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
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
It is a thoroughly anti-christian doctrine that the Spirit of God, and therefore the life and governing power of the Church, resides in the ministry, to the exclusion of the people. Charles Hodge antichristianchurch Change image and share on social
The office of presbyters is a permanent one. Charles Hodge officepermanentpresbyter Change image and share on social
Ruling elders are declared to be the representatives of the people. Charles Hodge declareelderpeople 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
The functions of these elders, therefore, determine the power of the people; for a representative is one chosen by others to do in their name what they are entitled to do in their own persons; or rather to exercise the powers which radically inhere in those for whom they act. Charles Hodge actchoosedetermine share on social
Original sin is the only rational solution of the undeniable fact of the deep, universal and early manifested sinfulness of men in all ages, of every class, and in every part of the world. Charles Hodge ageclassdeep Change image and share on social
Romanists tell us that the Pope is the vicar of Christ; that he is his successor as the universal head and ruler of the Church on earth. If this is so, he must be a Christ. Charles Hodge christchurchearth 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
