The Body of Christ: A Biblical Understanding of the Church
Overview
Reinder Bruinsma begins his book on the church with this clear, straightforward definition: the church is the body of Christ—God’s people. Bruinsma believes this doctrine has not been adequately wrestled with today. His readable and informative treatment of this vital topic fills a vital gap in Adventist literature. His far-ranging look at the doctrine of the church moves from Old and New Testament foundations up through church government and controversial issues such as ordination and church discipline. In his conclusion, Bruinsma outlines the mission and future of the church. His fourfold approach ensure that every facet of the doctrine is explored in detail. This thought-provoking discussion challenges those who call themselves God’s people to examine their current understanding of the church and to prayerfully consider their roles as part of the body of Christ.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Studies the doctrine of the church as the people of God
- Analyzes the biblical roots of the church in the Old and New Testaments
- Addresses controversial issues in church government, such as ordination and discipline
- Is the Church about to Disappear?
- Biblical Foundations: The Old Testament Roots
- Biblical Foundations: The Earliest Beginnings of the Christian Church
- Biblical Foundations: Themes and Metaphors
- The “Marks” of the Church
- The Spirit in the Church
- The Government of the Church
- Ordination
- The Doctrine of the Church in History
- One Church for All?
- The Church and Social Justice
- The Mission of the Church
- The Future of the Church
Top Highlights
“Luther accepted the things that were not expressly forbidden by Scripture; Calvin accepted only what was clearly taught by Scripture.” (Page 135)
“They show but little interest in documents and plans that come ‘from above,’ from ‘higher’ denominational administrative bodies. Their interest is in their local church, and they prefer initiatives that are lay-driven.” (Page 15)
“but the great center of attraction, Christ Jesus, must not be left out.’24” (Page 185)
“The unity advocated in the New Testament is not unity of an organizational nature (however important that may seem to us), but a unity in the acceptance of Christ as the Lord of our lives and in the desire to be His disciples. This is the kind of unity we should experience in our own faith community—in our local church as well as denomination-wide—and it is the kind of unity we can also experience with many believers who do not belong to the Seventh-day Adventist Church but join us in their determination to follow the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Page 152)
“The key thought that is embedded in this important word is not linked to any of the material aspects of an organization or institution. The church is the people who have been called out of the world and now belong to the Lord. The church is the people of God.” (Page 39)
- Title: The Body of Christ: A Biblical Understanding of the Church
- Author: Reinder Bruinsma
- Series: Library of Adventist Theology
- Publisher: Review & Herald
- Print Publication Date: 2009
- Logos Release Date: 2016
- Pages: 222
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Church; Adventists › Doctrines
- ISBNs: 9780828024884, 082802488X
- Resource ID: LLS:BDYCHRSTNDCHRCH
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T22:10:05Z
