SEMESTER 5
366 – The Articles of Faith Concerning the Lord’s Church
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: ECCLESIOLOGY V LESSON # 66
CHURCH COVENANT AND ARTICLES OF FAITH – CONCERNING THE LORD’S CHURCH
Read: Acts 2:41-42
, 1 Cor. 12:4-13
INTRODUCTION:
1. There is much controversy on definition of word church.
2. However, it arises from tradition, not from Scripture.
3. We hold, and Baptists have always basically held to this:
I. THE CHURCH IS ALWAYS A CONGREGATION
1. It is an Ecclesia (assembly of people), necessarily visible.
2. Not all assemblies are churches, but all churches are assemblies.
II. AN ASSEMBLY ASSOCIATED BY BIBLICAL BOUNDARIES
1. A covenant and articles, either written or understood, not just “the name of Jesus.”
2. Associated by fellowship in the true Gospel of Christ.
3. They exercise God’s gifts and are governed by His laws.
III:By the necessity of “The Gift” of passion in preaching.
4. The office of ordination, (Elders) bishops and deacons.
5. These must have proper qualifications, claims and duties.
III. THE CHURCH HAS A DEFINITE AND WELL-DEFINED MISSION
1. The abstract concept of her duties is pure foolishness, they are definite.
2. The commission is to teach, baptize and teach all nations.
3. This has an order: doctrine, baptize and teach, to observe. This must not be reversed.
IV. THE CHURCH IS ABSOLUTELY SELF-GOVERNING
1. We are the body, Christ is the head, this sets the order.
2. This congregational government must be under Christ alone.
V. CO-OPERATION, BUT NOT AFFILIATION IS PROPER
1. We can properly help each other with missionaries, schools, etc.
2. We must not relinquish church autonomy in so doing.
VI. THE DECISIONS OF EACH CHURCH ARE TO BE FINAL
1. Never a right to violate the principles of God’s Word.
2. But never an obligation to follow another church’s will.
VII. HIS SYSTEM THRIVES ONLY WHEN CHRIST RULES
1. The proper description of this system is not democracy.
2. It is congregational rule (a theocracy) under Christ.
3. We are to be led by the indwelling, guiding Holy Spirit.
4. When this is done, the whole system works properly.