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Brush Up On Your Theology; 10. Ecclesiology

by Dr. Henderson Ward  
11/22/2015 / Bible Studies

The concept of Ecclesiology in Christian theology has to do with the doctrine of the Church, and here it is presented under three headings as follows: Origin, Nature, Ministry and Mission. In essence we are dealing with two Greek words meaning 'ecclesia' and 'logia', and when combined meaning assembly and study, hence the study of the Church.

ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH

It is commonly accepted, and rightly so, that the Church had its beginning at Pentecost as recorded in Acts chapter 2. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus spoke of the church in the future tense "I will build my church" denoting it was yet to come. In Acts 11:15-16 Peter confirmed that it was past, "The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning" clearly indicating its past.

We know from scripture that being baptized with the Holy Ghost is what unites us to Christ and incorporates us into the church, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

Baptism of the Holy Spirit took place at Pentecost as asserted by Paul's "mystery": "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." (Ephesians 3: 3-5) and recorded here, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4)

Having seen how the church was started at Pentecost, and how instrumental was the Holy Spirit in its realisation, let us now move on to the very essence and nature of the church.

NATURE OF THE CHURCH

There is only one church and it is so described in a number of scripture passages:

"For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9)

"For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it." (Galatians 1:13)

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15).

Local assemblies are also called churches (Galatians 1:1-21), and are part of the one church because they all have the same relationship with Jesus Christ, "For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews." (1 Thessalonians 2:14).

The Bible, in a number of passages, describes the relationship typifying the nature of the church in different ways:
'The Shepherd and the sheep' (John 10:1-30)
'The Vine and the branches' (John 15:1-17)
'The Head and members of the body' (Ephesians 1:22-23).

Additional references showing the core of the church are:

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28)

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

"He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." (John 3:29). See also Philippians 1:1, Romans 8:29 and Hebrews 5:1-10.

It is vital to understand, believe, and appreciate, that every individual whatever his denominational preference, who has fully accepted Jesus Christ by faith, is baptized with water and with the Holy Spirit, worships God in spirit and in truth, is saved and a member of Christ's church.

MINISTRY AND MISSION

The ministry and mission of the church is wide, and varied, and it could be summed up as to represent Christ, foster worship among believers, teach and propagate the gospel and assist the world's needy.

Toward these objectives God gave gifts to believers, as recorded in 1Corinthians 12:4-13, and dedicated roles to develop and edify the church, Ephesians 4:11-12, expand it by witnessing by the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8, and make disciples of all nations through evangelism, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:15) and "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Matthew 28:19).

All believers in the early church were equal but in a sense the Apostle and Prophets constituted the foundation, "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20) and fulfilled a unique role, "Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22).

The Apostles, responding to the needs around them, instituted the office of deacon to direct and minister to the local church, "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." (Acts 6:1-3)

The Apostles also ordained elders, "And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed." (Acts 14:23). See also Acts 20:17-38.

In whatever capacity the believer served he was chosen and was to be guided by the Holy Spirit, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." (Acts 20:28)

The believer ministers to Christ, "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." (Acts 13:2), worships him, "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh." (Philippians 3:3), "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

The Church is mandated to studiously carried out God's will on earth through the Holy Spirit, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father...And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:12, 16-17)

The Church is to diligently proclaim the gospel, "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:18-20)

An important aspect of the church, that is often neglected, but is necessary to its ministry and mission, is the ministering to those in need, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (Jamess 1:27) and, "I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35).

Enough said.

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Dr. Henderson Ward received his Doctor of Divinity in theology, with distinction, from Masters International School of Divinity, USA, where he is currently a post-doctoral fellow. Dr. Ward's career involved pastoring, evangelism, and teaching. Copyright 2017

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