# LCMS Convention Proceedings_St. Louis Missouri_1953_S877
# Machine transcription, uncorrected — CHI Digital Archive (demonstration)

INTERSYNODICAL AND DOCTRINAL MATTERS 3877

II. The New Testament Ministry

ing to define the status of a Christian teacher we are first
cerned about what the Scriptures say of the office of a
the Church. We must, however, be reminded that Christ
give His Church detailed laws or rules according to which
organize and establish itself. The New Testament is not a
al handbook with constitution and by-laws for the adminis-
of:the Church. And just as there is no prescribed consti-
so there is no prescribed form of the public ministry in the
Christ has, however, given the Church the Gospel and
geraments to create and maintain faith. The importance of
of the Church in relation to this saving faith is brought
ticle V of the Augsburg Confession:

aat we may obtain this faith (spoken of in Article IV), the
y of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments
ituted.”

‘of the offices developed by the church for the teaching of
1 is that of the Christian teacher. In considering. the
f the teacher, we must see his office in relation to the
the ministry of the Church, the call, and other concepts.

~All Christians have the spiritual priesthood and with it the
pread the Gospel.

gave the power to forgive or retain sins, to preach the
d the Gospel, originally and immediately to all believers.
ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
peculiar people, that ye should shew forth the praises of
ho hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light,”
P 2: 9). Compare also Matt. 16:15-19; Matt. 18:15-20; Luke

e Church is the communion of all believers, the sum total
é.who at all times and in all places have been led to faith in
vist through the Holy Spirit by the preaching of the Gospel
ministration of the Sacraments.

the Church is the communion of believers in Jesus Christ
from the following Scripture passages:

I. say also unto thee that thou art Peter, and upon this

: build My Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail

(Matt. 16:18).

Hto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are
‘in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every

upon the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, both theirs and
‘Cor. 1:2).

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