Nature of the Church

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Running head: NATURE OF THE CHURCH Nature of the Church Grand Canyon University Systematic Theology HTH 359 Nature of the Church The church is an assembly of believers as well as the redeemed of all ages that follow Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The church began on the day of Pentecost after Jesus’ ascension. (Youngblood, 2004, pg. 275) Christ Himself declares the church is the future, “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 18:16, NKJV). The church was founded because of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, “….He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places…And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1: 20, 22-23, NKJV). This essay will analyze the different perspectives of Migliore and McGrath views of the nature of the church and sacraments. The nature of the church developed from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. McGrath from his point of view says, “The church has always stressed it historical and theological continuity with the people of Israel” (McGrath, 2011, pg 375) which means that the Old Testament help bring forth the foundation of the church, so it is paramount to appreciate the very existence of the church as an institution that holds a historical reality (pg. 375). “And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” (Leviticus 26:12, NKJV) Migliore’s belief is that the people of God especially the exodus people of God is a central part of the church as the theme of the covenant between God and God’s elect people is a great part of the historical foundation of the church. (pg.252, 53) What
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