:31-46) support this distinction. . . .It is a reflection of the truth of 2 Timothy 2:19: "The Lord knows those who are his." Even one of Jesus's twelve disciples turned out to be a traitor." We should observe that Scripture seems to look upon the individual's spiritual condition as prior." (see illustrations from the Book of Acts). P. 968

M(49). 2. Etymology of the word ecclesia.

Ekklesia apparently comes from the Greek words ek and kaleo. One dictionary lists it under kaleo, and another says it is derived from ek and kaleo. Whether ekklesia then inherently means "to call out" or "called out ones" is not certain, although it appears that ekklesia meant a called out body for whatever purposes or surroundings. The English word church ultimately comes from the Greek word kuriakos, which means "belonging to the Lord

M (52) 5. The 7 implications of Ephesians 1:20-23

Ephesians 1:20-23 clearly establishes the nexus of Christ's death, resurrection and ascension to His body the church. This suggests several things that bear on the historical beginning of this new organism. SOARS S - So that the Holy Spirit could come [in new dispensation] in outpouring Acts 2:22/ O - Ordinances validated / A - Advocate/ Counselor ministry pleading His merit 1 John 2:1 / R - Resurrection necessary for Spirit-baptism and formation of the church / S - Spiritual Gifts to the church come after Christ's enthronement Ephesians 4:7-12/ P -the blood of Christ purchased the church Acts 20:28

M (52) 4. The key passage that teaches that the church as a body was a mystery, revealed in the New Testament?

Ephesians 3:1-9

E10. The definition of the Kingdom of God and the church's relationship to it. Note Ladd's five basic points.

It is concrete manifestation of God's sovereign rule in our hearts. // 1. The church is not the kingdom // 2. The kingdom creates the church // 3. The church witnesses to the kingdom // 4. The church is the instrument of the kingdom // 5. The church is the custodian of the kingdom

E2.The meaning of ecclesia in classical Greek.

It refers to assembly of the citizen of a polis.

M(49) 6. The three terms used to refer to the church comprising all the saved from Pentecost to the Rapture. Which does McCune prefer?

Local and universal

M (52) 2. What are the five lines of biblical evidence supporting the beginning of the church at Pentecost?

Mystery Revealed / Teaching of Christ / Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ / Chronology of Spirit Baptism /Rapture of Believers

M (51) 2. The five results of the baptism of the Holy Spirit

PRiNCE P - Perfect Spiritual Unity R - Results in Union with Christ i N- New Man - Body w/ Jews and Gentiles, C - Comprehends all who are saved, E - Effects the composition of the Body

M (52) 7. What does the term prototokos (firstborn) mean?

Prototokos does not indicate priority of time but, rather, priority of rank or station. "The Church of the firstborn ones means that we hold the highest place among all the hosts of saved in all ages, past and future. The primogeniture belongs to the church

E3. The meaning of the term in the Greek Old Testament (note the distinction between the Hebrew words qahal and edah.

Qahal refers to a summons to an assembly and the act of assembling. assembling. A religious significance sometimes attaches to the word, and it can also denote a more general assembly of the people. Edah refers to the people, particularly as gathered before the tent of meeting. edah is the unambiguous and permanent term for the ceremonial community as a whole. While qahal is the ceremonial expression for the assembly that results from the covenant.

M(49).1. In what way the church is unique as an institution.

Scripture teaches that the local church is the "pillar and support of the truth" (1 Tim 3:15) and is the only God-appointed institution authorized to carry out His program of witness and service on earth during the present age.

E19. Erickson's view of the relationship of the Old Testament saints and the church.

Some (including Louis Berkhof) speak of the church in the patriarchal and Mosaic periods. "What of the Old Testament believers? We have argued that while the form the people of God took in the Old Testament was national Israel, in the New Testament it is the church, and that the church began with Pentecost. Does this mean that we who are now part of the church will be forever in a separate grouping from the Old Testament believers? I would suggest, instead, that those who were part of Israel prior to Pentecost have been incorporated into the church. This certainly seems to have been the case with the apostles. They had been part of Israel, but at Pentecost became the nucleus of the church." Israel was not, then, simply succeeded by the church; Israel was included within the church. The people of God are truly one people; the body of Christ is truly one body.

E11. The relationship between the church and Israel. Whose view does Erickson follow? What is that view?

Somewhere in the middle between covenant and dispensational theology. Combines Spiritual Israel and the church.

E12. Key arguments regarding the application to the church of promises made to Israel

Spiritual Israel has in many respects taken the place of literal Israel. Uses Romans // Some of the promises directed to literal Israel in the Old Testament are regarded by New Testament writers as having been fulfilled in spiritual Israel, the church. They will have a future in enter the church through salvation as Gentiles do.

M(49) 5. Three-fold usage of ecclesia with reference to the church and the definition of each.

The Body of Christ: . It is the whole spiritual body of believers of this present age (from Pentecost to the Rapture). It does not include Old Testament believers or tribulational and millennial saints. Indicators: Headship of Christ, by baptism of the Spirit, The Local Church: The local church is the visible expression of the body church in any one specific geographical place on earth. (1 Cor 1:2) The Historical Church: The historical church is the visible expression of the body church on earth within a particular period of time (i.e., all local churches in a given area at some point in time). Acts 9:3, 1 Cor. 12:28

E8. What are the three key images used to describe the church, and what is the theological significance of each? How does Erickson see them as a reflection of the Trinity?

The People of God-The church is constituted of God's people. He cares for and protects them like a father does his child. Emphasizes God's initiative in choosing them, God cares for and protects his people, and a quality of holiness is expected of the people of God. // The Body of Christ-that the church is the locus of Christ's activity now just as was his physical body during his earthly ministry. Emphasizes the connection of the church with Christ, head of the body, brings unity to believers, and is the extension of his ministry. // The Temple of the Holy Spirit-the church is now the temple of the Spirit. Where we are indwelt by, imparted life, and empowered by to live a holy and sanctified life toward God.

M (51) 1. The two basic views of the basis of the composition of the Body of Christ. How do these views differ?

The Regeneration View of the Body of Christ: This view makes regeneration the building agent of the body of Christ. The Spirit Baptism View of the Body of Christ: The dispensational approach to the Bible views the church as an organism peculiar to this present age. The building agent of the church is the unique ministry of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Where Spirit baptism occurs, the body church is being built and extended.

E7. What is Erickson's tentative theological definition of the church?

The church as the whole body of those who through Christ's death have been savingly reconciled to God and have received new life.

M (51) 3. Outline McCune's argument against the position that the Body of Christ is comprised of a single local church (Landmarkism) or ecclesiastical organization (Roman Catholicism).

The church forever (Ephesians 3:21) The definition of a "local church" cannot comprehend all N.T. usages Unsaved people in a local church membership Which assembly is THE Bride of Christ? Twists the definition of "the Bride of Christ" and "The family of God"

M (50) 3. The distinction between the church and the kingdom.

The church is a spiritual organism functioning in the present age of grace. The kingdom is the future Messianic reign (the final dispensation)

E5. The relationship of the individual congregation to the church as a whole. How does this teach that the church is universal in nature?

The church is not sum of individual local group but the whole is found in each place. The sum of individual congregation does not produce the total community. However, small represents the total community.

M(49) 8. How does McCune define the historical church?

The historical church is the visible expression of the body church on earth within a particular period of time (i.e., all local churches in a given area at some point in time). Acts 9:3, 1 Cor. 12:28

E15b.Describe the groups that teach that spiritual membership is prior to institutional

The other approach (emphasizing the priority of the individual's direction relationship has been referred to as "pietistic" (though the term is misleading). "The presence of such believers, regenerate persons, that properly constitutes a group as a church. . . Church membership, as a permanent commitment to a given group of believers, is minimized in this individualistic approach. Parachurch organizations or house churches may take the place of the organized church."

M(50)1b1 Why does McCune disagree with Strong, Grudem and Erickson about the definition of the church?

These, however, assume that regeneration is the building agent of the church, which has overtones of covenant theology. But, as (has been and) will be shown, it is Spirit baptism and not regeneration that is the building agent of the church. Furthermore, the above definitions confuse the time of the church's existence with other bodies of saints. For instance, Strong confuses the church and the kingdom of God. That is, the biblical idea of the messianic kingdom is the earthly reign when Jesus sits on David's throne and rules the world. Church saints will reign with Christ, but the kingdom is future to the church age.

M (52) 6. The relationship of the Body of Christ to God, to the created universe and to other spiritual bodies respectively.

To God: The church is the temple and dwelling of God—"in [Christ] the whole building ... is growing into a holy temple in the Lord" (Eph 1:21-22). / To the Created Universe: In Ephesians 1:17-23, Paul says that Christ's resurrection and exaltation put Him above every created thing. All things are in subjection to Him. God appointed Him as head over everything and all things. In that capacity He is given as the head of the church. / To Other Spiritual Bodies: The author of Hebrews uses the phrase "church of the firstborn" in reference to the body of Christ. "Firstborn ones" (prototokon in the genitive plural) indicates the highest position in the family of saints. It depicts priority of place.

E13. What is Erickson's view of the future of Israel and its relationship to the church?

p. 1053 (2nd ed.) p. 965 (Logos 3rd ed.) "There is, however, a future for national Israel. They are still the special people of God." (citing Romans 11:15,26). "Israel will be saved by entering the church just as do the Gentiles." Erickson's view: "To sum up, then: the church is the new Israel. It occupies the place in the new covenant that Israel occupied in the old. Whereas in the Old Testament the kingdom of God was peopled by national Israel, in the New Testament it is peopled by the church. There is a special future coming for national Israel, however, through large-scale conversion to Christ and entry into the church."

E17. What is the "parish" view? Under this view what are the marks of a true church?

p. 1056 / p.968 "Intermediate between the two views we have discussed is what might be termed the "parish" view. It stresses both the visible and invisible church. The visible church or parish includes all who make an outward profession and come together to hear the Word and celebrate the sacraments. The believers within this visible church constitute the true church, the invisible church." This view stresses objective marks such as 1. Preaching the Word (purity of doctrine), and 2. Proper administration of the sacraments (by authorized persons)

E9. What is the most extended image of the Church?

the Body of Christ

m(50) 1B. What is McCune's definition of the church?

the church, which is the body of Christ, is the whole spiritual body of true Christian believers of this age regardless of location or circumstances. It is the total number of Spirit-baptized believers—those saved between the Day of Pentecost and the Rapture—whether they are in heaven or on earth.