The Church: An Institution Under Authority

Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine A. The Old Testament Canon

In affirming the Apocrypha as within the canon, Roman Catholics would hold that the church has the authority to constitute a literary work as “Scripture,” while Protestants have held that the church cannot make something to be Scripture, but can only recognize what God has already caused to be written as his own words.

Review:

#1 The Sufficiency of the Scriptures

#2 Why Don’t We Include the Apocrypha?

Today: Is the Church the Foundation of Truth? (What does this mean?)

(1) We make too little of church authority today

(1) We make too little of church authority today

when we treat it just like a place where we attend

when we act like the house of God is just a facility

(2) The Catholic church makes too big of church authority

when they place the church above the scripture

Illustration: Play Video/Clip

(3) The scriptures properly studied (exegeted) clarify church authority

The church is the pillar and ground (protector) of the truth

It is to uphold established truth and not to determine or be the authority on truth

(4) The church is an institution under the authority of the gospel (the life of Christ)

The church is responsible to uphold and protect the message of the life of Christ.

Applications:

(1) Jesus Christ did give his church authority

(2) We live in submission to Jesus Christ as we recognize and live within this authority

(3) Don’t exceed or limit the authority of the church. (The authority of the church is inextricably bound to the scriptures, primarily the gospel.)

(4) Be aware of the fundamental, mistaken beliefs of Catholics with regards to the institution of the church and her hierarchy.