Ecclesiology
I. Inauguration, Nature and Purpose of the Church
I understand the church to be New Testament entity. The church is the New Testament people of God". Jesus is the first to use the word (ekkiesia, "called out ones") to describe His followers (Mt. 18:17) although the Septuagint uses the word to describe the gathering of Israel. What sets the church apart from the Old Testament people of God is belief in Jesus as the Christ and its being indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
This indwelling, and thus the birth of church, took place in Jerusalem on one Pentecost holiday as recorded in Acts 2. While OT saints were saved through faith, as we, they did not generally experience this indwelling of the Spirit (Rom 4:3; cf. Gen l5:6; 2 Cor. l:22). Jewish believers, while a part of the church (spiritual Israel) are also a part of racial Israel (Rom 9:6ff). Paul makes it quite clear that God is not abandoning, nor have His plans ceased for, racial Israel (Rom. l1:2,29).
Several images of the church are helpful, two in particular. It is the bride of Christ (2 Cor. l1.2; Eph. 5:31; Mt. 9:15; 25:lff). It is the body of Christ (Col. l:18, Eph. 3:21). This metaphor is perhaps the most descriptive and acknowledges both the headship of Christ and the essential unity of all believers.
The church may be seen from two vantage points. It is universal, composed of all who have trusted in Christ (cf. Mt. 16:18; Eph. l:22ff; Jn. 10:16). It is also local, seen in any group of disciples who meet regularly to fulfill the purposes of a church (listed below) (cf. I Cor. l:2). Membership in such a local church should be contingent upon confession of faith (Acts 2.37ff.; cf.6:7). Further, it would seem obvious that one's conduct should be consistent with his confession (Gen l5:25).
The reason for the church's existence can be summed up in four phrases: worship of God (I Cor. 14:4,16), proclamation of the gospel (Mt. 28.l8ff.), building disciples in the faith (Col. l:28; Heb. 10:24ff.) and showing concern for social needs (Lk. 10:25ff.; James l:27).
II. Polity of the Church
Although there are several distinct forms of church government exercised today (Collegial, Episcopal, Presbyterial, Independent). I believe Scripture most strongly suggests the Independent, or Congregational, form.
Jesus advised that the church be the final court of appeal for differences between brothers (Mt. 18:15ff). Paul encouraged the whole church to guard its unity (I Cor. l:10). Jude exhorts the entire church to contend for pure doctrine (v.3). We see the church leading in the selection of officers (Acts 1:23; 6:3,5). Further, Paul demands that the church disciplines its own members (I Cor. 5). Such discipline was, and is, to follow after Jesus' pattern given in Matthew 18:15-17.
III. Ordinances of the Church
The church is charged with keeping of two ordinances, baptism and the Lord's supper. Both have been "ordained" by Christ (Mt. 28:19ff; 26:26-29), carry the symbolism of salvation and are to be performed only by believers. Neither convey saving grace to the participant.
Baptism speaks of death and resurrection of the believer with Christ, of the disciple's deliverance from sin and of new life in Christ (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3). The mode of immersion fits this symbolism best and is supported both by the definition of the Greek "baptizo" and by the apparent practice of the New Testament (Jn. 3:23: Mk. l:9ff.; Acts 8:38ff.).
The Lord's supper is also for believers only and particularly, only for those in right relationship with their Father (I Cor. l1:27ff.). The bread and the fruit of the vine symbolize the body and blood of Christ broken and shed for the believers salvation (Lk. 22:17ff.).The presence of Christ is not in the elements but in the Christians gathered in Christ's name. (Mt. 18:20). Disciples are enjoined to do this regularly (without further specification as to how often) "in remembrance of "Christ and until He comes again (1 Cor. 11:23ff.). It is my opinion that because of weaker brothers and our society's gross abuse of alcoholic beverages, a nonalcoholic substitute should be used in place of wine. Nor do I think we are bound to use only unleavened bread as Jesus did, providing the symbolism of brokenness is not lost (gk.artos vs.azumos).
Bibliography:
Identity & Role Edmund Clowney and Langdom Gilkey
Polity Morris (Episc.), Berkhof (Presb.), Hiscox (Congr.)
Baptism Jewett (Sapt.), Feenstra (Reformed)
Communion Pohle (Cath.), W. Stevens (Zwingli/Symbolic)