The Role and Function of the Church as Put Forth in the Catholic Epistles

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Lauren Harter New Testament Theology Dr. Benjamin C. Blackwell 12 April 2013 The Role and Function of the Church as Put Forth in the Catholic Epistles Introduction When asked why the church exists one could probably list a whole host of roles and functions of the church: to preach the Gospel, to bring hope and provide for the needy, to be a place of worship and instruction, to be an example of righteousness, to prepare the saints for ministry. All of these would technically be adequate answers, but the role and function of the church goes so much deeper. The Catholic Epistles describe the church as the Temple of God, the Bride of God, the Flock of God and the New Israel with stated roles of proclamation, declaration, continuation and demonstration and ultimately glorification. This essay will seek to expand upon these stated functions and roles and will conclude by tying them in to the mission of the church today. The Temple of God The church is referred to repeatedly in the Catholic Epistles as the Temple of God. Each individual Christian is a stone, all of which make up the temple, still under construction, and our Lord Jesus Christ is the Chief or Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:5, Rev 3:12, 11:1-2). Going back to the function of the Church as the Temple of God we can view the Church as a beautiful Greek structure. It rests upon solid pillars which themselves are firmly grounded and linked to a solid foundation. It is upon this structure that the truth of God is laid, there to be held in open view to all who pass by. The church is God’s chosen instrument to uphold and publicly display the truth of God to the world. How sad it is when the beauty of the truth of God is marred by a cracked foundation and shaky pillars. This is what the world seems to think of the church. When the church fails to be what she is called to be, the message of the gospel is to that extent

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