I. Church government.
A. As such.
1. The church is “governed by that spiritual polity” of Christ given in the Bible.
a. The church is not an ungovernable and ungoverned body.
b. But its government is based upon the Word of God.
2. Specifically, this spiritual polity includes:
a. Christ as the King and Head of His church.
1) Apart from Him, there can be no rule or government.
2) He does this now through His Word and Spirit.
b. Christ appoints through the church men who execute His rule.
1) These men have no right to rule in thenselves.
2) But exercise the rule Christ places in then.
c. The authority within the church is seen particularly in the “keys of the kingdom.”
B. Various forms of church government:
1. Hierarchical form of government. (Rule from the top)
a. Roman Catholic Church is such–the pope rules.
b. Episcopal is a modified form of this.
2. Congregational form of government–the people rule.
a. Authority resides within the total membership of the local congregation.
b. Common form of government among congregationalists and also many baptists.
3. Presbyterian form of government.
a. In this, the elders have the rule within the congregation.
b. Within Reformed church government, the consistory governs; it is the highest ruling body of the church.
1) Reformed government includes also classis and synod.
2) These are advisory bodies–whose advice the churches agree to follow as long as they remain in denominational unity.
II. Officebearers in the church.
A. These are of three sorts:
1. Ministers of the Word–functioning particularly in the prophetic office.
2. Elders–functioning in the office of kingship.
3. Deacon–functioning in the office of priest.
a. Deacons are to reflect the mercy of Christ.
b. Were first appointed in Acts at the command of the apostles.
B. Special offices within the church:
1. Apostle.
a. This office is not continued after the death of the twelve–contrary to the belief of Rome.
b. A special office for the early new testament church for the purpose of its firm establishment.
2. Evangelist.
a. Many go under this name yet today.
b. But this appears also to be a special office at the time of the apostles.
III. Purpose for the establishment of offices within the church:
A. To preserve true religion.
1. God has given us these whereby the means of grace may be administered.
2. To be separated from this, would result in departure also from the Word of God.
B. The true doctrine is propagated.
1. This is through the regular preaching.
2. But also that in an organized way mission work is conducted.
C. Transgressors are punished through spiritual means.
1. The only authority in the church involves the key-power.
2. And serves then the purpose of pointing the sinner to his sin.
D. Poor and distressed are relieved and comforted.
1. This too is particularly the calling of the church through its diaconate.
2. That others also behold the significance of Christ’s work in us.