The Apostolic Church
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
This volume is filled with A. B. Simpson’s thoroughly developed ecclesiology. In The Apostolic Church, Simpson carefully outlines God’s intention for the Church’s unity, teaching, ministry, and purity. He also focuses on its relation to the world, the source of its authority, its ordinance, supernatural gifts, worship and fellowship, and the Church’s ultimate hope. Simpson’s instruction on the shape and nature of the Church have had a lasting impact on his denomination and are presented in a clear, engaging format.
Top Highlights
“But finally the real secret of union is for each of us to be fully saved from the spirit of self and strife and sin, and filled with the disposition and temper of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Pages 20–21)
“It is practical. It teaches us not idle theories, but real needs, and makes complete provision for all the most important conditions of our life.” (Page 27)
“Secondly, we hurt ourselves. The body is so one that the pain we inflict upon another member reflects itself upon us.” (Page 17)
“A babe is a very beautiful thing in its time and place, but a very ridiculous thing when dressed in an old man’s clothes, and rendered preposterous and absurd by an old man’s years. It is one thing to be a babe. It is another thing to be a dwarf. The Church is full of dwarfed Christians today, and the result is childish infirmities, childish follies, the disposition to fight, or the disposition to play and the lack of suitable earnestness and power.” (Page 36)
“III. Its lack of unity. Notwithstanding all this, there was one grave defect and cause of reproof and blame which filled the apostle’s heart with deep concern and sorrow. The unity of the Church is essentially part of her constitution as the body of Christ. Just as the human body cannot be divided without death, so schism and separation is fatal to the life of the body of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Pages 14–15)