BLJ: Today we look at the institution of the church, as a local body or denomination. Not all of this is necessarily agreed to by all, but it was the opinion of the writer.
42. What is the Church of God?
The Church of God is composed of all spiritually regenerate persons, whose names are written in heaven (Manual, page 31 [16]). "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23). "... The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Eph. 3:14,15).
43. What is the nature of the Church of God?
The Church of God is a spiritual organism into which all believers are incorporated by the Spirit; it is a holy temple in the Lord, an habitation of God through the Spirit. "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (I Con 12:13). "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (I Cor. 12:27). "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens 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" (Eph. 2:19-22).
44. What is the relation of the Church to Christ?
The Church belongs to Christ; it is purchased by His blood, it is the spiritual body of which He is the head; it is also called the Bride of Christ. "... the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood' (Acts 20:28). "... and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22, 23). "I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ" (II Con 11:2).
45. What is the mission of the Church?
The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth, the salt of the earth, and the light of the world; the medium through which the gospel of Christ is proclaimed to the world. "... the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (I Tim. 3:15). "Ye are the salt of the earth ... Ye are the light of the world Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:13, 14, 16). "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
46. What are the churches severally?
The churches severally are to be composed of such regenerate persons as by providential permission, and by the leadings of the Holy Spirit, become associated together for holy fellowship and ministries. (Manual, page 32 [17]). "... unto the church of God which is at Corinth" (II Con 1:1) "... to the church in thy house" (Philemon 2) "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write" (Rev. 2:1).
47. What is the Church of the Nazarene?
The Church of the Nazarene is composed of those persons who have voluntarily associated themselves together according to the doctrines and polity of said church, and who seek holy Christian fellowship, the conversion of sinners, the entire sanctification of believers, their upbuilding in holiness, and the simplicity and spiritual power manifested in the primitive New Testament Church, together with the preaching of the gospel to every creature (Manual, page 32 [18]).
48. What is a sacrament?
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
49. What are the sacraments of the Church?
The sacraments of the Church are the ordinances of Baptism and The Lord's Supper.
50. What is Baptism?
Christian baptism is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers, as declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness (Manual, page 130 [13]). "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47). "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36, 37).
51. How may baptism be administered?
Baptism is administered by water; by sprinkling, pouring or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant; in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Manual, adapted, page 31). "... baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
52. What is The Lord's Supper?
The Memorial and Communion Supper instituted by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, is essentially a New Testament sacrament, declarative of His sacrificial death, through the merits of which believers have life and salvation, and promise of all spiritual blessings in Christ (Manual, page 31 [14]). "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread" (I Con 10:16, 17).
53. What are the emblems of this sacrament?
The broken bread and unfermented wine are the sacramental emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Jesus Christ. "... Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26. 26-28).
54. Who are to partake of The Lord's Supper?
It is distinctly for those who are prepared for reverent appreciation of its significance, and by it they show forth the Lord's death till He come again. Being the communion feast, only those who have faith in Christ and love for the saints should be called to participate therein. (Manual, page 31 [14]). "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body" (I Con 11:26-29).
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