Discussion: From Christology to Pneumatology
The Nature of the Church
Chapter Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Define and explain the concept of the church.
2. Compare and contrast alternative definitions with the biblical-philological definition of the church.
3. Identify the characteristics of the true church by examining the images Paul used.
4. Identify and analyze four special problems related to the church.
5. Relate the implications of the study of the church to our understanding of the church.
Chapter Summary
The church is one of the few visible forms of a corporate relationship among believers. It is best defined by the biblical-philological method.
The Bible employs a number of images to describe the church. Among the more important are the people of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Each contributes to our understanding. Four special problems related to the church are noted as well.
Study Questions
• How do the biblical images of the church relate to the definition of the church?
• How would you describe alternative characteristics and definitions of the church?
• Four special problems are identified: the church and the kingdom, the church and Israel, the visible church and the invisible church, and the time of the inception of the church. Give the nature of the problem for each. How would you respond to each problem?
• From our study of the church, five implications were stated. What is the meaning of each, and how does each contribute toward our better understanding the church?