What Is the Church?
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
When the word church is mentioned, many people tend to think of a formal building with a steeple and stained-glass windows. For others, the word brings to mind the idea of a denomination. But the church is much more. In this booklet, R. C. Sproul carefully and clearly explains that the church is a body of people saved by Jesus Christ and regenerated by the Holy Spirit who live to glorify and enjoy God. Beginning with the ancient Nicene Creed, which affirms that the church is “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic,” Sproul provides accessible teaching on one of the most misunderstood of all Christian doctrines.
Top Highlights
“First, they said a church is a true church when the gospel is preached faithfully. Second, a true church is one where the sacraments are rightly administered. Third, they said a true church practices authentic discipline of its people.” (Page 62)
“Historically, via the ancient church council of Nicea, the church has been defined by four key words. It is, 1) one, 2) holy, 3) catholic, and 4) apostolic.” (Page 2)
“Pluralism is a philosophy that allows for a wide diversity of viewpoints and doctrines to co-exist within a single body.” (Page 3)
“what the church is at any given moment in her history, but what she will be.” (Pages 38–39)
“The unity of the New Testament is a unity of faith” (Page 14)
- Title: What Is the Church?
- Author: R. C. Sproul
- Edition: First edition
- Series: The Crucial Questions Series
- Publisher: Reformation Trust
- Print Publication Date: 2013
- Logos Release Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Church
- ISBNs: 9781567693294, 1567693296
- Resource ID: LLS:WHATISTHECHURCH
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T03:44:09Z
R. C. Sproul (1939– 2017) was a respected teacher, theologian, pastor. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries where he served as executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Sproul held degrees from Westminster College, Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam, and Whitefield Theological Seminary. He taught at several colleges and seminaries including Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. He served as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida. Sproul’s teaching can be heard daily on the ‘Renewing Your Mind’ radio broadcast which plays in over 40 countries.
Sproul wrote over 70 books and articles including the classic The Holiness of God and several theological articles in Tabletalk magazine.