Great Doctrines of The Bible by Dr. James Modlish

Concerning The Church

The Bible teaches that all who place their faith in Jesus Christ are immediately baptized by the Holy Spirit into one united spiritual Body - The church (1 Cor. 12:12,13), of which Christ is the Head (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; Col. 1:18), and which is His espoused Bride (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:23-32; Rev. 19:7,8).

The Bible teaches that the formation of this Body began on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-21, 38-47), and will be completed at the coming of Christ for His own in the Rapture (1 Cor. 15:15-47; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

The Bible teaches that the Church is, then, a unique spiritual organism (Matt. 16:18) made up of all born again believers in this present age (Eph. 2:11-22; 3:1-6). The Church is distinct from Israel (1 Cor. 10:32), a mystery not revealed until this age (Eph. 3:1-6; 5:32).

The Bible teaches that the establishment and continuity of local churches is clearly taught and defined in the New Testament Scriptures (Acts 14:23,27; 20:17,28; Gal. 1:12; Phil. 1:1; 1 Thess. 1:1; 2 Thess. 1:11), that the members of this one spiritual Body are directed to associate themselves together in local assemblies (1 Cor. 11:18,20; Heb. 10:25).

The Bible teaches that the supreme authority for the Church, is Christ (1 Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:22; Col. 1:18), and that the order, discipline and worship are appointed through His sovereignty. The biblically designated officers serving under Christ and over the assembly are the elders, also called bishops, pastors and pastors-teachers (Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:11), and deacons who must fit biblical qualifications (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-5).

The Bible teaches that these leaders lead or rule in the place of Christ (1 Tim. 4:17-22) and have His authority in directing the Church. The congregation is to submit to their leadership (Heb. 13:3,17).

The Bible teaches the autonomy of the local church, free from any external authority or control, with the right of self-government and freedom from the interference of any hierarchy of individuals or organizations (Tit. 1:5). It is scriptural for true churches to cooperate with each other for the presentation and propagation of the faith. However, each local church through its elders and their interpretation and application of Scriptures is the sole judge of the measure and method of its cooperation as well as on all matters of membership, policy, discipline, benevolence, and government (Acts 15:19-31; 20:28; 1 Cor. 5:4-7,13; 1 Pet. 5:1-4).

We teach that the purpose of the Church is to glorify God (Eph. 3:21) by building itself up in the faith (Eph. 4:13-16), by instruction of the Word (2 Tim. 2:2,15; 3:16-17), by fellowship (Acts 2:42; 1 Jn. 1:3), by keeping the ordinances (Lk. 22:19; Acts 2:38-42), and by advancing and communicating the Gospel to the entire world (Matt. 28:19; Acts 1:8; 2:42).

The Bible teaches the calling of all saints to the work of the ministry (1 Cor. 15:58; Eph. 4:12; Rev. 22:12).

The Bible teaches the accomplishment of God's purpose in the world. For the accomplishment of that purpose, He has given the Church spiritual gifts. First, He gave gifted men, for the purpose of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry (Eph. 4:7-12), and He also gives unique and special spiritual abilities to each member of the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 1 Pet. 4:10-11). These gifts are sovereignly bestowed and cannot be sought (1 Cor. 12:11).

The Bible teaches that there were two kinds of gifts; temporary confirming gifts, and permanent edifying gifts. With the New Testament revelation at last complete, the confirming gifts are no longer a necessary criteria for evaluating the validity of a man and his message, since they can be counterfeited by Satan so as to deceive even believers (1 Cor. 13:13, 14; Col. 2:18; Rev. 13:13,14).

The Bible teaches that the temporary confirming gifts - healing, speaking in tongues (foreign languages), interpretation, and the working of sign miracles - gradually ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed and their authority became established (1 Cor. 15:8-10; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3,4; Acts 19;11,12 with 1 Cor. 12:1-31) until the eternal state (1 Cor. 13:8-12).

The Bible teaches that no one possesses the gift of healing today, but that God does hear and answer the prayer of faith on the part of every believer, and will answer in accordance with His own perfect will, for the sick, suffering, and afflicted (Lk. 18:1-6; Jn. 5:7; 2 Cor. 12:6-10; James 5:13-16; 1 Jn. 4:14,15).

The Bible teaches that two ordinances have been committed to the local church: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Christian baptism (by immersion) is the testimony of the believer, showing forth in solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, and our union with Him in death to sin, and resurrection to a new life (Rom. 6:1-11; Acts 8:36-39). It is also a sign of fellowship, identification with the invisible Body of Christ (Acts 2:41,42).

The Bible teaches that the Lord's Supper is the commemoration and proclamation of His death until He comes, and should be preceded always by solemn self-examination (1 Cor. 11:23-38). We also teach that while Christ's flesh and blood is not present actually, the Lord's Supper is an actual communion with the risen Christ who is present in a unique way, fellowshipping with His people (1 Cor. 10:16).

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Lessons: 1. Soul Winning | 2. Fasting | 3. Redemption | 4. Sanctification | 5. Justification | 6. Assurance | 7. Faith | 8. The Trinity
9. Baptism | 10. Prayer | 11. Satan | 12. Lord’s Supper | 13. Hell | 14. Temptation | 15. Resurrection | 16. The Church | 17. The Bible