Topical Bible: Church: Decrees of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "decrees" within the context of the Church refers to authoritative decisions or edicts issued by ecclesiastical authority. These decrees often pertain to matters of doctrine, discipline, and church governance. Throughout history, the Church has issued decrees to clarify theological positions, address heresies, and guide the faithful in matters of faith and practice.

Biblical Foundation

The authority to issue decrees is rooted in the biblical understanding of the Church's role as the body of Christ, endowed with the authority to bind and loose. In Matthew 16:19 , Jesus tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This passage is often interpreted as granting the Church the authority to make binding decisions on spiritual matters.

Historical Context

Throughout the early centuries of Christianity, the Church convened councils to address theological disputes and establish orthodoxy. The decrees issued by these councils were considered authoritative and binding for all Christians. The Council of Nicaea (AD 325), for example, issued decrees affirming the divinity of Christ and establishing the Nicene Creed as a statement of faith.

Doctrinal Decrees

Doctrinal decrees are issued to define and clarify essential beliefs of the Christian faith. These decrees often arise in response to heretical teachings or misunderstandings. For instance, the Council of Chalcedon (AD 451) issued decrees affirming the dual nature of Christ, both fully divine and fully human, in response to the Monophysite controversy.

Disciplinary Decrees

Disciplinary decrees address issues of church order and conduct. These decrees may pertain to the qualifications for church leadership, the administration of sacraments, or the moral behavior expected of believers. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 , Paul writes, "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'" This passage underscores the Church's responsibility to maintain discipline within its community.

Ecclesiastical Authority

The authority to issue decrees is vested in the Church's leadership, which is believed to be guided by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 15, the Council of Jerusalem serves as a biblical example of the Church exercising its authority to issue decrees. The apostles and elders gathered to address the question of Gentile circumcision, ultimately issuing a decree that Gentile converts need not be circumcised but should abstain from certain practices (Acts 15:28-29).

Modern Implications

In contemporary times, various Christian denominations continue to issue decrees through synods, councils, and other governing bodies. These decrees address modern theological questions, ethical issues, and social concerns, seeking to apply biblical principles to contemporary challenges. The authority and acceptance of these decrees may vary among different Christian traditions, reflecting diverse interpretations of Scripture and ecclesiastical authority.

The decrees of the Church, both historical and modern, serve as a testament to the Church's ongoing mission to uphold and articulate the truths of the Christian faith, guiding believers in their spiritual journey and maintaining the unity and purity of the Church.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 15:28,29
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things;
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Acts 16:4
And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
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Library

The Vatican Decrees. The Constitution on the Catholic Faith.
... The false beliefs of mankind are beyond the reach of your decrees. ... and prove by deeds
as well as words that it is the mission of the Church to promote among ...
/.../ 32 the vatican decrees.htm

The Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent.
... The principal source and the highest standard of the doctrine and discipline of
the Roman Church are the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent, first ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 24 the canons and.htm

Decrees of the Second General Council. Maximus, the Cynical ...
... Such were the decrees of the council ... in the cities by the Pontus, from Bithynia to
Armenia, who held communion with Helladius, bishop of the church of C??sarea ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ix decrees of the second.htm

The Confession of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. AD 1829 ...
... See The Confession of Faith of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, revised and adopted
by the General Assembly, at Princeton ... Chapter III.--- The Decrees of God. ...
/.../the confession of the cumberland.htm

The Vatican Decrees, Continued. The Infallibility Decree.
... After the vote the Pope confirmed the decrees and canons on the Constitution of
the Church of Christ, and added from his own inspiration the assurance that the ...
/.../ 33 the vatican decrees.htm

The Westminster Standards in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
... The Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, so called ... they
called the doctrine of 'fatality,' ie, the doctrine of absolute decrees. ...
/.../ 99 the westminster standards.htm

Of the Power of the Church in Articles of Faith. The Unbridled ...
... 15. What, say they, did not Christ declare that nothing which the Church teaches
and decrees can be gainsayed, when he enjoined that every one who presumes to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 of the power.htm

The Papal Power in the Church
... The Popes of the succeeding century and a half made great additions to the law of
the Church, partly through the decrees issued by the General Lateran Councils ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter x the papal power.htm

Summary of the Subject.
... During the sixth and following centuries, it cannot be said that the canon of the
Greek Church was definitely closed, notwithstanding the decrees of councils ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ix summary of the.htm

Whosoever Shall Presume to Set Aside the Decree of the Holy and ...
... of excommunication who merely broke the decrees, but only those who "obstinately
persist in opposing the decrees sanctioned and received by the Church; for by ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon i whosoever shall presume.htm