Systematic Theology Scripture Defines Scripture Volume 12: Ecclesiology: The Church Christ Is Building
What is the church?
Is it a building? A denomination? A voluntary gathering? An invisible spiritual idea? A human institution shaped by culture and tradition? Or is it something far greater-the people Jesus Christ promised to build, purchased with His own blood, and will one day present to Himself in glory?
In Systematic Theology - Scripture Defines Scripture, Volume 12: The Doctrine of the Church, Jeff Edwards examines what the Bible teaches about the church Christ is building.
This volume follows the church from Christ's promise in Matthew 16 through its formation at Pentecost, its apostolic foundation, its growth throughout the New Testament, and its future hope as the bride of Christ. It considers the church as Scripture presents it: the body of Christ, the household of God, the temple of the Holy Spirit, the flock of God, the pillar and ground of the truth, and the visible people called to live under Christ's authority.
Readers will explore vital questions including:
What did Jesus mean when He said, "I will build my church"?How are the universal church and the local church related?What is the church's relationship to Israel and the nations?What authority does Christ give the church, and what authority does He reserve for Himself?What are the biblical roles of pastors, elders, overseers, deacons, and congregations?Why do baptism and the Lord's Supper matter?How should the church handle discipline, false teaching, unity, holiness, and spiritual care?What marks identify a faithful church?This is not a book built around denominational loyalty, church-growth trends, institutional tradition, or cultural pressure. It is a Scripture-driven study that allows the Bible to define its own words, patterns, doctrines, and commands.
The church does not belong to a pastor, a denomination, a movement, or a generation. It belongs to Christ.
He is its Head.
He is its Shepherd.
He is its Foundation.
He is its Bridegroom.
He is the One who said, "I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Whether you are a pastor, teacher, student, church member, or believer seeking a deeper understanding of God's purpose for His people, The Doctrine of the Church offers a clear, doctrinally serious, and Bible-centered guide to the church Christ loves and continues to build.
Part of the 24-volume Systematic Theology - Scripture Defines Scripture series, this volume stands on its own as a complete study of ecclesiology while also contributing to a larger biblical study of the whole counsel of God.
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