Page 148 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

CHURCH HISTORY - CIRCUMCISION

carnal sword (Ro. 13:-14), but the churches have only CHURCH OF ENGLAND. [See Anglican Church.]
the sword of the Spirit. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY
(3) Church discipline pertains only to matters within SAINTS. [See Mormons.]
a given church. A church only has the authority to act CHURCH POLITY. A term used to describe church
upon disorders within its own ranks. Let me hasten to organization and operation. Polity means government.
say, though, that churches should honor the discipline of [See Church.]
sister churches. If a believer is under the discipline of a CHURCHES OF CHRIST. The Churches of Christ,
church, it is wrong for another church to receive him Disciples of Christ, and Christian Church are groups of
until he makes things right. There are rare occasions, of churches which grew out of the early 19th century
course, in which a believer is wrongly accused and Restoration Movement on the American frontier. Key
wrongly disciplined, but a church is unwise not to look leaders were Barton Stone, Thomas and Alexander
into such matters very carefully before making the Campbell (hence the term “Campbellites”), and Walter
serious decision to overrule the discipline of a sister Scott, all from Presbyterian backgrounds. These men
church. The work of God is much weakened by churches claimed the desire to restore the church to its N.T.
that are so carnal and so eager for new members that purity. These movements were first independent of one
they receive people who have been disciplined by a another, later combined, then divided again in the 20th
sister church, without even discussing the matter with century.
the leaders. This type of thing has many serious
consequences. (a) It renders the discipline ineffective by Alexander Campbell was noted for his abilities in
allowing the sinning parties to go on in their service for debating. He loved to argue and even boasted that an
Christ as if nothing happened. (b) It weakens the hour of debating was more profitable than an entire day
receiving church by bringing into its bosom the of preaching. Sadly, this proud, argumentative spirit has
unrepentant sin, rebellion, and bitterness of the sinning often been evident among Church of Christ leaders.
parties. (c) It discourages the hearts of the leaders and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was
members of the disciplining church, tempting them to organized nationally in 1968 with headquarters in
think that it is more trouble than it is worth to obey the Dallas, Texas, and has become very ecumenical and
Bible and that their struggle to deal with sin was in modernistic. It is represented in the National and World
vain. (d) It is also a direct affront to the Lord Jesus Christ, Council of Churches.
who, as the Head of the church, has commanded that Though there have been differences among Church
unrepentant sin be disciplined rather than ignored. of Christ congregations concerning things such as the
(4) Church discipline pertains only to the exclusion role of elders in the churches, the formation of
of the person from the privileges and fellowship of the denominational structures, and whether or not musical
church. No corporal or physical punishment is to be instruments should be used in the services, some key
inflicted by the church. Once outside the church, God distinctives are as follows: (1) Salvation is by faith plus
administers the judgment, sometimes even to the point good works. (2) Water baptism is an essential means of
of taking the life (He. 12:6-8; 1 Co. 11:30-32; 1 Jn. salvation (baptismal regeneration). (3) The Churches of
5:16) (Huckabee). [See Chasten, Church, Pastor, Christ are the only true churches today. (4) Christians
Rebuke, Reproof, Timothy.] should not be called by names other than “Church of
CHURCH HISTORY. [For overview of church history Christ,” “Disciples,” or “Christian.” (5) A Christian can
see Prophecy, Roman Catholic Church.] [For particular lose his salvation.
denominations and movements see Anglican, These doctrines are contrary to the teaching of the
Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Churches of N.T.; therefore, the Churches of Christ must be avoided
Christ, Eastern Orthodoxy, Episcopal, Lutheran, in obedience to Ro. 16:17-18. [See Baptism -
Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Prophecy, Immersion, Church, Eternal Security, Gospel, Grace,
Protestant Reformation, World Council of Churches.] Justification.]
CHURCH PROPHECY. [See Prophecy, Roman CHURLISH. Selfish; harsh; unfeeling (Is. 32:5; 1 Sa.
Catholic Church.] 25:3).
CHURCH OF CHRIST. (1) A biblical name for the CIEL. To cover over; panel; overlay (2 Ch. 3:5; Je.
church, emphasizing Christ’s lordship over it (Ro. 22:14; Eze. 41:16; Hag. 1:4).
16:16). This term is used only one time in the N.T. (2) A CIRCUMCISION. The Jewish custom of cutting away
denomination. [See Churches of Christ.] the foreskin of male children. Circumcision was the sign
CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST. [See Christian of God’s promise and the sign of Abraham’s faith (“it
Science.] shall be a token” Ge. 17:11). Abraham had already
believed and been justified; circumcision was a sign of

148 Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible & Christianity