Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

2. The Church is catholic in its inclusiveness, being made up of all who place their faith in Jesus Christ, whether Jew or Gentile, bond or free, living, dead, or still yet to be born.

a. Col. 3.11

b. Gal. 3.28

D. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Church is apostolic.

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1. The Church’s faith and practice is rooted in the apostles’ election by Jesus Christ, (cf. John 17.6-9).

2. The Church has been given the high mandate to be accurate and zealous defenders of the apostles’ teaching, the apostolic doctrine and tradition.

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a. 2 Thess. 3.6

b. Jude 1.3

3. Also, the Church of Jesus Christ functions as those who bear the impress and guard the core of the apostolic authority.

The Church of Jesus Christ, as the Nicene Creed affirms, is one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

a. As guardians of the apostolic testimony, the Church is named the “pillar and foundation of the truth,” 1 Tim. 3.15-16.

b. The Church is apostolic, birthed through their testimony and defenders of their doctrine.