Introduction to Christian Thought
Introduction
Modern Christians draw their guidance from the teachings of the New Testament doctrines like the Church and Trinity. However, there hardly exists sufficient information uncovering the theological definition, biblical foundation, and practical application of the doctrines (Week 2_3 Source; Insuring Authenticity of Text, 1). In the contemporary world, several churches and Christians have lost faith with the teachings due to lack of a clear understanding of the biblical doctrines and their application in their daily lives (Week 2_1 source; Arguments that the bible is the word of God). Christians incorporate the understanding of the trinity and church in their ministries and life, to achieve a moral upbringing. Therefore, one cannot comprehend how Christianity came into being without a clear understanding of trinity and the church, and their roles in shaping it.
Theological Definition
According to Sample, the trinity is crucial in that it provides Christians with an opportunity to knowing the inner working of God’s nature and personality (Par 1). Furthermore, the trinity is seen as a concept that sets Christianity apart from other religions, where God is seen as a relational being (Samples par 5). The son, Jesus Christ, was begotten by the Father eternally and is submissive to do the Father’s work, yet in nature, equal to the Father. Then, the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son as it is depicted in John 15:26 and this implies that the Father is the deity’s fount, the Son is the deity’s revealer and the Holy Spirit is the agent whose mandate is to carry duties attributable to the deity (Samples par 8).
Biblical Foundation
Trinity is a word that never exists in the Bible (bible.org par 1). In the Old Testament, there is no clear definition on God’s nature. In the manifestation “Eheh” God’s “ousia” is represented through a creative becoming (Oomen par 4-6). This is in contrast to the earlier claims that maintain that “ousia” is represented through a stationary being (Oomen par 4). Elohim is a plural Hebrew word. Therefore, the solitary Godhead encompasses the splendor of divine multiplicity (De Vries). What the Old Testament denotes is only a foretaste or glimpse of trinity, when examined from the New Testament perspective. Several individuals view trinity from the pluralistic perspective of the divine referred as Elohim. However, there is no trinity doctrine in the Old Testament (De Vries).
Practical Application
As a student, I perceive that the theological definition of the term trinity sets a platform to understand the nature of God and the manner in which He makes himself known to the people (Christians). However, assessing the biblical foundation, my understanding is challenged because contrasting views regarding God’s manifestation are derived. On one hand, the Old Testament fails to acknowledge the presence of the trinity doctrine. On the other hand, it is acknowledged in the New Testament. This shows conflicting views and on my side, my understanding of the doctrine is diminished.
Church
Theological Definition
According to (Week 6_3: Theological Definition of the Church), church is as a place where professing believers assemble (par 1). Christians view the church as a place reserved for prayers by Christ followers. However, the church is not an outright guarantee that Christians are going to attain the eternal gift. As the bible clearly explains, not all those that confess about Christ as a savior will have eternal life. In the church, some people will not receive salvation. Nevertheless, all individuals must be welcomed to the church after confessing that they have faith in Christ. Based on this understanding, the church qualifies to be defined as a place reserved for professing believers (Week 6_3: Theological Definition of the Church). Regardless of how the church defines holiness and minimum qualification for gaining entrance, several individuals gain access to church, only to receive judgment after death (Week 6_3: Theological Definition of the Church Par 1).
While defining the church, Clowney explains that this is a special place where Christ dwells (1). In this definition, the article views Christ as a special individual that only dwells in holly places. This argument is supported in the book of John 8 that views Christ as the light of the world. This definition of Christ shows that the church is a mere organism lighted by Christ as the light. Other scriptures teach us that Christ dwells in peoples midst. In that case, a holy person qualifies to be defined as church. Other theological definition views the church as a reflection of spiritual gift, center of administering ordinances and a center for God’s word (Clowney 15-50).
Biblical Foundation
God is a creator and builder. This is depicted in the bible where God is seen building something. He is the initiator of building plans that are found in the bible and He has a significant role in determining the exact way of developing things. For example, God gave Noah specific instructions that were used in building the church. God also manifests in the Old Testament instructing Moses to build the tabernacle and Nehemiah to erect a wall (Clowney 1-15). These building are based on the primary understanding that God has a purpose for everything that he does. This means that God does not build anything without a clear objective. There are divine reasons why God begins building projects such as providing a place where his people could be rescued from the external world of sins (Week 6_3: Theological Definition of the Church Part B).
Practical Application
As a person in the process of learning, I perceive that my understanding of the church on based on the theological definition of the term has been improved. While I had an idea that a church is where Christians go to worship, the definition has improved my understanding in that I have now realized that is not just a place where the Christianity followers go to worship. Rather, it is a place that links the faithful with their creator. However, I have come to realize that there are a number of definitions. While they improve my knowledge, they are rather confusing since I am not aware of the definition that works in all contexts and which does. However, the possibility of misconception arising due to the various definitions is eliminated when I read on the biblical foundation. Inferring from it, I have come to a conclusion that as long as a place is preserved for a religious oriented activity, it can be referred to as a church. In this case, the design or the nature of the place does not matter. What matters is what takes place in there.
Conclusion
As this work clearly shows, the biblical doctrines have a significant role in shaping believers’ daily lives. The Holy Spirit promotes the existence of a caring society where the gifted individuals assist less fortunate. This work views the church as a special place where Christ dwells. In this definition, Christ is seen as a special individual who only dwells in holy places. The church helps believers to understand that God’s ways by conferring for prayers. Faith acquired form church keeps Christians attached to Christianity despite the fact that God may not respond to their pleas. While this is so, for a student, I think the various definitions, especially those concerning the church, are contributing towards a misunderstanding of the doctrines.
Works Cited
Clowney, Edmund P. The Biblical Theology of the Church. Beginning with Moses: The biblical theology briefings. Available at: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeginningwithmoses.org%2Fdownload-file%2Fdownloads%2Fbtchurch.pdf&ei=UKDXUf3aCIjbOrGXgcAC&usg=AFQjCNH_TObbImhUd8YQR2W_1x2-GJPjGg&sig2=-Aa0EFEVDdyTLFRVxdZelQ
De Vries, Ed. Doctrine of the Trinity. Biblebelievers, n.d. Available from: http://www.biblebelievers.com/Devries2.html
Oomen, Joseph. The Concept of Trinity and Its Implication for Christian Communication in Indian Context. Religion-Online, June, 2002. Web. Available at: http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=2454
Samples, Kenneth. Why is the Doctrine of the Trinity Important? July 31, 2007. Web. Available at: http://www.reasons.org/articles/why-is-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity-important-part-1
The Trinity (Triunity) of God. Bible.org. Available at: https://bible.org/article/trinity-triunity-god
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