Ch. 2 - Christ Institutes the Church

Jesus Christ

Only major religious leader to claim to be God

Four Tasks of YHWH, that Jesus fulfilled

Gather the tribes, cleansed the Temple, defeat the enemies of Israel, reign as Lord of the Nations

Ezekiel's Prophecy

When God returned to cleanse the Temple, water would flow from its side for the life of the world

Resurrection

Christianity would not have risen without this event - if this hadn't happened, Jesus would be just another false messiah

Matthew 16:13-20

Jesus gives His authority to bind and loose to Peter, gives him the keys of the kingdom, and promises that the Gates of Hell (Hades) will not prevail

Primacy of Peter

Peter, and all of his successors are first in authority

Cathedra

Symbolic seat of authority - symbolizing the authority to speak for God - originally with Moses, later Peter and his successors

Isaiah 22:22

References the authority of the chief steward/ prime minister in the OT - he has the keys and the authority to open and shut

Matthew 18:15-18

The Church is given the authority to bind and loose, and deal with peoples' sins - "If he refuses to listen to the Church, treat him as a Gentile or tax collector"

Luke 22:14-20

Jesus institutes both the priesthood and the Eucharist - at the Last Supper he founds the Church and institutes the New Covenant

Luke 22:24-30

Jesus promises that the Apostles will sit on thrones and judge the people of Israel

John 20:21-23

On Easter night, Jesus breathes on the Apostles, says "receive the Holy Spirit" and gives them the authority to forgive and retain sins

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus gives all power on heaven + earth to the Apostles - sends them out to make disciples of all nations, baptize, and teach all that He commanded. He promised them that He would be with them until the end of the age

Pilgrim Church

Just like ancient Israel, we are on a journey to our true home - for us it is Heaven, and we will be made perfect, even if not yet

Disciple

A follower - all Christians are called to be this to Jesus Christ

Apostle

One who is "sent out" - Jesus specifically gave these authority, and sent them to the ends of the earth

Sacramental Presence

Jesus' presence in the Eucharist - at Emmaus, after Jesus was present in the Eucharist, he vanished

Divine Filiation

Through baptism, we become adopted sons and daughters of God the Father

New Temple

The Church is the visible sign that draws all people to Him - built on the rock of Peter, with the foundation of the Apostles, and the members as living stones with the Holy Spirit as the soul

Parable of the Sower

Story that emphasizes that not everyone will receive the Word of God or grow in faith - cares of the world or lack of understanding can cause faith to be lost

Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds

Story that reveals that there will be good and bad in the Church until Judgment Day

Parable of the Mustard Seed

Story that reveals that the Church would grow - even though it may look different today, but it is the same organism

Matthew 25 + Acts 9

Reveal that what is done to the Church is done to Christ: "whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me"; "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

Ekklesia

"To call our from" the world of sin - translated as Church - similar meaning to the Hebrew "qahal"

Bride of Christ

Image for the Church which embodies the Spousal Analogy - Christ acts as a groom to the Church, and sacrifices Himself for her - fulfilled in heaven in the Wedding Supper of the Lamb - connection to the covenant with Adam + Eve

Family of God

Image for the Church - we are adopted as sons + daughter of the Father - we receive His instruction, live in His house, are called by His name, provided for, and receive discipline - connection to the covenant with Abraham

People of God

Image for the Church - we are rescued from the slavery of sin, have common rituals, and are called to be a holy nation - connection with the covenant with Moses

Kingdom of God

Image for the Church - Christ is our King and the Church will be unlimited and everlasting - connection with the covenant with David

Mystical Body of Christ

Image for the Church - Christ is our head and we are the body - we are an organism - what affects one affects others - through theosis, we receive the grace of God's life in us

Totus Christus

"the whole Christ" - Christ and His Body, the Church are one - Joan of Arc said "Christ and the Church are one thing, and we shouldn't complicate the matter"

Mystery

An inexhaustible truth - can be known with certainty through faith, but reason can never completely comprehend it

Sacrament

Visible sign of invisible grace - makes God's life present

Theosis

God giving us a share in His nature through His grace

The Church in Ephesians 2:19-22

Christ is the Cornerstone, Apostles + Prophets are the Foundation, Members form it, Holy Spirit dwells in it

Hosea

Prophet called to image the faithful love of God to the unfaithful people of Israel

Emmanuel

"God with us"