Basic HTML Version
573
time their authority is greater in degree and wider in extent than that of the consistory. Church
power is represented in greater measure in the major assemblies than in the consistory, just as
apostolic power was represented in greater measure in twelve than in a single apostle. Ten
churches certainly have more authority than a single church; there is an accumulation of power.
Moreover, the authority of the major assemblies does not apply to a single church only, but
extends to all the affiliated churches. Consequently, the decisions of a major assembly carry
great weight and can never be set aside at will. The assertion sometimes made that they are
only of an advisory character and therefore need not be carried out, is a manifestation of the
leaven of Independency. These decisions are authoritative, except in cases where they are
explicitly declared to be merely advisory. They are binding on the churches as the sound
interpretation and application of the law, — the law of Christ, the King of the Church. They
cease to be binding only when they are shown to be contrary to the Word of God.
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY:
What is the difference between the New Testament
meaning of the word episkopos and its later connotation? Why are regular offices necessary in
the Church? Does Scripture favor the idea that the people should have some part in the
government of the Church? What is the chief characteristic of Prelatism? What is the Roman
Catholic distinction between a hierarchy of order and a hierarchy of jurisdiction? How did the
Territorial and the Collegial systems originate, and how do they differ? What system did the
Arminians adopt, and how did this affect their position? What is the present form of Church
government in the Lutheran Church? How does the idea that Christ is the Head of the Church
only in an organic sense affect the offices and the authority of the Church? What important
practical bearing does the Headship of Christ (including His kingship) have on the life, the
position, and the government of the Church? Can any Church be considered autonomous in the
absolute sense of the word? How do Reformed major assemblies differ from Congregational
conferences and general councils?
LITERATURE:
Bavinck, Geref. Dogm. IV, pp. 354-424; Kuyper, Dict. Dogm., De Ecclesia, pp. 268-
293; id., Tractaat van de Reformatie der Kerken, pp. 41-82; Vos, Geref. Dogm., V, pp. 31-39, 49-
70; Hodge, Church Polity, cf. Index; Bannerman, The Church II, pp. 201-331; McGill, Church
Government, pp. 143-522; McPherson, Presbyterianism; Heyns, Handbook for Elders and
Deacons, pp. 13-70; Bouwman, Geref. Kerkrecht, cf. Index; Rieker, Grundsaetze reformierter
Kirchenverfassung; Hoffmann, Kirchenverfassungsrecht; Lechler, Geschichte der Presbyterial—
und Synodalverfassung seit der Reformation; Morris, Ecclesiology, pp. 80-151; Hatch, The
Organisation of the Early Christian Churches; Sillevis Smitt, De Organisatie van de Christelijke
Kerk; Lindsay, The Church and the Ministry in the Early Centuries; J. Cunningham, The Growth
of the Church, pp. 1-77; Van Dyke, The Church, Her Ministry and Sacraments, pp. 115-161;
Pieper, Christl. Dogm. III, pp. 501-534; Litton, Introd. to Dogm. Theol., pp. 376-410; Wilson, Free