The Church, during the apostolic age, did not consist of isolated, independent congregations, but was one body, of which the separate churches were constituent members, each subject to all the rest, or to an authority which extended over all. Charles Hodge ageapostolicauthority share on social
So too, in forming a constitution, or in enacting rules of procedure, or making canons, the people do not merely passively assent, but actively cooperate. They have, in all these matters, the same authority as the clergy. Charles Hodge activelyassentauthority share on social
The Church, however, is a self-governing society, distinct from the State, having its officers and laws, and, therefore, an administrative government of its own. Charles Hodge administrativechurchdistinct Change image and share on social
The Popish theory, which assumes that Christ, the Apostles and believers, constituted the Church while our Saviour was on earth, and this organization was designed to be perpetual. Charles Hodge apostleassumebeliever Change image and share on social
All the reasons which require the subjection of a believer to the brethren of a particular church, require his subjection to all his brethren in the Lord. Charles Hodge believerbrotherchurch Change image and share on social
If all Church power vests in the clergy, then the people are practically bound to passive obedience in all matters of faith and practice; for all right of private judgment is then denied. Charles Hodge bindchurchclergy Change image and share on social
All Church power arises from the indwelling of the Spirit; therefore those in whom the Spirit dwells are the seat of Church power. But the Spirit dwells in the whole Church, and therefore the whole Church is the seat of Church power. Charles Hodge arisechurchdwell share on social
The Galatians are severely censured for giving heed to false doctrines, and are called to pronounce even an apostle anathema, if he preached another gospel. Charles Hodge anathemaapostlecall Change image and share on social
Christ has not only ordained that there shall be such officers in his Church - he has not only specified their duties and prerogatives - but he gives the requisite qualifications, and calls those thus qualified, and by that call gives them their official authority. Charles Hodge authoritycallchrist share on social
If the Church is a living body united to the same head, governed by the same laws, and pervaded by the same Spirit, it is impossible that one part should be independent of all the rest. Charles Hodge bodychurchgovern Change image and share on social
