The Church
What does the church have to offer?
We believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic church, we acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen
One – The invisible bond
Against separatists (Donatists and Novatians)
Holy – Celebrate forgiveness (1 Pet 2:9-10)
- God showed mercy (v10)
- Mercy is basis of their praise (v9)
Catholic – Live out forgiveness (Eph 2:11-22)
- Jesus brought both “Jews and Gentile” to God (v13)
- ew and Gentile in one household of God (v19)
- Jew and Gentile as one body (v16)
Apostolic – Proclaim forgiveness (Matt 16:13-20)
- Peter and the apostles is the foundation of the church (v17-18)
- Keys of the kingdom is given to the apostles (v19)
What is the big deal about forgiveness? Acts 17:31
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end
What does a judge do? Set things right
- Resurrection of the body (“creation” is not a shell)
- Forgiveness of sins (not determination of guilt or innocence)
- Exclusion or inclusion from the life of the world to come/everlasting kingdom
Baptism is basis for forgiveness of sins, by implication exclusion/inclusion
- Baptism as magic – Man’s works could not save him
- Baptism as mere symbol (Acts 2:38)
- Faith and forgiveness (Acts 10:43)
The faith that must come with baptism (Heidelberg Q/A1)
- Care of the father
- Salvation of Jesus
- Power of the Spirit