The doctrine of justification naturally leads on to that of sanctification. The state of justification calls for a life of sanctification, consecrated to the service of God.

1. Nature and Characteristics of Sanctification.

Sanctification may be defined as that gracious and continuous operation of the Holy Spirit by which, He purifies the sinner, renews his whole nature in the image of God, and enables him to perform good works. It differs from justification in that it takes place in the inner life of man, is not a legal but a recreative act, is usually a lengthy process, and never reaches perfection in this life. While it is very decidedly a supernatural work of God, the believer can and should co-operate in it by a diligent use of the means which God has placed at his disposal,

II Cor. 7:1; "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)"

Col. 3:5-14; I Pet. 1:22. "Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently: (1 Peter 1:22)"

Sanctification does not consist in a mere drawing out of what is already given in regeneration, but serves to strengthen, to increase, and to fortify the new life. It consists of two parts: the gradual removal of the pollution and corruption of human nature,

Rom. 6:6; "knowing this, that our old man was crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be done away, that so we should no longer be in bondage to sin; (Romans 6:6)"

Gal. 5:24, "And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (Galatians 5:24)"

and the gradual development of the new life in consecration to God,

Rom. 6:4, 5; "4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with [him] in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of his resurrection; (Romans 6:4-5)"

Col. 2:12; "having been buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. (Colossians 2:12)"

3:1, 2; "1 If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. (Colossians 3:1-2)"

Gal. 2:19. "For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God. (Galatians 2:19)"

While it takes place in the heart of man, it naturally affects the whole life,

Rom. 6:12; "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof: (Romans 6:12)"

I Cor. 6:15, 20; "15 Know ye not that your bodies are members of Christ? shall I then take away the members of Christ, and make them members of a harlot? God forbid. ...20 for ye were bought with a price: glorify God therefore in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:15, 20)"

I Thess. 5:23. "And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23)"

The change in the inner man is bound to carry with it a change in the outer life. That man must co-operate in the work of sanctification follows from the repeated warnings against evils and temptations,

Rom. 12:9, 16, 17; "9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. ...16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. (Romans 12:9, 16-17)"

I Cor. 6:9, 10; "9 Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)"

Gal. 5:16-23, "16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21 envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:16-23)"

and from the constant exhortations to holy living,

Micah 6:8; "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)"

John 15:4-7; Rom. 8:12, 13; "12 So then, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh: 13 for if ye live after the flesh, ye must die; but if by the Spirit ye put to death the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:12-13)"

12:1, 2; "1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service. 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)"

Gal. 6:7, 8, 15. "7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (Galatians 6:7-8,15)"

2. The Imperfect Character of Sanctification in This Life.

While sanctification affects every part of man, yet the spiritual development of believers remains imperfect in this life. They must contend with sin as long as they live,

I Kings 8:46; "...(for there is no man that sinneth not)...(1 Kings 8:46)"

Prov. 20:9; "Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin? (Proverbs 20:9)"

Jas. 3:2; "For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. (James 3:2)"

I John 1:8. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)"

Their lives are characterized by a constant warfare between the flesh and the spirit, and even the best of them are still confessing sin,

Job 9:3, 20; "If he be pleased to contend with him, He cannot answer him one of a thousand. ...Though I be righteous, mine own mouth shall condemn me: Though I be perfect, it shall prove me perverse. (Job 9:3,20)"

Ps. 32:5; "I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said, I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. [Selah (Psalms 32:5)"

130:3; "If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? (Psalms 130:3)"

Prov. 20:9; Isa. 64:6; "For we are all become as one that is unclean, and all our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment: and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. (Isaiah 64:6)"

Dan. 9:7; "O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of face, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. (Daniel 9:7)"

Rom. 7:14; "For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 7:14)"

I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)"

praying for forgiveness,

Ps. 51:1, 2; "1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. (Psalms 51:1-2)"

Dan. 9:16; "O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, let thine anger and thy wrath, I pray thee, be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are round about us. (Daniel 9:16)"

Matt. 6:12, 13; "12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil [one.] (Matthew 6:12-13)"

Jas. 5:15, "and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him. (James 5:15)"

and striving for greater perfection,

Rom. 7:7-26; Gal. 5:17; "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)"

Phil. 3:12-14. "12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I could not myself yet to have laid hold: but one thing [I do], forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, 14 I press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14)"

This truth is denied by the so-called Perfectionists, who maintain that man can reach perfection in this life. They appeal to the fact that the Bible commands believers to be perfect,

Matt. 5:48; "Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)"

I Pet. 1:16; "because it is written, Ye shall be holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:16)"

Jas. 1:4, "And let patience have [its] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing. (James 1:4)"

speaks of some as perfect,

Gen. 6:9; "These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, [and] perfect in his generations: Noah walked with God. (Genesis 6:9)"

Job 1:8; "And Jehovah said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job? for there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and turneth away from evil. (Job 1:8)"

I Kings 15:14; "But the high places were not taken away: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Jehovah all his days. (1 Kings 15:14)"

Phil. 3:15, "Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: (Philippians 3:15)"

and declares that they who are born of God sin not,

I John 3:6, 8, 9; "6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him. ...8 he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is begotten of God doeth no sin, because his seed abideth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is begotten of God. (1 John 3:6,8-9)"

5:18. "We know that whosoever is begotten of God sinneth not; but he that was begotten of God keepeth himself, and the evil one toucheth him not. (1 John 5:18)"

But the fact that we must strive for perfection does not prove that some are already perfect. Moreover, the word 'perfect' does not always mean free from sin. Noah, Job, and Asa are called perfect, but history clearly proves that they were not without sin. And John evidently means either that the new man does not sin, or that believers do not live in sin. He himself says that, if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

I John 1:8. "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8)"

3. Sanctification and Good Works.

Sanctification naturally leads to a life of good works. These may be called the fruits of sanctification. Good works are not perfect works, but works that spring from the principle of love to God or faith in Him,

Matt. 7:17, 18; "17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (Matthew 7:17-18)"

12:33, 35; "33 Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 Ye offspring of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35 The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:33-35)"

Heb. 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing [unto him]; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. (Hebrews 11:6)"

that are done in conscious conformity to the revealed will of God,

Deut. 6:2; "that thou mightest fear Jehovah thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. (Deuteronomy 6:2)"

I Sam. 15:22; "And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)"

Jas. 2:8, "Howbeit if ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: (James 2:8)"

and have as their final aim the glory of God,

I Cor. 10:31; "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)"

Col. 3:17, 23. "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ... whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; (Colossians 3:17,23)"

Only they who are regenerated by the Spirit of God can perform such good works. This does not mean, however, that the unregenerate cannot do good in any sense of the word.

Cf. II Kings 10:29, 30; "29 Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, wherewith he made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, [to wit], the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan. 30 And Jehovah said unto Jehu, Because thou hast done well in executing that which is right in mine eyes, [and] hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, thy sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. (2 Kings 10:29-30)"

12:2; "And Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah all his days wherein Jehoiada the priest instructed him. (2 Kings 12:2)"

14:3; "And he did that which was right in the eyes of Jehovah, yet not like David his father: he did according to all that Joash his father had done. (2 Kings 14:3)"

Luke 6:33; "And if ye do good to them that do good to you, what thank have ye? for even sinners do the same. (Luke 6:33)"

Rom. 2:14. "(for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves; (Romans 2:14)"

In virtue of the common grace of God they can perform works that are in external conformity to the law and serve a laudable purpose; but their works are always radically defective, because they are divorced from the spiritual root of love to God, represent no real inner obedience to the law of God, and do not aim at the glory of God. In opposition to the Roman Catholics it should be maintained that the good works of believers are not meritorious,

Luke 17:9, 10; "9 Doth he thank the servant because he did the things that were commanded? 10 Even so ye also, when ye shall have done all the things that are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which it was our duty to do. (Luke 17:9-10)"

Eph. 2:8-10; "8 for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not of works, that no man should glory. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)"

Tit. 3:5, "not by works [done] in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, (Titus 3:5)"

though God promises to reward them with a reward of free grace,

I Cor. 3:14; "If any man's work shall abide which he built thereon, he shall receive a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:14)"

Heb. 11:26; "accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. (Hebrews 11:26)"

and in opposition to the Antinomians the necessity of good works must be asserted,

Col. 1:10; "to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; (Colossians 1:10)"

II Tim. 2:21; "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, meet for the master's use, prepared unto every good work. (2 Timothy 2:21)"

Tit. 2:14; "who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)"

Heb. 10:24. "and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; (Hebrews 10:24)"

4. Perseverance of the Saints.

The expression 'perseverance of the saints' naturally suggests a continuous activity of believers whereby they persevere in the way of salvation. As a matter of fact, however, the perseverance referred to is less an activity of believers than a work of God, in which believers must participate. Strictly speaking, the assurance of man's salvation lies in the fact that God perseveres. Perseverance may be defined as THAT CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE BELIEVER, BY WHICH THE WORK OF DIVINE GRACE THAT IS BEGUN IN THE HEART, IS CONTINUED AND BROUGHT TO COMPLETION. This doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture,

John 10:28, 29; "28 and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who hath given [them] unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father's hand. (John 10:28-29)"

Rom. 11:29; "For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of. (Romans 11:29)"

Phil. 1:6; "being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)"

II Thess. 3:3; "But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil [one]. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)"

II Tim. 1:12; "For which cause I suffer also these things: yet I am not ashamed; for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12)"

4:18. "The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom [be] the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)"

And it is only when we believe in this perseverance of God that we can in this life attain to the assurance of salvation,

Heb. 3:14; "for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: (Hebrews 3:14)"

6:11; "And we desire that each one of you may show the same diligence unto the fulness of hope even to the end: (Hebrews 6:11)"

10:22; "let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water, (Hebrews 10:22)"

II Pet. 1:10. "Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble: (2 Peter 1:10)"

Outside of Reformed circles this doctrine finds no favor. It is said to be contradicted by Scripture, which warns against apostasy,

Heb. 2:1; "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away [from them]. (Hebrews 2:1)"

10:26, "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, (Hebrews 10:26)"

exhorts believers to continue in the way of salvation,

Matt. 24:13; "But he that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. (Matthew 24:13)"

Col. 1:23; "if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister. (Colossians 1:23)"

Heb. 3:14, "for we are become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end: (Hebrews 3:14)"

and even records cases of apostasy,

I Tim. 1:19, 20; "19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust from them made shipwreck concerning the faith: 20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered unto Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19-20)"

II Tim. 2:17, 18; "17 and their word will eat as doth a gangrene: or whom is Hymenaeus an Philetus; 18 men who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already, and overthrow the faith of some. (2 Timothy 2:17-18)"

4:10. "for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (2 Timothy 4:10)"

Such warnings and exhortations would seem to assume the possibility of falling away, and such cases would seem to prove it completely. But as a matter of fact the warnings and exhortations prove only that God works immediately and wants man to co-operate in the work of perseverance: and there is no proof that the apostates mentioned were real believers.

Cf. Rom. 9:6; "But [it is] not as though the word of God hath come to nought. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel: (Romans 9:6)"

I John 2:19; "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19)"

Rev. 3:1. "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead. (Revelation 3:1)"

To memorize: Passages to prove:

a. Sanctification as a work of God:

I Thess. 5:23. "And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Heb. 2:11. "For both He that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren."

b. Man's co-operation in sanctification:

II Cor. 7:1. "Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Heb. 12:14. "Follow after peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no man shall see the Lord."

c. The mortification of the old man:

Rom. 6:6. "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away, so that we should no longer be in bondage to sin."

Gal. 5:24: "And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof."

d. The quickening of the new man:

Eph. 4:24. "And put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth."

Col. 3:10. "And have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of Him that created him."

e. Sanctification incomplete in this life:

Rom. 7:18. "For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not."

Phil. 3:12. "Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect: but I press on, if so be that I may lay hold on that for which also I was laid hold on by Christ Jesus."

f. The nature of good works:

I Sam. 15:22. "And Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

I Cor. 10:31. "Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Heb. 11:6. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to Him; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him."

g. Perseverance of the saints:

John 10:28, 29. "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who hath given them unto me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand."

II Tim. 1:12. "For which cause I suffer also these things: yet am I not ashamed; for I know Him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed unto Him against that day."

II Tim. 4:18. "The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto His heavenly kingdom: to whom be the glory for ever and ever."

For Further Study:

a. Can you infer anything from the following passages as to the time of complete sanctification?

Phil. 3:21; "who shall fashion anew the body of our humiliation, [that it may be] conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things unto himself. (Philippians 3:21)"

Heb. 12:23; "to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23)"

Rev. 14:5; "And in their mouth was found no lie: they are without blemish. (Revelation 14:5)"

21:27? "and there shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27)"

b. What parts of man does sanctification affect according to

Jer. 31:34; "and they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Jehovah; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Jehovah: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more. (Jeremiah 31:34)"

Phil. 2:13; "for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)"

Gal. 5:24; "And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. (Galatians 5:24)"

Heb. 9:14? "how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish unto God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)"

c. What does the word 'perfect' (cf. Auth. Ver.) mean in the following passages:

I Cor. 2:6; "We speak wisdom, however, among them that are fullgrown: yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nought: (1 Corinthians 2:6)"

3:1, 2; "1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, as unto babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for ye were not yet able [to bear it]: nay, not even now are ye able; (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)"

Heb. 5:14; "But solid food is for fullgrown men, [even] those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)"

II Tim. 3:16? "Every scripture inspired of God [is] also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16)"

Questions for Review

1. What is sanctification, and how does it differ from justification?

2. Is it a work of God or of man?

3. Of what two parts does sanctification consists?

4. What proof is there that it is incomplete in this life?

5. Who deny this and on what ground? How can you answer them?

6. What are good works in the strict sense of the word?

7. In how far can the unregenerate perform good works?

8. Are good works meritorious or not? Are we not taught that they are rewarded?

9. 1n what sense are good works necessary?

10. What is meant by the perseverance of the saints?

11. How can this doctrine be proved?

End of the material originally posted to the Internet by PeaceMakers International, Inc., PeaceMakers.net

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH. The principal Old Testament word for Church is derived from a verb meaning 'to call' and the principal New Testament word, from a verb meaning 'to call out'. Both denote the Church as an assembly called by God.

a. DIFFERENT MEANINGS OF THE WORD IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Most generally it denotes a local church, whether assembled for worship or not,

Acts 5:11; "And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all that heard these things. (Acts 5:11)"

11:26; "and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the church, and taught much people, and that the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:26)"

Romans 16:4; "who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles: (Romans 16:4)"

1Cor. 11:18; "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that divisions exist among you; and I partly believe it. (1 Corinthians 11:18)"

16:1. "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. (1 Corinthians 16:1)"

Sometimes it designates a domestic church, or "the church in the house" of some individual,

Rom. 16:5,23; "and [salute] the church that is in their house. Salute Epaenetus my beloved, who is the first-fruits of Asia unto Christ. ... Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother. (Romans 16:5,23)"

1Cor. 16:19 "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19)"

Col 4:15. "Salute the brethren that are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in their house. (Colossians 4:15)"

In its most comprehensive sense it is a description of the whole body of believers, whether in heaven or on earth,

Eph. 1:22; "and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22)"

3:10,21; "to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly [places] might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, ... unto him [be] the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus unto all generations for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:10,21)"

5:23; "For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, [being] himself the saviour of the body. (Ephesians 5:23)"

Col. 1:18,24. "18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church; (Colossians 1:18,24)"

B THE ESSENCE OF THE CHURCH. Roman Catholics and Protestants differ as to the essential nature of the Church. The former finds this in the Church as an external and visible organization, consisting primarily of the priest together with the higher orders of bishops, archbishops, cardinals, and the Pope. Protestants broke with this external conception and seek the essence of the Church in the invisible and spiritual communion of the saints. The Church in its essential nature includes the believers of all ages and no one else. It is the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, in which there is no place for unbelievers.

c. DISTINCTIONS APPLIED TO THE CHURCH. In speaking of the Church in general several distinctions come into consideration.

(1) THE CHURCH MILITANT AND THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT. The Church as she now exists on earth is a militant Church, that is called unto and is actually engaged in a holy war. The Church in heaven on the other hand is the triumphant Church, in which the sword is exchanged for the palm of victory.

(2) THE VISIBLE AND THE INVISIBLE CHURCH. This distinction applies to the Church as it exists on earth, which is invisible as far as her spiritual nature is concerned, so that it is impossible to determine precisely who do and who do not belong to her, but becomes visible in the profession and conduct of its members, in the ministry of the Word and the Sacraments, and in her external organization and government.

(3) THE CHURCH AS AN ORGANISM AND AS AN INSTITUTION. This distinction applies only to the visible Church. As an organism it is visible in the communal life of believers and in their opposition to the world, and as an organization, in the offices, the administration of the Word and the Sacraments, and in a certain form of Church government.

d. DEFINITIONS OF THE CHURCH. The invisible Church may be defined as the company of the elect who are called by the Spirit of God, or simply, as the communion of believers. And the visible Church may be defined as the community of those who profess the true faith together with their children. It should be noticed that the membership in both is not altogether alike.

2. THE ATTRIBUTES AND MARKS OF THE CHURCH. There are especially three attributes of the Church, and also three marks or external characteristics.

a. ITS ATTRIBUTES. These are the following three:

(1) ITS UNITY. According to the Roman Catholics this is the unity of an imposing world-wide organization, but according to the Protestants, the unity of the spiritual body of Jesus Christ.

(2) ITS HOLINESS. Roman Catholics find this in the holiness of its dogmas, its moral precepts, its worship, and its discipline; but Protestants locate it in the members of the Church as holy in Christ and as holy in principle, in the possession of the new life, which is destined for perfect holiness.

(3) ITS CATHOLICITY. Rome lays special claim to this, because its Church is scattered over the whole earth and has a greater number of members than all the sects taken together. Protestants claim that the invisible Church is the real catholic Church, because it includes all believers of all ages and all lands.

b. ITS MARKS OR EXTERNAL CHARACTERISTICS. While the attributes belong primarily to the invisible Church, the marks belong to the visible Church, and serve to distinguish the true from the false. These are also three in number:

(1) THE TRUE PREACHING OF THE WORD OF GOD. This is the most important mark of the Church, 1John 4:1-3; 2John 9. It does not mean that the preaching must be perfect and absolutely pure, but that it must be true to the fundamentals of the Christian religion, and must have a controlling influence on faith and practice.

" 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the [spirit] of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already. (1 John 4:1-3)"

Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:9)"

(2) THE RIGHT ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS. The sacraments may not be divorced from the Word, as in the Roman Catholic Church, and should be administered by lawful ministers, in accordance with the divine institution, and only to believers and their seed,

Matt. 28:19; "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: (Matthew 28:19)"

Mark 16:16; "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. (Mark 16:16)"

Acts 2:42; "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)"

1Cor 11:23-30.

(3) THE FAITHFUL EXERCISE OF DISCIPLINE. This is necessary for maintaining purity of doctrine and safeguarding the holiness of the sacraments. The Word of God insists on this,

Matt. 18:18; "Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 18:18)"

1Cor 5:1-5, 13; "1 It is actually reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even among the Gentiles, that one [of you] hath his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing, 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ... But them that are without God judgeth. Put away the wicked man from among yourselves. (1 Corinthians 5:1-5,13)

14:33, 40; "33 for God is not [a God] of confusion, but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,... 39 Wherefore, my brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 But let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:33,40)"

Rev. 2:14-15, 20.

TO MEMORIZE: Passages testifying to:

a. THE UNITY OF THE CHURCH:

John 10:16. "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one shepherd."

John 17:20-21. "Neither for these only do I pray, but for them also that believe on me through their word; that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me."

Ephesians 4:4-6. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all."

b. THE HOLINESS OF THE CHURCH:

Exodus 19:6. "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation."

1Peter 2:9. "But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light."

c. THE CATHOLICITY OF THE CHURCH:

Psalm 2:8. "Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."

Revelation 7:9. "After these things I saw, and behold, a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, arrayed in white robes, and palms in their hands."

d. THE NECESSITY OF ADHERING TO THE TRUTH:

2 Timothy 1:13. "Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

2 Timothy 2:15. "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth."

Titus 2:1. "But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine."

e. THE NECESSITY OF THE RIGHT ADMINISTRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS:

Acts 19:4-5. "And Paul said, John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him that should come after him, that is, on Jesus. And when they heard this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus."

1 Corinthians 11:28-30. "But let a man prove himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup. For he that eateth and drinketh, eateth and drinketh judgment unto himself, if he discern not the body. For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep."

f. THE NECESSITY OF DISCIPLINE:

Matthew 16:19. "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

Titus 3:10-11. "A factious man after a first and second admonition refuse; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sinneth, being self-condemned."

For Further Study:

a. Did the Church exist before the day of Pentecost?

Cf. Matthew 18:17; "And if he refuse to hear them, tell it unto the church: and if he refuse to hear the church also, let him be unto thee as the Gentile and the publican. (Matthew 18:17)"

Acts 7:38. "This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received living oracles to give unto us: (Acts 7:38)"

b. Is the word 'church' ever used in the singular in the New Testament to denote a group of churches?

Cf. Acts 9:31. "So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied. (Acts 9:31)"

c. What causes for discipline were there in the Corinthian church? 1Corinthians 5:1-5, 13; 11:17-34; 2Corinthians 2:5-11.

Questions for Review

1. What is the meaning of the word 'church' in Scripture according to its derivation?

2. What different meanings has the word in the New Testament?

3. How do Roman Catholics and Protestants differ as to the essence of the Church?

4. What is the difference between the militant and the triumphant Church?

5. To what Church does the distinction 'visible and invisible' apply?

6. In what sense is the Church called invisible?

7. How does the Church as an organism and as an institution differ?

8. How can we define the invisible, and how the visible Church?

9. Which are the attributes of the Church, and how does our conception of them differ from that of the Catholics?

10. Which are the marks of the Church, and what purpose do they serve?

11. Do they belong to the invisible or to the visible Church?

12. How must we conceive of the true preaching of the Word?

13. What belongs to the right administration of the sacraments?

14. Why is discipline necessary?

Christ is the Head of the Church and source of all its authority,

Matt. 23:10; "Neither be ye called masters: for one is your master, [even] the Christ. (Matthew 23:10)"

John 13:13; "Ye call me, Teacher, and, Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. (John 13:13)"

1Cor 12:5; "And there are diversities of ministrations, and the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5)"

Eph. 1:20-23; "20 which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly [places], 21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:20-23)"

4:11-12; "11 And he gave some [to be] apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ: (Ephesians 4:11-12)"

5:23-24. "23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the church, [being] himself the saviour of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so [let] the wives also [be] to their husbands in everything. (Ephesians 5:23-24)"

He rules the Church, not by force, but by His Word and Spirit. All human officers in the Church are clothed with the authority of Christ and must submit to the control of His Word.

1. THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. The officers of the Church mentioned in the New Testament are of two kinds:

a. EXTRAORDINARY OFFICERS. The most important of these were the apostles. In the strictest sense this name applies only to the Twelve chosen by Jesus and Paul, but it is also given to some apostolic men,

Acts 14:4, 14; "But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. ...But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they rent their garments, and sprang forth among the multitude, crying out (Acts 14:4,14)"

1Cor. 9:5-6; 2Cor. 8:23; "Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of Christ. (2 Corinthians 8:23)"

Gal. 1:19. "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:19)"

The apostles had certain special qualifications. They were directly called by Christ,

Gal. 1:1, "Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), (Galatians 1:1)"

saw Christ after the resurrection,

1 Cor. 9:1, "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? (1 Corinthians 9:1)"

were conscious of being inspired,

1 Cor. 2:13, "Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual [words]. (1 Corinthians 2:13)"

performed miracles,

2 Cor. 12:12, "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works. (2 Corinthians 12:12)"

and were richly blessed in their labors,

1 Cor. 9:1. The New Testament also speaks of PROPHETS, men specially gifted to speak for the edification of the Church and occasionally predicting future things,

Acts 11:28; "And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius. (Acts 11:28)"

13:1-2; "1 Now there were at Antioch, in the church that was [there], prophets and teachers, Barnabas, and Symeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (Acts 13:1-2)"

15:32; "And Judas and Silas, being themselves also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. (Acts 15:32)"

Eph. 4:11. "And he gave some [to be] apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)"

And, finally, it also mentions EVANGELISTS, who assisted apostles in their work,

Acts 21:8; "And on the morrow we departed, and came unto Caesarea: and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we abode with him. (Acts 21:8)"

Eph 4:11; 2Tim 4:5. "But be thou sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)"

b. ORDINARY OFFICERS. Frequent mention is made of ELDERS, especially in the Acts of the Apostles, Acts 11:30; 14:23; 15:2, 6, 22; 16:4; 20:17; 21:18.

Alongside of it the name 'bishop' was used to designate the same kind of officers, Acts 20:17, 28; 1Tim. 3:1; 5:17, 19; Tit 1:5,7; 1 Pet. 5:1-2. While both names were applied to the same class of officers, the name 'elder' stressed their age, and the name 'bishop' their work as overseers. The elders were not originally TEACHERS, but gradually the teaching function was connected with their office, Eph. 4:11; 1Tim. 5:17; 2Tim. 2:2. From

1 Tim 5:17 "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. (1 Timothy 5:17)"

it appears that some elders simply ruled, while others also taught. In addition to these the New Testament also speaks of DEACONS, Phil. 1:1; 1Tim 3:8, 10, 12. The prevailing opinion is that the institution of this office is recorded in Acts 6:1-6.

2. THE ECCLESIASTICAL ASSEMBLIES. The Reformed Churches have a number of governing bodies. Their relation to each other is marked by a careful graduation. They are known as consistory, classis, and synod. The consistory consists of the minister and the elders of the local church; the classis, of one minister and one elder of each local church within a certain district; and the synod, of an equal number of ministers and elders from each classis.

a. THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LOCAL CHURCH. The government of the local church is of a representative character. The minister and the elders, chosen by the people, form a council or consistory for the government of the church, Acts 14:23; 20:17; Tit. 1:5. While the elders are chosen by the people, they do not receive their authority from the people, but directly from Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church. every local church is a complete church, fully equipped to rule its own affairs. But since it affiliates with other churches on the basis of a common agreement, it is not entirely independent. The Church Order serves to guard the rights and interests of the local church, but also the collective rights and interests of the affiliated churches.

b. THE MAJOR ASSEMBLIES. When local churches affiliate to give greater expression to the unity of the Church, major assemblies, such as classes and synods become necessary. The council of Jerusalem, described in Acts 15, partook of the nature of a major assembly. The immediate representatives of the people, who form the consistories, are themselves represented by a limited number in classes, and these in turn are represented in synods. Ecclesiastical assemblies should naturally deal only with church matters, matters of doctrine and morals, of church government and discipline. But even so major assemblies must limit themselves to matters which as to their nature belong to the province of a minor assembly, but for some reason cannot be settled there; and matters which as to their nature belong to the province of a major assembly, because they pertain to the churches in general. The decisions on major assemblies are not merely advisory, but authoritative, unless they are explicitly declared to be only advisory.

3. THE POWER OF THE CHURCH. The power of the Church is spiritual, because it is given by the Holy Spirit,

Acts 20:28, "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)"

is a manifestation of the power of the Spirit, John 20:22-23, pertains exclusively to believers, 1Cor. 5:12-13, and can be exercised only in a spiritual way,

2 Cor 10:4. "(for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), (2 Corinthians 10:4)"

It is also a purely ministerial power, which is derived from Christ and is exercised in His name. The power of the Church is threefold:

a. A DOGMATIC OR TEACHING POWER. The Church is commissioned to guard the truth, to hand it on faithfully from generation to generation, and to defend it against all forces of unbelief, 1Tim 1:3-4; 2Tim 1:13; Tit. 1:9-11. It must preach the Word unceasingly among all the nations of the world, Isa. 3:10-11; 2Cor 5:20; 1Tim 4:13; 2 Tim 2:15; 4:2; Tit 2:1-10, must draw up creeds and confessions, and must provide for the training of its future ministers,

2 Tim 2:2. "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)"

b. A GOVERNING POWER. God is a God of order, who desire that all things in the Church be done decently and in order, 1Cor 14:33, 40. For that reason He made provision for the proper regulation of the affairs of the Church, and gave the Church power to carry the laws of Christ into effect, John 21:15-17; Acts 20:28;

1 Pet. 5:2. "Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to [the will of] God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (1 Peter 5:2)"

This also includes the power of discipline, Matt. 16:19; 18:18; John 20:23; 1Cor 5:2, 7, 13; 2Thess. 3:14-15; 1Tim. 1:20; Tit. 3:10. The purpose of discipline in the Church is twofold, namely, to carry into effect the law of Christ concerning the admission and exclusion of members, and to promote the spiritual edification of the members of the Church by securing their obedience to the laws of Christ. If there are diseased members, the Church will first seek to effect a cure, but if this fails will put away the diseased members. It deals with public sins even when there is no formal accusation, but in the case of private sins insists on the application of the rule laid down in Matt 18;15-18.

c. A POWER OR MINISTRY OF MERCY. Christ sent out His disciples, not only to preach, but also to heal all manner of diseases, Matt. 10;1,8; Luke 9:1-2; 10:9, 17. And among the early Christians there were some who had the gift of healing, 1Cor. 12:9-10, 28, 30. This special gift came to an end with the passing of the apostolic age. From that time on the ministry of mercy was largely limited to the Church's care for the poor. The Lord hinted at this task in Matt. 16:11; Mark 14:7. The early Church practised a sort of communion of goods, so than to one wanted the necessaries of life, Acts 4:34. Later on seven men were appointed to "serve the tables," that is, to provide for a more equal distribution of what was brought for the poor, Acts 6:1-6. After that deacons are repeatedly mentioned, Romans 16:1; Phil 1:1; 1Tim. 3:8-12. Great emphasis is placed on giving or collecting for the poor, Acts 11:29; 20:35; 1Cor. 16:1-2; 2Cor 8:13-15; 9:1, 6-7; Gal 2:10; 6:10; Eph. 4:28; 1Tim. 5:10, 16; Jas 1:27; 2:15-16; 1John 3:17.

TO MEMORIZE: Passages proving:

a. That Christ is the Head of the Church:

Eph. 1:22b-23. "And He... gave him to be head over all things to the Church, which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."

Col. 1:18. "And He is the head of the body, the Church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence."

b. The special marks of an apostle:

1 Cor. 9:1-2. "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord."

2Cor 12:12. "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, by signs and wonders and mighty works."

c. The office of elder or bishop:

Acts 14:23. "And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed."

1Tim 3:1. "Faithful is the saying, If a man seeketh the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."

Tit. 1:5. "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that were wanting, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave thee charge."

d. The teaching function of some elders:

1 Tim 5:17. "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching."

2 Tim 2:2. "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

e. The office of deacon:

1 Tim 3:10. "And let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, if they be blameless."

f. The spiritual nature of the elders' work:

Acts 20:28. "Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood."

1 Pet. 5:2-3. "Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to [the will of] God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples to the flock."

g. The power of discipline:

Matt. 18:18. "Verily I say unto you, what things soever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and what things soever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

John 20:23. "Whose soever sins ye forgive, they are forgiven unto them; whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained."

For Further Study:

a. What men besides the Twelve and Paul are called apostles? Acts 14:4, 14; 1Cor 9:5-6; 2Cor 8:23; Gal. 1:19. "see also: Heb 3:1, Acts 1:21 & 2:14, Rom. 16:17, Jude 1, 2Cor 5:16, Phil 2:25 Gk., 1Thess 1:1 & 2:6."

b. Who are called evangelists in the Bible? Acts 21:8; 2Tim. 4:5.

c. What is the course of discipline in connection with private sins indicated in Matt. 18:15-17?

Questions for Review

1. Who is the Head of the Church and by what standard does He rule?

2. What extraordinary officers were there in the Church?

3. What were the characteristics of the apostles?

4. What did the prophets and the evangelists do?

5. Which were the ordinary officers?

6. What other name was used for elders?

7. When was the office of deacon instituted?

8. What ecclesiastical assemblies do we distinguish?

9. In how far is the local church independent?

10. Is there any Scripture warrant for major assemblies? Where?

11. How are they constituted, and with what matters can they deal?

12. Are their decisions merely advisory?

13. What different kinds of power has the Church? What does each include?

14. What is the purpose of Church discipline?

15. What do we understand by the ministry of mercy in the Church?