The
Church
We believe and teach that in the current era,
commencing at Pentecost (Acts 2), Christ is building His Church
(Matthew 16:18). All who place their faith in Jesus Christ are
immediately placed by the Holy Spirit into this one united spiritual
body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). The Church, of which Christ is
the Head (Ephesians 1:22; Colossians 1:18), is variously depicted
as His Body (Romans 12:5;
1 Corinthians 12:13), His Bride (2 Corinthians 11:2), a building, spiritual house, or sanctuary (1 Corinthians 3:9,
16-17,
6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:20-22; Colossians 2:7; 1 Peter 2:5), branches of which He is the life source (John 15:1-8), the flock of the Shepherd (John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:25),
etc. This Church exists both universally (i.e., the total number
of genuine disciples throughout Church history) and locally (i.e.,
historically in localized assemblies).
Although salvation is bestowed and appropriated individually,
the scriptural focus is always upon the corporate Body within
which the individual is to be a complementary, contributing member
(Romans 12:3-8; l Corinthians 12:4-27). Christ establishes and
oversees this unity and diversity in order that the local church
might become the main context for worship and service, and a springboard
for evangelism (Ephesians 4:1-16). The primary overarching purpose
of the Church, whether viewed from the local perspective or the
universal, is to glorify God (Ephesians 1:3-14,
3:21; 1 Peter 4:11).
The Scriptures establish two categories of office within the
Church: Elders (also designated overseers or bishops, and pastor-teachers)
(see Article X), and Deacons (See Article XII) to lead and serve
the flock under Christ (Philippians 1:1). Those who serve in these
capacities must be qualified biblically (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-5). The elders-overseers-pastor-teachers who
have been given a divinely delegated authority are especially
accountable for the spiritual welfare of their Master's flock.
He will judge not only them and their guidance of His sheep but
also the flock's expected submission to their spiritual direction
(Hebrews 13:7,
17).
Within the context of its assembled fellowship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 14:19,
23,
28-35 ;
Hebrews 10:24-25) the primary ordinances
of believers' baptism (Matthew 28:16-20;
Romans 6:1-14) and the
Lord's Supper (i.e., Communion, breaking of bread) (1 Corinthians 10:14-22,
11:17-34) are to be perpetuated. Christian baptism by
immersion (Acts 8:36-39) is the solemn and beautiful testimony
of a believer showing forth his faith in the crucified, buried,
and risen Savior, and his union with Him in death to sin and resurrection
to a new life (Romans 6:1-11). It is also a sign of fellowship
and identification with the visible body of Christ (Acts 2:41-42).
The Lord's Supper calls our attention to the atonement of Christ
(1 Corinthians 11:28-32). This worship service is one in which
we look back to the finished work of Christ and also forward to
the consummation of our redemption (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 10:16,
11:23-30; 2 Peter 2:3-13). We also teach that whereas the
elements of communion are only representative of the flesh and
blood of Christ, the Lord's Supper is nevertheless an actual Communion
with the risen Christ who is present in a unique way, fellowshipping
with His people (1 Corinthians 10:16).
Each local church is independent or autonomous in status, although
there should be occasions of interdependence among local assemblies
of the same mindset and loyalty to the Lord and His Word (Acts 15:19-31; Romans 15:26-27).
