Ecclesiology In Debate: “Whether Iesus Christ Shal Be A King Or No” -- By: James M. Renihan

Journal: Reformed Baptist Theological Review
Volume: RBTR 07:2 (Jul 2010)
Article: Ecclesiology In Debate: “Whether Iesus Christ Shal Be A King Or No”
Author: James M. Renihan


Ecclesiology In Debate:
“Whether Iesus Christ Shal Be A King Or No”

James M. Renihan

James M. Renihan, Ph.D., is Dean and Professor of Historical Theology at the Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies (www.reformedbaptistinstitute.org), Westminster Seminary California, Escondido, CA.

Reformation in England was a lengthy process; for many Protestants, it was painfully slow. While soteriological issues usually receive the greatest attention from historians, ecclesiology was as much (if not more) a matter for contention and dispute. Post- reformation English theologians and ministers sometimes expressed this reality when they reflected on the strange manner by which their nation moved toward Protestantism. Looking back from the final third of the seventeenth century, Edward Terrill, an elder in a congregation in Bristol, expressed in typical fashion this progression. Tracing the pedigree of his own congregation in twelve steps, beginning with the Continental Reformation and concluding in Bristol, he observed:

Ye Lord led them by degrees, and brought them out of popish darkness into his marvellous light of ye gospel.

First of all, ye Lord alone, by his Spirit, (not by might nor by power), opened their Eyes, and made them cast off ye Body of false Doctrine of ye Church of Rome, that had soe long deceived ye nations, and made them drinke ye wine of her fornication, worshipping under pretence ye true God in a false manner, Wresting ye holy Scriptures to their owne Damnation, saying ye Reall presence of Christ was in ye Sacrament that signified his body by a Transubstantiation, and teaching man’s workes merit salvation, and workes of Supererogation, &c.

Secondly, Ye Lord put it into ye hearts of some in Authority in this Nation to cast off ye Body of ye Worship of Rome (as well as their doctrine), namely, the nest of idollaters; even to cast out ye Monks, Friars, Abbots, Priests, Masses, Advocation of saints, with Praying for ye deceased, &c. These things were done long before; for which ruff and rough work God chose and fitted rough spirits to doe it; more for their own Interest and concerne, than aiming at

God’s glory. Soe through men’s own private ends, ye wise Lord managed his own good pleasure; Witnesse K: Henry VIII

Thirdly, It pleased ye Lord, in these latter days to raise up a people, and make them come a step further in Reformation, even to come from under ye Skirts of ye Whore; and to cast off Popish Scraps of Doctrine and worship . . . .

Fifthly, Ye Lord made them to embrace and Adhere to, Follow, love, and cleave to Lively and powerful preachers. . . .

E...

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