Ecclesiology and Church Dogmatics

The theological study of the Christian Church, focusing on its nature, structure, purpose, and mission.

A Greek word meaning "community or assembly of believers" translated to "church" in English.

The early church, rooted in the New Testament and the early middle ages, viewed as normative and expected to transform the world.

Views of the Church have changed from a separate entity, possessing grace and salvation to a more dynamic and actively involved institution.

The Church is more than a social institution, and must be understood beyond a purely social perspective.

Confusion arises from using "church" to refer to both a denomination and the body of believers, or even the physical structure.

Understanding the "church" in the New Testament needs to consider classical Greek background, the New Testament, and community.

The early church was seen as tasked with transforming the world, as a repository of grace and the gospel.

Traditionally, "ekklesia" refers to a gathering of citizens in a city, with full citizens having voting rights on certain matters.

In Acts 19, "ekklesia" refers to a civic gathering in Ephesus during a riot caused by silversmiths.

While "ekklesia" can be a secular assembly, it's translated as "church" in the Bible to refer to a gathering of believers.

"Gahal" is a Hebrew term that doesn't mean "assembly" but is used to refer to political groups or coalitions, similar to gatherings or assemblies.

"Edah" refers to a community or congregation of Jewish individuals who come together for religious, social, or communal purposes.

"Ecclesia" is the root word of what we now call "church." It represents a gathering of believers.

Paul's use of "ekklesia" indicates a gathering of believers in a specific city, like a local body of believers.

There are instances of early churches meeting in people's homes, indicating a more informal gathering structure.

This phrase describes the widespread presence and growth of the early Christian church, particularly in the region of Judea, as mentioned in Acts 9:31.

This is a book in the New Testament written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, addressing issues like division, immorality, and spiritual gifts.

This concept emphasizes that every local group of believers, no matter how small, represents the entirety of the church, reflecting unity and universality.

The church embraces all those who have been saved through Christ's death, regardless of their background or current status, uniting them through the body of Christ.

Paul's writings implicitly reveal a Trinitarian understanding of the church, evident in his descriptions of the church as "people of God," "body of Christ," and "temple of the Spirit."

The term "People of God" highlights the church's belonging to God and God belonging to them, signifying a special relationship characterized by God's care and expectation of purity and loyalty.

The church, understood as the body of Christ, becomes the center where Christ's activities and influence are manifested in the world.

In the Old Testament, circumcision served as a physical mark of God's covenant with his people, signifying their separation and dedication to him.

In the analogy of the Body of Christ, Jesus is the head, representing his leadership and authority over the Church, calling believers to follow his teachings and example.

The Body of Christ, comprised of believers, is tasked with spreading the Gospel, serving others, and demonstrating God's love to the world.

Believers are interconnected and dependent on each other, each contributing to the well-being and growth of the whole body, emphasizing community and mutual support.

The Body of Christ encourages believers to support, build up, and help each other grow spiritually, emphasizing the importance of communal support for individual growth.

This metaphor means that each believer is a sacred dwelling place where God's Spirit resides, signifying the presence of God within each individual.

Being a "Temple of the Spirit" signifies a call to live holy lives, set apart for God, by honoring Him in all aspects of life.

The church grows through the spiritual work of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the example of Peter's preaching at Pentecost.

These are the characteristics or qualities traditionally attributed to the Christian Church based on interpretations of the New Testament.

All believers are united in Christ, both visibly and spiritually. This signifies a shared faith and connection.

The Church is set apart for God's purposes and called to reflect His holiness. Believers strive to live pleasingly to God.

The Church's universal nature and mission to reach all people with the Gospel, transcending any limitations.

The Church's connection to the apostles' teachings and mission. This includes upholding their teachings and continuing their work.