BAPTIST DISTINCTIVESGOVERNMENT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCHRSBBC EVENING LESSON

Government of the NTC• 1. THEOCRACY

• The direct rule of God (absolutely right)• The rule of God through a chosen man (as claimed)

• 2. PRESBYTERY• The rule of elders• The rule of a chosen (or elected) body like

• The Board of Deacons• A Committee

• 3. SPIRITUAL DEMOCRACY• Secular Democracy (Popular)- a government of the

people, BY the people, and FOR the people.• Spiritual Democracy - the rule of God as He delegated it

(the rule) through the body (the Local Church). See interpretation on Matt. 16

• 4. CONGREGATIONAL-The rule of the body without consideration of Biblical laws and instruction

Government of the NTC• On Separation of Church and State

• 3 forms of relationships or systems1. State over the church - as in communist countries2. Church over the State - as in many Catholic

countries3. Separation of Church and State.

• On the Ordinances – Baptism and Lord’s Supper

Baptism (requirements) Lord’s Supper1. Proper Candidate - Saved Only 1. Members only of NTC2. Proper Design – not for Salvation

2. Members in good standing

3. Proper Mode – Immersion Only 3. Proper Sunstances4. Proper Authority – The NTC (Local)5. Proper Administrator – Pastor of NTC

END OF THE DISTINCTIVES