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
The Independent or Congregational theory includes two principles; first, that the governing and executive power in the Church is in the brotherhood; and secondly, that the Church organization is complete in each worshipping assembly, which is independent of every other. Charles Hodge assemblybrotherhoodchurch 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 Church power is, therefore, properly ministerial and administrative. Everything is to be done in the name of Christ, and in accordance with his directions. Charles Hodge accordanceadministrativechrist Change image and share on social
Our second remark is, that the office is of divine appointment, not merely in the sense in which the civil powers are ordained of God, but in the sense that ministers derive their authority from Christ, and not from the people. Charles Hodge appointmentauthoritychrist 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
Ruling elders are declared to be the representatives of the people. Charles Hodge declareelderpeople Change image and share on social
The right of the people to a substantive part in the government of the Church is recognized and sanctioned by the apostles in almost every conceivable way. Charles Hodge apostlechurchconceivable Change image and share on social
But to be the Vicar of Christ, to claim to exercise his prerogatives on earth, does involve a claim to his attributes, and therefore our opposition to Popery is opposition to a man claiming to be God. Charles Hodge attributechristclaim Change image and share on social
The office of presbyters is a permanent one. Charles Hodge officepermanentpresbyter Change image and share on social
