Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4 E-Book

Joel Beeke

• Herausgeber: Crossway
• Kategorie: Religion und Spiritualität
• Serie: Reformed Systematic Theology
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 2836

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Accessible Study of Ecclesiology and Eschatology from a Reformed Perspective Reformed Systematic Theology explores key Scripture topics from biblical, doctrinal, experiential, and practical perspectives, helping readers grow in their understanding and application of the truth presented in God's Word. Written by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley, each volume presents a comprehensive yet accessible study of the Reformed Christian faith that ministers to the whole person―head, heart, and hands. The final volume, Church and Last Things, unpacks important topics around ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and eschatology (the doctrine of last things), including the biblical significance of church membership, Jesus's model for the church, and 7 practical lessons from Revelation. A set of all 4 Reformed Systematic Theology volumes is also available. - Biblical and Theological: Explains key passages of the Holy Scriptures and draws extensively from historic Reformed and Puritan sources - Easy to Understand: Explores central points of ecclesiology and eschatology from a simple, accessible, comprehensive, and experiential approach - Part of the Reformed Systematic Theology Series: Volumes cover the entire scope of systematic theology based on 8 central themes: revelation, God, man, Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the church, and last things - Also Available as Part of the 4-Volume Reformed Systematic Theology Set

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Praise for Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4

“With volume 4 of Reformed Systematic Theology, Joel Beeke and his faithful theological Barnabas, Paul Smalley, bring to completion their remarkable gift to the church—not only in the United States but also throughout the world. They are to be congratulated for fulfilling the great desideratum of a systematic theology textbook that serves many levels of readership. Balanced in its approach (addressed to both mind and heart), it is rich in its content (both biblical and doctrinal) and comprehensive in its coverage (some five thousand pages of exposition). In addition—to adapt some words of the church fathers from a different context—it is splendidly presented in a style that will enable the theological elephant to swim in it while Christian lambs can happily wade. Following in the footsteps of Paul the theologian, the authors have succeeded in imparting their ‘spiritual gift’ to strengthen us. Their work, too, will surely ‘reap some harvest’ (Rom. 1:11, 13).”

Sinclair B. Ferguson, Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley’s fourth and final volume of their Reformed Systematic Theology not only maintains the quality and content of the previous volumes but also covers subject matter (the doctrines of the church and of the last things) that is crucial and controversial among Bible-believing Christians. The product of this colabor between a Dutch Reformed theologian and a Reformed Baptist serves to highlight our common commitments and to make even our disagreements better. I came away helped by their work of presenting ecclesiology and sacraments together. Consequently, Reformed paedobaptists and credobaptists will both benefit from this volume. There are many useful and unique features to highlight: for instance, the ‘Practical Conclusion to Ecclesiology,’ in which a pathway is commended for the pursuit of the church’s reformation. But the whole volume (indeed, the whole set) is like this. Even the ‘Analytical Outlines’ are edifying! The theology is never very far away from application, and the application is always derived from the theology. Doctrine and devotion are everywhere intertwined and rooted in clear and faithful biblical exposition.”

Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary

“The last volume of Reformed Systematic Theology has been eagerly awaited, and it does not disappoint. Grounded in Scripture, rooted in the Reformation tradition, theologically faithful and wise, and practically relevant, this volume will not only instruct about the church and last things but also lead the reader into greater worship of our triune God of grace, a love for the church, and a hope grounded in the truths of the gospel. This volume also models how to arbitrate differences among Christians regarding the nature of the church and baptism while demonstrating unity in the faith once delivered to the saints. I highly recommend this and the other volumes in this series for sound biblical and theological formulation at its best, something the church desperately needs in our generation.”

Stephen J. Wellum, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Praise for the Reformed Systematic Theology Series

“‘Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!’ This expression of praise from Paul’s great doxology is a fitting response to reading this wonderful work of doctrine and devotion. Though the Reformed faith is often caricatured as merely intellectual, this work demonstrates that Reformed theology is also profoundly experiential, as no chapter fails to move from theology to doxology.”

John MacArthur, Pastor, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Chancellor Emeritus, The Master’s University and Seminary

“Reformed Systematic Theology not only takes readers into the depths of our triune God, but also shows what these great truths have to do with the Christian life. No contemporary systematic theology will bring the reader to a greater understanding of how theology blossoms into doxology than this one.”

Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Executive Editor, Credo Magazine; editor, Reformation Theology

“Beeke and Smalley have written a work useful to the church at large that teaches Christians what they should believe and how they should love, but they have not sacrificed academic rigor to achieve these goals.”

J. V. Fesko, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi

“Joel Beeke has continued his decades-long service to Christ and his church by presenting us with his mature reflections on the nature of systematic theology. This work is fully reliable, well written, easily understood, and thoroughly researched.”

Richard C. Gamble, Professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“Joel Beeke is a rare gift to the church, a noted Christian leader who combines the skills of a learned theologian, master teacher, noted historian, and yet also a caring pastor. Reformed Systematic Theology is a virtual gold mine of biblical doctrine that is systematically arranged, carefully analyzed, historically scrutinized, and pastorally applied.”

Steven J. Lawson, President, OnePassion Ministries; Professor of Preaching, The Master’s Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries

“Here is theology functioning as it ought to function—calling us to worship. You will not need to agree with the authors at every point to believe and to hope that this work will serve Christ’s church well in our generation and for generations to come.”

Jeremy Walker, Pastor, Maidenbower Baptist Church, Crawley, UK; author, Life in Christ; Anchored in Grace; and A Face Like a Flint

Reformed Systematic Theology

Reformed Systematic Theology

Volume 4:

Church and Last Things

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

Reformed Systematic Theology, Volume 4: Church and Last Things

© 2024 by Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

Published by Crossway 1300 Crescent Street Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law. Crossway® is a registered trademark in the United States of America.

Cover design: Jordan Singer

First printing 2024

Printed in China

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the King James Version of the Bible.

Scripture quotations marked ESV are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated into any other language.

Portions of chapter 7 are adapted from material originally published in Joel R. Beeke, A Faithful Church Member (Leyland, England: Evangelical Press, 2011). Used by permission.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the authors.

Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-4335-5995-2 ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-5998-3 PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-5996-9

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Beeke, Joel R., 1952– author. | Smalley, Paul M., author.

Title: Reformed systematic theology / Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley.

Description: Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, [2021] | Includes bibliographical references and index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2018029011 (print) | LCCN 2018047407 (ebook) | ISBN 9781433559969 (pdf) | ISBN 9781433559983 (epub) | ISBN 9781433559952 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781433559983 (ePub) |

Subjects: LCSH: Reformed Church—Doctrines.

Classification: LCC BX9422.3 (ebook) | LCC BX9422.3 .B445 2019 (print) | DDC 230/.42—dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018029011

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

2024-03-20 10:19:07 AM

For

Bruce Baugus, Jonathon Beeke, Scott Brown, Scott Roberts, and Tom Schwanda,

faithful, godly friends, brothers of integrity,

who, by God’s grace, live out Paul’s grand confession:

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

—Joel R. Beeke

And for

Gordon Taylor, Mark Chanski, Jim Renihan, Greg Nichols, and Sam Waldron,

preachers, teachers, servants of the church, and brothers.

—Paul M. Smalley

Contents

Abbreviations

Tables

Preface to Volume 4

PART 6: ECCLESIOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

Analytical Outline: Ecclesiology

Section A: The Doctrine of the Church’s Nature

1  Introduction to Ecclesiology

2  Biblical Terms and Biblical Theology of the Church

3  Biblical Metaphors for the Church

4  Systematic Theology of the Church’s Nature

5  Christ’s Teaching about the Christian Church

6  Attributes and Marks of the Christian Church

7  Membership in the Church

Section B: The Doctrine of the Church’s Authority and Work

8  Biblical Structures of Church Government

Excursus: Other Forms of Church Government

9  Church Officers, Part 1: Introduction and Elders

10  Church Officers, Part 2: Ministers of the Word

11  Church Officers, Part 3: The Faithfulness of God’s Ministers

Excursus: Theological Professors or Doctors of Theology

12  Church Officers, Part 4: Deacons, Women in Office, and Applications

13  Churches in Their Broader Relationships

14  The Civil Government and the Church

15  The Work of the Church, Part 1: The Worship of God

16  The Work of the Church, Part 2: Edification and Evangelism

Section C: The Doctrine of the Church’s Means of Grace

17  Introduction to the Public Means of Grace

18  The Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word

19  Baptism, Part 1: Necessity, Meaning, and Practical Applications

20  Baptism, Part 2: Subjects and Modes

21  The Lord’s Supper, Part 1: Institution and Christ’s Presence

22  The Lord’s Supper, Part 2: Administration, Benefits, and Directions for Partaking

23  Corporate Prayer and Singing of Praises

24  Fellowship and Discipline in the Communion of the Saints

25  Practical Conclusion to Ecclesiology: The Reformation of the Church

PART 7: ESCHATOLOGY: THE DOCTRINE OF THE LAST THINGS

Analytical Outline: Eschatology

Section A: Preliminary and Special Issues in Eschatology

26  Introduction to Eschatology

27  The Structure of Inaugurated Eschatology

Excursus: The Eschatological Error of Prosperity Theology

28  Bodily Death and the Soul after Death, Part 1: Biblical Teaching and Application

29  Bodily Death and the Soul after Death, Part 2: Errors and Experiential Guidance

30  Signs and the Man of Sin

31  The Interpretation of the Book of Revelation

32  Dispensationalism and the Future of Ethnic Israel

33  The Millennium and Expectations for the Church

Excursus: Variety and Continuity in the History of Millennial Views

Section B: The Doctrine of Hope in Christ Alone

34  The Coming of Christ in Glory

35  The Resurrection of the Dead

36  The Day of Judgment, Part 1: Introduction to the Day of Christ

37  The Day of Judgment, Part 2: The Proceedings of the Final Judgment

38  Eternal Punishment in Hell, Part 1: Biblical Teaching

39  Eternal Punishment in Hell, Part 2: Objections and Applications

40  Eternal Life with God in Christ, Part 1: Divine Love and Glory

41  Eternal Life with God in Christ, Part 2: Friendship, Rest, and Service

42  A Brief Practical Conclusion to Eschatology and Systematic Theology

Appendix: A Reformed Baptist Perspective on the Subjects and Mode of Baptism

Bibliography

General Index

Scripture Index

Abbreviations

ACCS/NT

Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, New Testament. Edited by Thomas Oden. 12 vols. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2005–2006.

ANF

The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Edited by Alexander Roberts and James Donaldson. Revised by A. Cleveland Coxe. 9 vols. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1918.

ARP-FOG

Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Form of Government. 2016. http://arpchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FOG-2016.pdf.

BCO-OPC

The Book of Church Order of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Willow Grove, PA: Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, 2020. https://opc.org/BCO/BCO_2020.pdf.

BCO-PCA

The Book of Church Order of the Presbyterian Church in America. Lawrenceville, GA: The Office of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, 2019. https://www.pcaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/BCO-2019-with-bookmarks-for-website-1.pdf.

BDAG

Walter Bauer. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Revised and edited by Frederick W. Danker. 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.

C-RPCNA

The Constitution of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Pittsburgh: Crown and Covenant, 2021.

Denzinger

Heinrich Denzinger, compiler. Enchiridion Symbolorum Definitionum et Declarationum de Rebus Fidei et Morum; Compendium of Creeds, Definitions, and Declarations on Matters of Faith and Morals. Edited by Peter Hünermann, Helmut Hoping, Robert Fastiggi, and Anne Englund Nash. 43rd ed. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press, 2012.

DSLCO

Doctrinal Standards, Liturgy, and Church Order. Heritage Reformed Congregations. Edited by Joel R. Beeke. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 1999.

LSJ

Henry George Liddell and Robert Scott, compilers. A Greek-English Lexicon. Revised by Henry Stuart Jones and Roderick McKenzie. 9th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996.

LW

Luther’s Works. Edited by Jaroslav Pelikan et al. 80 vols. St. Louis, MO: Concordia, 1958–2020.

NIDNTTE

The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis. Edited by Moisés Silva. 5 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014.

NIDOTTE

The New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis. Edited by Willem A. VanGemeren. 5 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1997.

NIDPCM

The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. Edited by Stanley M. Burgess and Eduard M. Van der Maas. Revised and expanded edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002.

NPNF1

A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series. Edited by Philip Schaff. 14 vols. New York: Christian Literature Co., 1888.

NPNF2

A Select Library of Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. 14 vols. New York: Christian Literature Co., 1894.

The Psalter

The Psalter, with Doctrinal Standards, Liturgy, Church Order, and Added Chorale Section. Preface by Joel R. Beeke and Ray B. Lanning. 1965; repr., Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans for Reformation Heritage Books, 2003.

Reformed Confessions

Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries in English Translation: 1523–1693. Compiled by James T. Dennison Jr. 4 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, 2008–2014.

RST

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley. Reformed Systematic Theology. 4 vols. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2019–2024.

TDNT

Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Edited by Gerhard Kittel, Geoffrey W. Bromiley, and Gerhard Friedrich. 10 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964.

The Three Forms of Unity

The Three Forms of Unity. Introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Birmingham, AL: Solid Ground, 2010.

Trinity Hymnal—Baptist Edition

Trinity Hymnal—Baptist Edition. Revised by David Merck. Suwanee, GA: Great Commission Publications, 1995.

URCNA-CO

Church Order of the United Reformed Churches in North America. 8th ed. 2018. https://www.urcna.org/church-order.

WCF

Westminster Confession of Faith. Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publications, 1994.

WJE

The Works of Jonathan Edwards. 26 vols. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1957–2008.

Tables

Table 11.1. The Minister’s Faithful Leadership of All Areas of Church Life

Table 19.1. Presbyterian and Baptist Confessional Statements on the Meaning of Baptism

Table 23.1. Arguments about Singing Only Psalms in the Church’s Public Worship

Table 23.2. Theological Views on Musical Instruments in Public Worship

Table 27.1. Contrast of the Two Modes of the Kingdom

Table 27.2. The Complex Sequence of Ages in New Testament Eschatology

Table 30.1. Paul’s “Man of Sin” Teaching and Christ’s Olivet Discourse

Table 34.1. Common Terms in Some New Testament Passages on Christ’s Return

Table 38.1. Key Terms about Final Punishment in the Gospels

Table 38.2. Key Terms about Final Punishment in the Epistles

Preface to Volume 4

Christian theology is the human echo of the voice of God, the word of sinful but regenerate man attempting to confess the inerrant Word of God. Insofar as theology is faithful to the Holy Scriptures, it is the truth of God, but no theology in this age can fully escape human fallenness. It is a humbling but God-honoring thought for the theologian to consider: “All flesh is grass. . . . The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isa. 40:6, 8). By the ministry of this word, we are born again (1 Pet. 1:23) and sanctified (John 17:17). Therefore, theology is crucial to the expansion and spiritual growth of Christ’s church.

It has been our privilege to expound and apply a Christian, evangelical, and Reformed systematic theology. This is the fourth and final volume of that endeavor, focusing on the loci of ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church) and eschatology (the doctrine of the last things). It is fitting for systematic theology to end with these two loci, for we do theology as a covenant community of pilgrims being led by Christ to eternal glory in the presence of God. Augustine of Hippo (354–430) said that the church consists of “a society of pilgrims of all languages” united in their diversity by the peace of Christ that believers possess by faith, a peace that consists in the “harmonious enjoyment of God and of one another in God.”1

The locus of ecclesiology addresses the doctrine of the church’s nature, authority and work, and means of grace. This locus posed particular challenges in our preparation of this systematic theology, especially since the authors of this book come from two ecclesiastical traditions: Dutch Reformed and Reformed Baptist. Nevertheless, we have found significant agreement in the doctrine of the church, grounded on our common commitment to the Word of God. Where there are differences in church polity and practice, as between presbyterianism and congregationalism, we have labored to explain the perspective and arguments of each side, and jointly argued for a New Testament connectionalism that preserves both the integrity of the local church and the unity of the broader church. A crucial point of doctrinal difference in our ecclesiology is between Reformed paedobaptism (covenantal infant baptism) and credobaptism (the baptism of only those giving a credible profession of faith and repentance). The reader will find the paedobaptist doctrine explained in chapter 20, coauthored by Joel R. Beeke and Jonathon D. Beeke,2 and the credobaptist doctrine in the appendix at the end of the volume, written by Paul M. Smalley. We have sought to address differences in ecclesiology with faithfulness to God’s Word and to each other as beloved brothers in God’s family.

In the locus of eschatology, we have divided our treatment into two parts. The first deals with preliminary and special issues, the latter of which consists of matters controversial among evangelical Christians, such as the interpretation of Revelation and the meaning of the millennium in Revelation 20. The second part, which we call “The Doctrine of Hope in Christ Alone,” deals with matters that have historically united Christians, including the personal, visible coming of Christ in glory, the resurrection of the dead, the day of judgment, the everlasting punishment of the wicked in hell, and the eternal life of the righteous in God’s kingdom. We conclude eschatology with a brief chapter that attempts to weave together all the strands of systematic theology into a unified doctrine of vibrant hope.

As we wrap up Reformed Systematic Theology, we must thank God for the partnership he formed between us that made the writing of this work possible. People sometimes inquire about the process by which this coauthored book came to be. The answer is the grace-sustained cooperation between a professor of theology and his research assistant over the span of some eight years. Of course, the fundamental source material was the professor’s lectures in systematic theology, given over decades at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. But the provenance of any given chapter or portion of a chapter varies. Some blocks of material were prepared by the professor in a manner almost ready for publication, requiring that the assistant merely edit them. In other cases, the professor’s lecture material received significant revision and augmentation by further research by the assistant, which the professor then reviewed, edited, and approved. In yet other cases, entirely new material was generated by the assistant, following the professor’s guidance on important sources and subject to his review and editing. The entire process involved regular communication between the two authors and frequent times of prayer for God’s direction and blessing, for he alone can guide us in the truth by his Spirit.

The fact is that neither one of us could have produced Reformed Systematic Theology on his own, and its existence is a testimony to the grace of God. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore” (Ps. 133:1–3).

The publication of any book requires a team of people, and that is certainly the case here. We are profoundly grateful to Justin Taylor and the staff at Crossway for publishing this multivolume venture into systematic theology, especially Greg Bailey, our eagle-eyed editor, who invested countless hours into finding our mistakes and improving our communication. We desire to express our gratitude for helpful review, corrections, and comments from Ray Lanning, Annette Gysen, Keith Mathison, Wouter Pieters, David Kranendonk, and Stephen Myers. We are grateful for the advice of Leonardo De Chirico on our discussions of Roman Catholic doctrine and for the assistance of Joseph Urban regarding practical aspects of the Lord’s Supper. Joel Beeke expresses his appreciation to Jonathon Beeke for coauthoring chapter 20 on the topic of covenantal infant baptism, as noted above. Paul Smalley thanks Robert Gonzales, Greg Nichols, Rob Ventura, and Sam Waldron for their feedback on his presentation of a Reformed Baptist view of baptism. We are always in debt to our wives, Mary Beeke and Dawn Smalley, whose kindness and patience toward us are models of Christlikeness.

Joel Beeke dedicates this concluding volume of Reformed Systematic Theology to five good friends. Many thanks, Bruce Baugus and Jonathon Beeke, for casting in your lot with us at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, working ably for our worldwide vision of training theological students in biblical, Reformed, and experiential theology. Many thanks, Scott Brown, for a treasured, ever-growing friendship in Christ of two decades and for continuing to invite me each year to speak at your conference. Many thanks, Scott Roberts, for your big heart for Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and our countless Christ-centered talks and prayers together. And many thanks, Tom Schwanda, for your unfailing, daily prayers for me that have always meant more to me than you can know.

Paul Smalley also dedicates this volume to five friends. Thank you, Gordon Taylor and Mark Chanski, for your personal encouragement and broad labors in coordinating church associations among the Reformed Baptists. Thank you, Jim Renihan, for digging deep and bringing to light the historical heritage of Particular Baptist ecclesiology. Thank you, Greg Nichols, for modeling a gracious spirit to me, my family, and our church, and for teaching a solidly biblical doctrine of the church to generations of ministers and members. And thank you, Sam Waldron, for helping to restore a biblical eschatology in its Christ-centered simplicity and beauty among Baptists.

In conclusion, we would also like to express our thanks to God for our parents and the many ministers, theologians, and other people who have taught us virtually everything we know. We have documented in our footnotes the sources that we quote or summarize, but who can footnote all the influences of a lifetime? We must humbly acknowledge the force of Paul’s rhetorical question: “What hast thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Cor. 4:7). All true knowledge is from God, and he is often pleased to dispense it to us through other people. Only God can accurately trace and graciously reward the faithfulness of the countless men and women whose influence made this work possible, and we look forward to judgment day, when he will bring all such things to light to the praise of his glory.

It is our hope and prayer that, by God’s grace, Reformed Systematic Theology will take its place among the many theological works that prove to be edifying to the church of Jesus Christ. We have benefited so much from reading other books, and this has motivated us to preach, teach, and write to pass on the truth to yet others. If you, the reader, benefit in any way from our work, please do what you can to spread these great truths, so that by the grace of God others may know, love, and serve God in obedience to his holy will. That grace-empowered, heart-quickening, life-transforming, experiential knowledge is the true theology given to us through Jesus Christ. Soli Deo gloria!

Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley

1. Augustine, The City of God, 19.17, in NPNF1, 2:412–13.

2. Jonathon D. Beeke, PhD, serves as Academic Dean at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Part 6

ECCLESIOLOGY:THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

Analytical Outline: Ecclesiology

Section A: The Doctrine of the Church’s Nature

  I.  Introduction to Ecclesiology

A.  An Opening Clarification

B.  The Importance of the Church

1.  God’s People Whom He Loves

2.  God’s Plan for Spiritual Growth

3.  God’s Place Where He Is Present

4.  God’s Purpose for All Things

C.  Objections to Ecclesiology

1.  Artificial

2.  Divisive and Denominational

3.  Mundane and Unspiritual

4.  Traditional and Unbiblical

5.  Theoretical and Impractical

6.  Unnecessary

D.  The Practical Benefits of Ecclesiology

1.  Following God’s Revelation instead of Human Ideas

2.  Employing God’s Method of Evangelism

3.  Avoiding Proud Individualism and Authoritarianism

4.  Distinguishing True Churches from False Churches

5.  Maintaining Ecclesiastical Liberty

6.  Choosing Healthy Churches

7.  Benefiting from the Public Means of Grace

8.  Pleasing God in Worship and Service

9.  Presenting the Visible Face of Christian Doctrine

10.  Passing on a Godly Heritage to Future Generations

  II.  Basic Biblical Teachings on the Nature of the Church

A.  Biblical Terminology for the Church

1.  Seed, Sons, and Brethren

2.  Assembly, Congregation, Church

3.  People and Nation

4.  Saints and Priests

5.  The Elect, Called, and Faithful

6.  Disciples

7.  Special Treasure and Inheritance

B.  A Biblical Theology of the Church

1.  The Church’s Essential Continuity through Redemptive History

2.  The Church’s Developing Identity through Redemptive History

a.  The Creation of God’s Image Bearers in the First Garden

b.  The Violation of God’s Primal Covenant

c.  The Promise of the Victorious Seed

d.  The Offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

e.  The National Assembly of Israel

f.  The Holy City of Jerusalem

g.  The Judgment and Preservation of the Seed through the Exile

h.  The New Covenant Promise of a Faithful People

i.  The Messiah’s Call of His Disciples

j.  The Saving Sacrifice of the Church’s Lord

k.  The Apostolic Church Commissioned by the Risen Lord

l.  The People Baptized with the Holy Spirit

m.  Assemblies of Exiles and Pilgrims among the Nations

n.  The Glorified Saints Vindicated by the Returning Lord

o.  The Heavenly City and the New Garden

C.  Biblical Metaphors for the Church

1.  Minor Metaphors

a.  Metaphors of Affection

i.  Apple of the Eye

ii.  Turtledove

iii.  Crown

iv.  Girdle

v.  Jewels or Treasure

b.  Metaphors of Influence

i.  Dew

ii.  Salt

iii.  Light

iv.  Pillar and Ground of the Truth

c.  Metaphors of Destruction

i.  Lion

ii.  Threshing Sledge

iii.  Fire

2.  Major Metaphors

a.  A Flock

b.  A Garden, Vineyard, or Field

c.  A City, Jerusalem, or Zion

d.  A House or Temple

e.  A Bride or Mother

f.  A Body

3.  Conclusion: Using Pictures of the Church in Prayer

  III.  Systematic Theology of the Nature of the Church

A.  A Basic Theological Definition of the Church

1.  An Assembly

2.  The Assembly of God’s People

3.  The Assembly of God’s People in His Special Presence

4.  The Assembly of God’s People in His Special Presence through His Son by His Spirit

B.  The Church’s Creation by the Triune God

1.  The Father’s Election of the Church

2.  The Son’s Redemption of the Church

3.  The Spirit’s Formation of the Church

4.  The Kingdom of God and the Church

5.  The Church and the Glory of God

C.  Distinctions regarding the Church

1.  The Church Militant and Triumphant

2.  The Church Universal and Particular

3.  The Church Invisible and Visible

4.  The Distinctions Employed to Make Nuanced Definitions

D.  Applications of the Church’s Definition and Distinctions

  IV.  Christ’s Teaching about the Christian Church

A.  Christ’s Manifesto for the Church

1.  The Foundation of the Church

2.  The Builder and Owner of the Church

3.  The Victory of the Church

4.  The Authority of the Church

B.  Christ’s Model for the Church

C.  Christ’s Mission for the Church

D.  Summary of Christ’s Teaching

  V.  Attributes and Marks of the Christian Church

A.  The Attributes of the Church

1.  The One Church

2.  The Holy Church

3.  The Catholic Church

4.  The Apostolic Church

5.  The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church

B.  The Marks of the True Church

1.  True Doctrine

2.  True Sacraments

3.  True Discipline

4.  Relative Purity, Not Absolute Purity

5.  Christlike Conduct Done by Faith from a Renewed Heart

C.  The Centrality of God’s Word to the Life of the Church

  VI.  Membership in the Church

A.  The Biblical Meaning and Importance of Church Membership

1.  Explicit New Testament References to Membership

2.  New Testament Scripture Passages That Imply Membership

3.  Biblical Terms and Pictures of the Church That Imply Membership

4.  Implications of the Sacraments for Church Membership

5.  Conclusion: Church Membership Is a Part of Biblical Christianity

B.  Diverse Views regarding Children and Membership

1.  Universalist Churches

2.  Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran Churches

3.  Baptist Churches

4.  Reformed and Presbyterian Churches

C.  The Prerequisites of Adult Communicant Membership

D.  The Hindrances of Adult Communicant Membership

1.  False Brethren

2.  False Churches

E. The Responsibilities of Adult Communicant Membership

1. Feed on the Public Ministry of the Word

2. Nurture Faith with the Lord’s Supper

3. Increase and Exercise Love for Fellow Members

4. Guard and Strengthen the Unity of the Church

5. Serve in Ministry by Your Spiritual Gifts

6. Keep Watch over One Another in Brotherly and Sisterly Accountability

7. Speak the Gospel to Believers and Unbelievers

8. Support Your Church with Your Financial Gifts

9. Honor and Submit to Each Pastor and Elder of Your Church

10. Pray with Your Church

Section B: The Doctrine of the Church’s Authority and Work

  VII.  Biblical Structures of Church Government

A.  Basic New Testament Principles of Church Authority

1.  Christ Rules His Church as a Mediatorial Monarchy

2.  The Eldership Leads Christ’s Church as a Ministerial Aristocracy

3.  Christ’s Church Regulates Itself as a Mutually Accountable Democracy

B.  Denominations and Associations of Churches

1.  Presbyterianism versus Congregationalism

2.  A Biblical Case for Strong Connectionalism

a.  Visits to Encourage New Churches

b.  Warm Relationships and Correspondence

c.  Recognition of Ministers

d.  Written Commendations

e.  Collaboration in Organized Works of Benevolence

f.  Cooperation in Gospel Missions with Doctrinal Discrimination

g.  Preservation of Doctrinal Unity under Apostolic Direction

C.  Practical Applications of Basic Principles of Church Structure

1.  The Soul of Church Government Is Submission to Christ

2.  Church Authority Is Ministerial, Not Monarchical or Mediatorial

3.  Rejecting the Lawful Exercise of Pastoral Authority by the Eldership Is Rebellion against the Lord

4.  The Members of Christ’s Body Bear Significant Responsibility for the Church

5.  Voting Is Not for Personal Preference but to Do the Will of Christ

D.  Other Forms of Church Government

1.  Episcopal Aristocracy

2.  Civil Supremacy

3.  Papal Monarchy

4.  National Theocracy

5.  Individualistic Anarchy

6.  Singular Pastoral Authority

7.  Pure Democracy

8.  Concluding Reflection

  VIII.  The Officers of the Church

A.  Introduction to Biblical Church Officers

1.  Office and Ministry in the Church: Biblical Terminology

2.  The Basic Distinctions among Officers

B.  The Elders of the Church

1.  The Historical Background of Elders

2.  The Responsibilities of Elders

3.  The Plurality of Elders

4.  The Qualifications of Elders

5.  Practical Directions for Elders

a.  Do Your Ministry as Servants of God

b.  Keep Watch over Your Souls

c.  Be Lifelong Students of Sound Doctrine

d.  Grow as Wise and Well-Informed Church Leaders

e.  Love the Church and Its Members

f.  Visit, Encourage, and Admonish Church Members

g.  Pray for the Church, Interceding for Particular People

h.  Love Your Fellow Ministers and Elders, and Hold Them Accountable

C.  Ministers of the Word

1.  The Biblical Doctrine of the Ministers of the Word

a.  The Preachers of the Word

b.  Ministers of the New Testament

c.  Specialization in the Eldership (1 Tim. 5:17–18)

d.  Supported Preachers and the Parallel with the Priesthood

e.  Objection: All Christians Are Ministers

f.  Conclusion: Ministers in the Church’s Eldership

2.  God’s Calling of the Ministers of the Word

a.  A Divine Call

b.  An Internal Call

c.  An External Call

3.  The Minister’s Faithfulness

a.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in Love for Christ and People

b.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in Personal Holiness

c.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in Prayer and the Word

d.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in Leadership

e.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in High Ideals and Imperfect Attainment

f.  The Minister’s Faithfulness in Bearing the Cross

D.  Theological Professors or Doctors of Theology

1.  The Doctoral Office Taught and Promoted by John Calvin

2.  The Doctoral Office Implemented in the Dutch Reformed Church

3.  The Doctoral Office Instituted in the Church of Scotland

4.  The Doctoral Office Practiced by Laurence Chaderton

5.  Concluding Reflections: The Doctoral Office Today

E.  Deacons

1.  The Responsibilities of Deacons

2.  The Qualifications of Deacons

3.  The Blessings of Deacons

F.  Women in Church Office

1.  The Two Genders in God’s Created Order

a.  Objection: Male Dominance a Part of the Curse (Gen. 3:16)

b.  Objection: No Distinction in Christ (Gal. 3:28)

2.  The Priests and Kings of Israel

a.  Objection: Premodern Cultures

b.  Objection: Women Prophets and a Woman Judge

3.  The Apostles of Jesus Christ

a.  Objection: Female Apostles (Rom. 16:7)

b.  Objection: Christ Avoiding Scandal

4.  The Qualifications for Elders and Deacons

a.  Objection: Female Deacons (1 Tim. 3:11)

b.  Objection: Phoebe a Deacon and Leader (Rom. 16:1–2)

c.  Objection: Women Lacked Education

d.  Objection: Categorical Subjugation of Women to Men

5.  The Prohibition against a Woman Ruling or Teaching a Man (1 Tim. 2:11–12)

a.  Objection: Seizing Power or Oppressively Dominating

b.  Objection: Prohibition Limited to Special Situation

c.  Objection: Contradiction to Priscilla’s Ministry

d.  Objection: Obscure Passage Reflecting Cultural Prejudice

6.  The Manifold Ministry of Women

a.  Objection: Women Hindered from Using Spiritual Gifts

G.  Applications: The Duties of Church Members to Officers

1.  Give Your Officers Esteem, Love, and Honor

2.  Recompense Well the Minister of the Word

3.  Be Slow to Accuse Officers but Support the Removal of Wicked Leaders

4.  Consider Your Officers’ Example and Imitate Their Faithfulness

5.  Submit to Each Officer’s Authority according to His Office

6.  Do Not Expect Your Officers to Do Everything

7.  Pray for Your Officers and Their Ministries

  IX.  The Broader Relationships of Churches to Families and Other Churches

A.  Churches and Families

B.  The Ecumenical Movement

C.  Interdenominational Unity

D.  Churches and Parachurch Organizations

  X.  The Civil Government and the Church

A.  The Doctrine of Creation and Civil Government

1.  God Alone Is the Creator, Lord, and Savior

2.  God Created Man in His Image to Rule as His Servants

3.  All God’s Image Bearers Are Essentially Equal

4.  God Created the Family before Civil Government

5.  God Authorized Cultural Dominion before Civil Government

B.  Moral Foundations for Civil Government

1.  God Instituted Civil Government

2.  God’s Moral Law Defines Standards for Civil Justice

3.  Israel’s Judicial Law Imparts Wisdom, Not Universal Civil Standards

4.  God’s Moral Law Implies Fundamental Human Rights

5.  Civil Society Is Upheld by Truthfulness and Faithfulness

C.  The Authority of Civil Rulers under God

1.  The Authority of Every Civil Ruler Comes from God

2.  Submission to Civil Rulers Is Everyone’s Duty to God

3.  Men Have a True Obligation to Civil Rulers but a Total Obligation to God

4.  The Civil Ruler Is God’s Servant

5.  Civil Rulers Have a Right to Honor and Taxes

D.  The Responsibility of Civil Rulers to God

1.  God Appoints Civil Rulers for the Public Good

2.  Civil Rulers Should Punish Evil and Praise Good

3.  Civil Rulers May Employ Force against Evildoers

4.  Civil Rulers Often Do Evil and Seek to Deify Themselves

5.  Civil Rulers Should Share Power and Restrain One Another

6.  Civil Rulers Are Subject to the Law

E.  The Lordship of Jesus Christ and Civil Government

1.  Christ Is Lord of All and Should Be Acknowledged by All

2.  Christ’s Kingdom Advances by Biblical Teaching, Not Civil Force

3.  Christ’s Correction of False Worship and Doctrine Is Not by Civil Power

4.  Christ’s People Should Be Protected from Persecution by Civil Government

5.  Christ’s Church Is a Sphere of Authority Distinct from Civil Government

F.  The Special Duties of Christians to Civil Government

1.  Christians Should Speak God’s Word to Civil Rulers

2.  Christian Submission to Civil Authority Supports the Church’s Witness

3.  Christians May Work in Civil or Military Service under Wicked Rulers

4.  Christians Must Disobey and Resist Sinful Civil Decrees

5.  Christians Should Love and Pray for Their Civil Rulers

6.  Christians Must Remember That Only Christ’s Kingdom Lasts Forever

  XI.  The Essential Work of the Church

A.  The Worship of God

1.  The Definition of Public Worship

2.  The Day of Public Worship

3.  The Regulative Principle of Public Worship

4.  The Elements, Form, and Circumstances of Public Worship

5.  The Basic Biblical Elements of Public Worship

a.  Reading the Holy Scriptures

b.  Praying Corporately to God

c.  Preaching and Teaching the Word

d.  Singing God’s Praise

e.  Offering Financial Gifts

f.  Administering Baptism

g.  Celebrating the Lord’s Supper

6.  The Spirituality and Simplicity of Public Worship

7.  The Wise Ordering of Circumstances for Public Worship

8.  The Pastoral Oversight of Public Worship

9.  The Heavenly Glory of Public Worship

B.  The Edification of True Believers

1.  The Necessity of Edification

2.  The Motives of Edification

3.  The Goal of Edification: Full Maturity in Christ

a.  Edification Aims to Develop Christlike Doctrinal Beliefs

b.  Edification Aims to Develop Christlike Moral Character

c.  Edification Aims to Develop Christlike Communion with God

d.  Edification Aims to Develop Unity in Christ

e.  Edification Aims to Develop Stability in Christ

f.  Edification Aims to Develop Ministry in Christ

4.  The Means of Edification

a.  The Church Edifies Believers by Practicing the Public Means of Grace

b.  The Church Edifies Believers by Promoting the Private Means of Grace

c.  The Church Edifies Believers by Performing Works of Benevolence

5.  The Power of Edification

a.  Prayerful Dependence

b.  Faithful Perseverance

c.  Joyful Thanksgiving

C.  The Evangelism of the Unsaved

1.  The Meaning of Evangelism

2.  The Motives of Evangelism

3.  The Modern Distortions of Evangelism

a.  The False Invitation of Decisionism

b.  The Earthly Promise of Health and Wealth

c.  The Mistaken Hope of Cultural Transformation

d.  The Misleading Atmosphere of Inappropriate Levity

e.  The Worldly Compromise of the Church’s Holiness

f.  The Failure to Offer the Whole Christ

4.  The Means and Confirming Evidences of Evangelism

a.  The Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures

b.  Prayer

c.  Christian Love to Unbelievers and Believers

d.  Holy and Submissive Conduct despite Suffering

5.  The Methods of Evangelism

a.  Preaching in Public Worship

b.  Preaching outside the Church

c.  Parenting

d.  Personal Witness

e.  Public and Private Catechizing

f.  Programs of Gospel Outreach

g.  Parachurch Organizations

h.  Polemics and Apologetics

i.  Practical Ministries of Mercy

j.  Publishing the Truth

k.  Preachers Sent to Unreached Communities

l.  Planting New Churches

m.  Preparing New Preachers and Teachers

6.  The Master of Evangelism

Section C: The Doctrine of the Church’s Means of Grace

  XII.  Introduction to the Public Means of Grace

A.  The Sacraments in the Early Church

B.  The Sacramental System

1.  The Seven Sacraments

2.  The Sacrifice of the Mass

3.  The Efficacy of the Sacraments

4.  The Reformation Critique of Sacramentalism

C.  A Biblical, Reformed Perspective on the Means of Grace

1.  The Means of Grace as Instruments of the Only Mediator

2.  The Word of God as the One External Means of Grace

3.  The Various Means of Grace as Vehicles of the Word

4.  A Biblical Case for the Sacraments as Means of Grace

5.  Objections and Clarifications to the Sacraments

D.  Practical Applications of the Doctrine of the Means of Grace

1.  Do Not Neglect the Means of Grace but Use Them Diligently

2.  Do Not Depend on the Means of Grace but Look to Christ Alone for Grace

3.  Do Not Employ the Means of Grace Mechanically but Stir Up Thought and Affection in Using Them

4.  Do Not Add to the Means That Christ Instituted but Be Content with Them

5.  Do Not Pick and Choose among the Means That Christ Instituted but Use Them All

  XIII.  The Preaching and Teaching of God’s Word

A.  The Preaching of God’s Word

1.  Preaching as God’s Primary Means of Grace

2.  Essential Qualities of Faithful Preaching

a.  Biblical

b.  Doctrinal

c.  Experiential

i.  An Awesome Sense of God’s Glory

ii.  An Awesome Sense of Christ’s Supremacy

iii.  An Awesome Sense of Divine Judgment

d.  Practical

B.  Additional Ways of Teaching God’s Word

1.  The Public Reading of God’s Word

2.  The Private Reading of God’s Word

3.  Parental Instruction and Family Worship

4.  Small-Group Bible Studies

5.  Bible and Doctrine Classes for Children or Adults

6.  Letters, Articles, and Books

7.  Advanced Theology Classes

C.  Practical Directions for Profitable Listening to Preaching and Teaching

1.  Prepare for the Word

2.  Receive the Word

3.  Practice the Word

  XIV.  The Doctrine of Baptism

A.  The Necessity of Baptism

1.  Baptism Not Necessary or Effectual for Salvation

a.  Baptism Is Not the Means of Regeneration

b.  God Saves Sinners through Repentance and Faith

c.  Baptizing Is Not as Important as Evangelizing

d.  Many Receive God’s Sacrament and Yet Perish

e.  Salvation Is by Grace through Faith apart from Works

f.  Regeneration Produces Faith, Which Adult Candidates for Baptism Must Already Have

g.  Regeneration Brings a New Creation, Which Many Baptized in Infancy Never Exhibit

h.  God’s Ordinary Means of Regeneration Is the Gospel, Which Infants Cannot Understand

2.  Baptism Necessary as Obedience to Christ

B.  The Meaning of Baptism

1.  The Background of Christian Baptism

2.  Christian Baptism as a Sign of Union with Christ Crucified and Risen

3.  Christian Baptism as a Sign of Salvation and Spiritual Cleansing

4.  Christian Baptism and the Church’s Unity

5.  Christian Baptism and the Church’s Distinctive Identity

6.  Christian Baptism and the New Covenant

7.  Doctrinal Summary of the Meaning of Baptism

C.  The Practical Applications of Baptism

1.  Humiliation over Sin and Judgment

2.  Growth in Assurance

3.  Dependence on the Crucified and Risen Christ

4.  Living by Faith in Holiness

5.  Living by Faith in Brotherly Love

D.  The Subjects of Baptism (Covenantal Infant Baptism)

1.  Methodology

2.  State of the Question (Status Quaestionis)

3.  Objections (Objectiones)

a.  No Explicit Command or Example in the New Testament

i.  Answer: No Express Command or Example of the Baptism of an Adult Already Part of a Household of Faith

ii.  Answer: No Express Command or Example of Women Partaking of the Lord’s Supper

b.  The Pattern of New Testament Baptism Only after Repentance

i.  Answer: The Pattern Applies Only to Converts from Outside the Covenant

ii.  Answer: Christ’s Baptism Was Not after Repentance

c.  Inconsistent Logic Is Applied to Baptism and the Lord’s Supper

i.  Answer: The Supper Signifies and Seals a Different Reality

d.  There Is an Overemphasis on Continuity in the “Covenant of Grace”

i.  Answer: There Are Both Physical and Spiritual Seeds in the Old Testament

ii.  Answer: Circumcision Was Not Strictly a Type

e.  Circumcision Was Part of a Covenant of Works

i.  Answer: The Covenant of Works Was Already Broken

ii.  Answer: The Mixed Seeds Are Not Typological but Simultaneous

4.  Answer (Sed Contra)

5.  Response with Evidence (Respondeo—Fontes Solutionem)

a.  Covenant Membership in the Old Testament

b.  Covenant Membership in the New Testament

i.  A Mixed Covenant Community (Heb. 10:28–31)

ii.  Faith Is Not the Ground of Covenant Status (Heb. 10:19)

c.  Circumcision as Sign and Seal: Blessing and Cursing

d.  Baptism as Sign and Seal: Blessing and Cursing

e.  Additional Arguments in Summary Form

i.  The Expanding Nature of the New Covenant

ii.  Acts 2:39

iii.  Matthew 19:13–14

iv.  Household Baptisms

v.  1 Corinthians 7:14

vi.  Household Codes

vii.  Most Reformed and Puritan Theologians

E.  The Mode of Baptism (Immersion, Pouring, and Sprinkling)

1.  Meaning of Baptizō

2.  Instances of New Testament Baptisms

3.  Biblical Symbolism of All Three Modes

a.  Immersion: Dying and Rising with Christ

b.  Pouring: Effusion of the Holy Spirit

c.  Sprinkling: Cleansing Water or Blood

F.  Practical Applications

1.  Focus on Union with Christ

2.  Consider Baptism a Gracious Promise to Believers

3.  Consider Baptism a Promise of Blessing and a Threat of Cursing

4.  Train Your Children to Fear the Lord

5.  Do Not Underemphasize Baptism but Look to God to Save Your Children

6.  Do Not Overemphasize Baptism by Presuming God Has Saved Your Children

G.  Conclusion

  XV.  The Doctrine of the Lord’s Supper

A.  Christ’s Institution of the Lord’s Supper

1.  The Background and Circumstances of the Last Supper

2.  The Giving of the Bread: This Is My Body

3.  The Giving of the Cup: This Is My Blood

4.  The Promise of the Kingdom

B.  Various Views of Christ’s Presence in the Lord’s Supper

1.  Real, Undefined Presence (Early Church)

2.  Real Bodily Presence by Transubstantiation (Roman Catholicism)

3.  Real Bodily Presence by Sacramental Union (Lutheranism)

4.  Real Spiritual Presence by the Holy Spirit (Reformed)

5.  Memorial without Any Promise of Special Presence (Other Churches)

C.  A Biblical, Theological Case for Real Spiritual Presence

1.  Arguments against Christ’s Real Bodily Presence in the Supper

a.  Christ’s Words Allow for a Nonliteral Meaning

b.  The Warning against Unworthy Receiving Allows for a Nonliteral Meaning

c.  The Context Militates against a Literal Meaning

d.  Christ Often Spoke in Figures of Speech

e.  A Literal Interpretation Would Make Christ a Lawbreaker

f.  Christ Said “This Is” of the Cup Too

g.  There Is No Precedent for Transubstantiation in Biblical Miracles

h.  Christ Refers to the Contents of the Cup as Real Wine

i.  Christ’s Body Ascended to Heaven

j.  Christ Is Seated at God’s Right Hand

k.  Christ, Though the Glorified God-Man, Remains a True Man

l.  The God of Truth Does Not Contradict Himself

2.  Arguments for Christ’s Real Spiritual Presence in the Supper

a.  Christ Invites His Disciples to Receive Him

b.  The Supper Represents Our Spiritual Eating and Drinking of Christ

c.  Paul Says the Bread and Cup Are Communion with Christ

d.  The Supper Is a Visible Word Proclaiming the Gospel

e.  Covenantal Fellowship with God Takes Place through Table Fellowship

D.  The Administration of the Lord’s Supper

E.  Personal Benefits of the Lord’s Supper

1.  The General Benefit Described

2.  The Particular Benefits Delineated

a.  Keeping the Gospel in Focus

b.  Remembering Christ’s Work

c.  Receiving the Divine Pledge and Confirmation of Grace

d.  Renewing the Covenant

e.  Enjoying Intimate Communion with Christ

f.  Giving Thanksgiving and Praise to God

g.  Making Public Confession of Christ

h.  Building Unity in Christ’s Body

i.  Experiencing Spiritual Refreshment by Grace

j.  Growing in Particular Virtues

k.  Mortifying Sin

l.  Encouraging Self-Examination and Confession of Sin

m.  Increasing Faith and Assurance

n.  Bringing Us Joy in God’s Presence

o.  Confirming Our Hope

F.  Directions for Partaking of the Lord’s Supper

1.  Preparing for the Lord’s Supper

a.  Stimulating Desire

b.  Self-Examination

c.  Spiritual Adornment

2.  At the Lord’s Supper

3.  After the Lord’s Supper

G.  Conclusion

  XVI.  Corporate Prayer and Singing of Praises

A.  Corporate Prayer

1.  Biblical Examples of Corporate Prayer

2.  Biblical Instruction for Corporate Prayer

a.  Pray with Faith in the Triune Lord

b.  Pray as the Father’s Family

c.  Pray to Please the Father, Not to Impress Men

d.  Pray to Edify Those with You

e.  Pray with Minds and Mouths Full of the Bible

f.  Pray with Hearts in Awe of God’s Majesty and Mercy

g.  Pray in Holiness and Mutual Peace

h.  Pray with Expectation of God’s Blessing

i.  Pray for All Classes and Nations of Humanity

j.  Pray for Rulers in Civil Government

k.  Pray for the Advance of the Gospel in the Salvation of Sinners

l.  Pray for the Sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit

B.  Corporate Singing of Praises

1.  Corporate Singing as One Facet of Biblical Corporate Worship

2.  The Reformation and Singing in Public Worship

a.  No Songs in Church

b.  Songs of the Bible and Extrabiblical Hymns

c.  The Psalms, Some Other Scriptures, and Extrabiblical Creeds

d.  Only the Psalms

e.  Extrabiblical Hymns and Virtually No Psalms

3.  The Importance of Congregational Singing in Public Worship

4.  The Biblical Mandate to Sing the Psalms in Public Worship

5.  The Use of Musical Instruments in Public Worship

6.  Practical Directions for Singing to God’s Glory and Man’s Edification

a.  Sing Because of the Gospel

b.  Sing Privately at Home Too

c.  Sing with Understanding

d.  Sing with Integrity

e.  Sing as an Act of Obedience

f.  Sing with Affection and Energy

g.  Sing in Unity with the Whole Congregation

h.  Sing with Your Heart Set on Christ and His Kingdom

  XVII.  Fellowship and Discipline in the Communion of the Saints

A.  Fellowship: The “Communion” of the Saints

1.  Communion of Meaningful Friendship: Holy Companionship

2.  Communion of Mutual Service: Help

3.  Communion of Material Goods: Benevolence

4.  Communion of Missional Labor: Partnership

B.  Discipline: The Communion of the “Saints”

1.  The Agents of Discipline

a.  Divine

b.  Ministerial

c.  Mutual

2.  The Formative Discipline of the Communion of the Saints

a.  The Transforming Grace of God

b.  The Ministry of the Word

c.  Mutual Exhortation and Consolation

3.  The Corrective Discipline of the Communion of the Saints

a.  Personal Reproof

b.  Private Meeting with Witnesses

c.  Church Censure

d.  Excommunication

4.  Congregationalist and Presbyterian Views of Excommunication

5.  The Merciful, God-Glorifying Aim of Excommunication

C.  Conclusion to the Communion of the Saints

1.  Christians Should Learn to Be True Friends

2.  Finding Good Friends Takes Discernment

3.  The Power of Our Words Calls for Careful Speech

4.  It Is Wise to Avoid Unnecessary Conflict

5.  True Friendship Can Endure Hard Conversations

6.  Accurate Assessment Requires Investigation

7.  Confession of Sin and Repentance Is Far Sweeter than Hiding Sin

  XVIII.  Practical Conclusion to Ecclesiology: The Reformation of the Church

A.  The Warrant for Reformation from the Nature of the Church

1.  God’s Temple

2.  Christ’s Church

3.  God’s Colony in the World

4.  Christ’s Bride

5.  God’s Army at War with the Devil

B.  The Church’s Pathway to Reformation Today

1.  Cultivate Heart Religion and a Close Walk with God in the Church

2.  Renew the Church’s Prayer Meeting

3.  Practice Church Discipline with Both Righteousness and Mercy

4.  Restore the Elders to Their Ministry of Home Visits and Pastoral Care

5.  Obey God’s Instructions for Women’s Ministry in the Church

6.  Stand Firm in the Biblical Doctrines That the World Especially Attacks

7.  Uphold God’s Moral Law in All Ten Commandments

8.  Preach the Five Solas of the Sixteenth-Century Reformation

C.  The Means of Reformation in the Church

1.  Know, Sing, and Memorize the Word of God

2.  Model the Word as a Living Example of Love

3.  Pray the Word

4.  Preach the Word as a Faithful Minister of Christ

5.  Teach the Sound Doctrines of the Word

6.  Catechize Children and Untrained Adults in the Basic Teachings of the Word

7.  Build Friendships with Believers Who Love the Word

8.  Train Elders and Other Teachers to Serve the Church by the Word

9.  Write Articles That Explain and Defend the Doctrines of the Word

10.  Implement Changes to Further Conform the Church to the Word

11.  Suffer Willingly for the Sake of the Word

12.  Wait Patiently for the Holy Spirit to Work through the Word

13.  Give the Triune God All the Praise for the Reforming Effects of the Word

Section A

The Doctrine of the Church’s Nature

1

Introduction to Ecclesiology

The church is a supernatural work of God. God’s people are the beginning of the new creation, the first installment of his promise in Isaiah 65:17–18: “Behold, I create new heavens and a new earth. . . . Behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” Christ died for Jews and Gentiles, “that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross” (Eph. 2:15–16 ESV). Therefore, there is a divine quality to the church—it is an intrusion of heaven into earth. The church cannot be explained by merely human factors; God is in her midst (Ps. 46:4–5).

However, the church, as we experience it on earth, consists of people with many faults and frailties. Observers see the church as “sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed.”1 Furthermore, even a healthy church is very earthly in its weekly activities. Preachers use books and computers to prepare sermons, officers sit around tables to discuss policies and plans, and nursery workers change diapers. The church lives at the intersection of heaven and earth. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090–1153) marveled at the “humility” and “sublimity” of the church, exclaiming, “A house of clay, and a royal palace! A ‘body of death’ and a temple of light! The scorn of the proud and the Bride of Christ!”2

Therefore, the doctrine of the church, or ecclesiology (from the Greek word ekklēsia, meaning “church”), is full of paradox and wonder. It is also a neglected locus of systematic theology. John R. W. Stott (1921–2011) said, “One of our chief evangelical blind spots has been to overlook the central importance of the church.”3Francis Turretin (1623–1687) noted, “This doctrine is put among the primary articles of faith in the Creed.”4 For many centuries, Christians have confessed, “I believe an holy catholic church; the communion of saints.”5Yet theologians ranging from Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) to Charles Hodge (1797–1878) have omitted discussion of the nature of Christ’s church from their systematic theologies (though they address it in other writings). Even the Westminster Shorter Catechism says virtually nothing about the church except its means of grace. Yet the doctrine of the church is vital to the faithfulness and future of Christianity.

An Opening Clarification

When we speak of the church, what are we talking about? In common parlance, the word church refers to a building where people meet to worship. We can understand why this is so. The English word church derives from the Greek term kyriakon, literally “something belonging to the Lord [kyrios],” a term that Greek-speaking Christians from the third century onward used for a building designated for worship.6 Consequently, the peoples of northern Europe have often used words for the church that can also denote a church building.7

However, in the Bible, the church is not a building but a people. When Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch, they “gathered the church together” (Acts 14:27). Paul sends greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and “the church that is in their house,” distinguishing the church from a building (Rom. 16:3, 5). Herman Bavinck (1854–1921) noted that the association of the word church with a building obscures the fact that in the Bible the church is the people of God.8

The early Christians understood the difference between the church and a building. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–c. 215) said, “What work of builders, and stonecutters, and mechanical art can be holy? . . . It is not now the place, but the [assembly] of the elect, that I call the church.”9Lactantius (c. 240–c. 320) said, “The Church, which is the true temple of God . . . does not consist of walls, but of the heart and faith of the men who believe on Him, and are called faithful.”10 Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235) said that the church is not “a house made of stones and earth,” but “the holy assembly of those who live in righteousness.”11

Therefore, when we speak of the church, we do not refer to a building devoted to the worship of God but to the people of God who regularly assemble to worship him in his special presence.

The Importance of the Church

Why is the church worthy of our study? When the apostle Paul was preparing to go to Jerusalem, fully aware that he might die there, he stopped on the way and “called the elders of the church” at Ephesus to come and meet with him (Acts 20:17). After the elders arrived, Paul spoke to them with such earnestness that tears flowed from their eyes (v. 37). At the heart of what he said was this exhortation: “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” (v. 28). Surely these elders returned to Ephesus with a fresh appreciation that the church is owned by God the Father, bought with the blood of God the Son, and personally superintended by God the Holy Spirit. Nothing on earth can compare to the church. Let us consider a few reasons why.

God’s People Whom He Loves

Paul addresses the Christians in Rome as those “beloved of God, called to be saints” (Rom. 1:7). He reminds the believers in Colossae that they are “the elect of God, holy and beloved” (Col. 3:12). Elsewhere he teaches that a husband should have a unique love for his wife because “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25).12 God expresses his love for his people by saying that they are the apple of his eye—the most tender part of the body, which we naturally protect.13

If we love God, then we will love what he loves. Therefore, we must love the church. To claim to know God while we are unconcerned about our brothers and sisters in Christ is hypocrisy (1 John 4:7–8). Those who despise the church are those most unlike God, who sacrificed his Son for it. On the other hand, those who love God’s people with a Christlike love prove that they are true disciples of Christ (John 13:34–35). When we love one another in Christ, God himself dwells in us, and his love reaches its perfect goal in our lives (1 John 4:12).

God’s Plan for Spiritual Growth

Another reason why the church is important is that God has chosen to make its ministry his ordinary means of causing people to receive and grow in Christ. Paul says that the Lord Jesus gave the ministers of the Word, beginning with the apostles and continuing today with “pastors and teachers,” for the purpose of “the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:11–12). However, the “edifying” or building up of Christ’s church is not solely the work of those who preach and teach God’s Word; it is the responsibility of “every part” of the body (every member of the church) to love the others so that the whole church grows spiritually (v. 16). Bavinck said that “all the rich benefits which Christ gives to His believers on earth” are granted “only in the fellowship which binds all the believers together.” He added, “This fellowship is a powerful support to every particular believer.”14