Chapter 6: The Doctrine of the Church
I. The Meaning of the Church
The church is a called-out assembly, not a building:
1 Cor 1:2; 10:32; 1 Pet 2:9.
There is both a universal church and local churches.
II. The Beginning of the Church — Pentecost
Matt 16:18; Acts 2:41–47.
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matt 16:18)
“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:41–47)
III. Biblical Images (Metaphors) of the Church
1. The Shepherd and His Sheep
John 10:11–16; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2–4; Heb 13:20; Ps 23.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep… I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:11–16)
2. The Head and the Body
Eph 1:22–23; 3:6; 4:4, 15–16; Rom 12:5; Col 1:18.
“And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way.” (Eph 1:22–23)
3. The Bridegroom and the Bride
John 3:27–29; 2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:22–31; Rev 19:7–9; 21:2, 9.
“For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior.” (Eph 5:23)
4. The Vine and the Branches
John 15:1–27.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
5. The Temple and the Spiritual House
1 Cor 3:16–17; Eph 2:19–22; 1 Pet 2:4–5; Ps 118:22; 1 Tim 3:15.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” (Eph 2:19–22)
6. A Kingdom of Priests
1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:14–15; 1 Pet 2:5, 9; Rev 5:9–10.
“You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Pet 2:5, 9)
7. The Pillar and Foundation of Truth
1 Tim 3:15; Phil 2:15.
“If I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:15)
IV. The Purpose of the Church — To Glorify God and Benefit People
WIFE:
W — Worship
I — Instruction (Teaching)
F — Fellowship
E — Evangelism
1. Worship
Matt 22:36–38; Rom 15:5–9; Eph 1:5–6, 12–14; 3:9–10, 21; Col 1:18; 1 Pet 2:9; 4:11; Rev 4:11; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor 14:26.
“To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Eph 3:21)
2. Teaching
Eph 4:11–12; Matt 28:20; 1 Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 2:2; 3:16–17; 4:2; Acts 2:42.
“So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Eph 4:11–12)
3. Fellowship
Acts 2:42; 4:24–31; Rom 14:19; 15:5, 7, 14; Heb 10:24–25.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24–25)
4. Evangelism
Matt 28:19–20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46–47; Acts 13:2–3; Rom 10:14–15; 1 Pet 2:9; Acts 26:18.
“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:19–20)
5. Prayer
Acts 2:42; 6:4; 12:5; Eph 6:18; 1 Thess 5:16–18; Phil 4:6–7; 1 Tim 2:1–2; Jas 5:14–15.
“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess 5:16–18)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6–7)
6. Service
Eph 4:16; 1 Pet 4:10; Rom 12:1; Jas 2:15–17; Gal 5:13–14; Mark 10:45.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Pet 4:10)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Rom 12:1)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Eph 4:16)
7. Caring
Gal 6:10; Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–38; 6:1–6; 1 John 3:17–18; 1 Tim 5:3–16.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Gal 6:10)
“They distributed to anyone who had need.” (Acts 2:45)
V. Leaders of the Church
Pastors, elders, deacons, Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, etc.
Qualifications for elders and deacons:
1 Tim 3:1–13; Titus 1:5–9.
VI. Church Government (Forms of Polity)
Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregational.
A. Episcopal System (Bishop-led)
— Roman Catholic Church: based on Matt 16:18–19.
— Methodist and Lutheran traditions: based on the roles of James, Timothy, and Titus — 1 Tim 3:1; Titus 1:5.
B. Presbyterian System (Elder-led)
— Presbyterian and Reformed Churches: Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2–4; 20:17; Titus 1:5; 1 Tim 5:17.
C. Congregational System
— Acts 6:3–5; 14:23; 11:22; 13:1–3; 14:27; 15:4, 25; 1 Cor 5:12; 2 Cor 2:6–7; 1 John 2:20; 4:1.
VII. The Ordinances (Sacraments) of the Church
The Lord’s Supper and Baptism
A. The Lord’s Supper
Scriptural basis: Matt 26:26–29; Mark 14:22–25; Luke 22:14–23; 1 Cor 11:23–32.
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’” (Matt 26:26–29)
Four major views:
- Transubstantiation — The bread and wine are literally transformed into Christ’s body and blood.
- Consubstantiation — Christ’s body and blood are truly present “in, with, and under” the bread and wine, though the elements remain unchanged (Lutheran view).
- Spiritual Presence — Christ is spiritually present in the Supper (Reformed / Calvinist view).
- Memorial View — The bread and wine are symbolic, commemorating Christ’s death (Zwinglian view).
Meaning of the Lord’s Supper:
To remember the Lord’s death and resurrection, and to look forward to His glorious return.
B. Baptism
Different understandings of baptism:
- As a means of saving grace — Roman Catholic view.
- As a sign and seal of the covenant — outward sign of an inward reality (Reformed view).
- As a sign of salvation — an outward expression of inward change (Evangelical view).
Reasons for baptism:
- Christ’s example
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’” (Matt 3:13–17)
- Christ’s command
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt 28:19)
Meaning of baptism:
It symbolizes being united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Rom 6:4)
Modes of baptism:
Immersion
Pouring (Affusion)
Sprinkling (Aspersion)