The Church's Commitment to Christ's Teachings and Discipleship
The Church's commitment to Christ's teachings and discipleship is rooted in its identity as the body of Christ, a concept that is central to the New Testament [1, 3]. The Church is described as being "in Christ" and Christ being its head, emphasizing the intimate relationship between Christ and the community of believers [1].
The New Testament emphasizes the importance of unity within the Church, with various metaphors used to convey this idea. The image of the body with many members, each with its own function, highlights the diversity and interdependence within the Church [3, 5]. According to 1 Corinthians 12:12-31, this unity is not uniformity, but rather a harmonious functioning of different parts [3]. The Church is also described as a temple, with Christ as the cornerstone, emphasizing its sacred nature and the importance of being built on Christ [9].
The commitment to Christ's teachings is evident in the Church's mission to teach and obey Jesus' commands. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:20 emphasizes the importance of teaching the disciples to observe all that Jesus commanded [10]. Obedience to Christ is seen as a hallmark of discipleship, with 1 John 2:3-6 stating that obedience is a clear indication of knowing Christ and belonging to him [11].
The Church's commitment to Christ is also reflected in its worship and confession. Romans 10:10 highlights the importance of confessing Christ's name, especially in times of persecution [12]. The Church is called to be a community that is marked by its obedience to Jesus' commands and its love for one another [6, 7].
Throughout history, the Church has understood its commitment to Christ's teachings and discipleship in various ways. The early Church, as described in Acts, was characterized by bold preaching and teaching about Jesus Christ [2]. The apostle Paul's writings, such as 1 Corinthians and Ephesians, emphasize the importance of unity and the Church's identity as the body of Christ [3, 6].
The Church's commitment to Christ's teachings and discipleship remains a central aspect of its identity, with different traditions emphasizing various aspects of this commitment. The Presbyterian tradition, for example, emphasizes the importance of confession and the Church's role in proclaiming the gospel [4, 12]. Other traditions, such as the Baptist/Reformed and Methodist/Wesleyan traditions, also emphasize the importance of obedience to Christ and the Church's mission to make disciples [5, 8].
The Church's understanding of its commitment to Christ's teachings and discipleship continues to be shaped by its reading of Scripture and its engagement with the world. As the Church navigates the complexities of its mission, it remains grounded in its identity as the body of Christ, called to be a community of love, obedience, and unity [6, 7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Church, The — Belongs to God -- 1Ti 3:15. The body of Christ -- Eph 1:23; Col 1:24. Christ, the foundation-stone of -- 1Co 3:11; Eph 2:20; 1Pe 2:4,5. Christ, the head of -- Eph 1:22; 5:23. Loved by Christ -- Song 7:10; Eph 5:25. Purchased by the blood of Christ -- Ac 20:28; Eph 5:25; Heb 9:12. Sanctified and cleansed by Christ -- 1Co 6:11; Eph 5:26,27. Subject to Christ -- Ro 7:4; Eph 5:24. The object of the grace of God -- Isa 27:3; 2Co 8:1. Displays the wisdom of God -- Eph 3:10. Shows forth the praises of God -- Isa 60:6. God defends -- Ps 89:18; Isa 4:5; 49:25; M”
- Acts “preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance. -- Acts 28:31”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:12: 12:12-31 The church is like a body (see 12:27) composed of many different parts, each with its own function as determined by God (see 12:11, 18, 28; Rom 12:4-5).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 12:27: members in particular--that is, severally members of it. Each church is in miniature what the whole aggregate of churches is collectively, "the body of Christ" (compare Co1 3:16): and its individual components are members, every one in his assigned place.”
- 1 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Corinthians 12:20: But now are they many members,.... Of different make and shape, in different parts and places, and of different use and service: yet but one body; all are united together, and make up one complete body, and which without each of them would not be perfect: so there are many members in the body of Christ, the church; some are teachers, others are hearers; some give, and others receive; but all make up but one church, of which Christ is the head; nor can anyone of them be spared; was anyone wanting, even the meanest, there would be a deficiency, and the church ”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 3:15: 3:15 Just as Christ is one, so there can be only one body of Christ (see 1:18; Eph 4:4-6). Allegiance to Jesus as Lord must transcend differences and will result in peace (harmonious relationships).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 12:25: 12:25-26 The church is a unified body, so harmony and care for each other in the church is essential.”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 12:14: For the body is not one member - The mystical body, the Church, as well as the natural body, is composed of many members.”
- Ephesians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ephesians 2:21: 2:21 Joined together in Christ, Gentile and Jewish Christians become a holy temple for the Lord, because the Lord himself is among his people (see Matt 18:20; 28:20; 1 Cor 3:16; 1 Pet 2:4-5).”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:20: 28:20 Teach: The disciples’ curriculum is comprised of all the commands of Jesus (e.g., the Sermon on the Mount, chs 5–7). The church is to be marked by its obedience to Jesus’ commands (5:17-20; 7:13-27). Jesus’ authority and presence are the basis for the disciples’ mission (see also 1:23; 18:20).”
- 1 John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 John 2:3: 2:3-6 Obedience is one clear indication that we know Christ and belong to him. If we do not obey Christ, it is obvious that we do not belong to him or love him. • As we obey Christ and his commandments, our love for God and our knowledge of him will grow toward completeness and maturity. We will live . . . as Jesus did, in union with God and showing love for others.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 10:10: For with the heart man believeth unto--justifying righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation--This confession of Christ's name, especially in times of persecution, and whenever obloquy is attached to the Christian profession, is an indispensable test of discipleship.”