Deep Dive into Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson - The Nature of the Church
The church, though frequently misunderstood, is fundamentally a divinely established institution, with its true nature best understood through a biblical-philological method that focuses on its scriptural essence rather than merely its observable activities.
Paul's writings present a Trinitarian understanding of the church through three key images. As the People of God, it emphasizes God’s sovereign choice of both Jews and Gentiles under the new covenant, requiring inward spiritual transformation. As the Body of Christ, the church is the locus of Christ's ongoing activity in the world, highlighting believers' profound union with Him as their head and their interconnectedness as members. This image underscores unity, mutual dependence, and the church's role in extending Christ's ministry. As the Temple of the Holy Spirit, the church is indwelt by the Spirit, who brought it into being at Pentecost, imparting life (spiritual fruit), conveying power for witness, and ensuring its holiness and unity.
Four "special problems" further define the church. The church is distinct from the Kingdom of God (God's reign); the kingdom creates the church, and the church serves as its manifestation and instrument on earth. The church is considered the "new Israel," yet there is a future for national Israel through large-scale conversion to Christ and entry into the church, as there is no other basis for salvation. The distinction between the visible (earthly institution) and invisible (true believers) church is important for recognizing hypocrisy, but individual spiritual condition is prior, and the visible church is vital for fellowship, edification, and discipline. Lastly, the church originated definitively at Pentecost, at which point Old Testament believers were incorporated into this one unified body of Christ. Though divinely created, the church is composed of imperfect humans, awaiting perfect sanctification at Christ's return.
Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian
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