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WHAT DO WE MEAN BY SAYING “UNIVERSAL” CHURCH?
In contrast with the Jewish Temple, which was one, located in one place and for one nation, the Christian Church is universal, belongs to all nations, and can be situated anywhere.
Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, brought His light to every nation. Christ “Gave power to become children of God”, to be born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13). The message of our Lord is obvious. “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
Thus, everyone, without exception, is called to become part of Christ’s true body, and there is: “Neither Jew, nor Greek, there is neither slave, nor free, there is neither male, nor female” (Galatians 3:28).
WHAT FALSE DOCTRINES EXISTED AND STILL EXIST REGARDING THE ABOVE-MENTIONED TRUTHS?
Regrettably, from the first centuries of Christianity till present time some individuals/groups (various heretics) came forward, who tried to neglect or misrepresent these truths by seeking some hidden messages in Christian faith, messages, which supposedly were/are not for “ordinary” believers, but for the “chosen” ones. These “chosen” ones were Gnostics (the word comes from the Greek word “Gnosis” –science) who were expelled from the early Church from the beginning (2nd century). St. Irenaeus was one of the first fathers of the Church, who tried to instruct them with the true teaching of the Church, by reminding them of the following words of Christ: “All that I have heard from My Father, I have made known to you” (John 15:15). With these words Jesus Christ assured us that His message is fully transferred to apostles and from the apostles to everyone.
Hence: “Where Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic (Universal) Church (St. Ignatius of Antioch, 1st -2nd c. AD)
WHY THE APOSTOLISITY OF THE CHURCH IS A PREREQUESITE?
The true and only Church of Jesus Christ is established on the foundation of apostles and prophets - the cornerstone of which is Christ Himself (Ephesians 2:20).
The role of apostles in the Church is enormous. Christ personally chose the twelve disciples (Mark 3:13-20), preached and educated them with His own example and after the resurrection Jesus opened their minds, so that they could understand the Books (Luke 24:45). The mission of the Lord continued after His ascension and with the help of Holy Spirit the missing spot of Judas was taken by apostle Matthias (Acts 1:23-26). All these events did not happen by accident, they happened so the Church could continue to have 12 pillars and those pillars could stay unwavering until the end of the days: “And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:14).
WHAT DO THE TWELVE APOSTLES SYMBOLIZE FOR THE CHURCH?
The undisputable legitimacy of the only and true faith and doctrine. The above mentioned values (the true faith and doctrine) were endangered by some “Christians” from the days of apostles and that was why apostle Paul harshly instructed Ephesians to be cautious about heretical doctrines: “But even if we, or an angel from heaven should preach you a gospel contrary to that which we preached to you, let him be accused. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you receive, let him be accused” (Galatians 1:8-9).
Thus, those Christian denominations which knowingly or unknowingly reject the core of the Christian Church, the apostolic faith, assuming every baptized Christian automatically possesses it, are mistaken. By following the instructions of the apostles, the early Church considered such doctrines unacceptable. The proof of my words is the testimony from one of the early Church fathers, Tertullian (197 AD): “The apostles, then in like manner founded churches in every city, from which all the other churches – one after another – borrowed the tradition of the faith and the seeds of doctrine… Indeed, it is only on this account that they will be able to deem themselves apostolic, as being the offspring of apostolic Churches”.
HOW DID THE SUCCESSION OF APOSTLES OCCURR?
In the New Testament, more specifically in the book of Acts (6:1-7) and in the letters of the apostle Paul (1 Timothy 5:22), we come across numerous incidents when apostles ordain different individuals as their helpers and authorized successors.
It is very important to notice that the early church had numerous followers and could have transmitted its authority to all of its members without establishing the office of pastor. Nevertheless, Jesus Christ (John 15:16) and subsequently His apostles found it necessary to make those appointments: “I exhort the elders among you as a fellow elder… feed the flock of Christ that is your charge” (1 Peter 5:1-3).
The elders of the Church were chosen based on their high moral and mental capacities (I Timothy 3:2-11) and to them the true tradition of the faith was transferred; “Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us” (II Timothy 1:14). The only assurance of this transmission was Holy Spirit, who has acted upon this mission from the beginning to nowadays through the same elders-priests.
Hence, the structure of the apostolic succession is obvious: Jesus Christ, apostles, and clergymen (bishops, presbyters, and deacons).
The apostolic succession was a prerequisite, since the times of the early Church, the proof of which is found in the writings of another early Church father; Irenaeus (180 AD): “Polycarp too was instructed by apostles and he spoke with many who had seen Christ. Furthermore the apostles in Asia appointed him bishop of the Church of Smyrna”.
The profound understanding of this truth is the reason, why the Armenian Church is called “Apostolic”. A Church that is the immediate successor of the Apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew, that carries on the “Good tradition” and the “[true] seeds of doctrine” without corruption.
WHY IS THE CHURCH CALLED HOLY?
The Church is called holy, since the Holy Trinity- the Father, the Head, and the life-giving Energy of the same Church- is holy.
“Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for Her, that He might sanctify Her, having cleansed Her by the washing of water with the word” (Ephesians 5:25-27). This wonderful commentary of the apostle is the best description of the meaning of the quality “Holy”. And if -The genesis is holy, then those who grow from it, become Holy, - says the historian Eghishe.
Undoubtedly, the Church is not only the Mother who grants spiritual birth, but also the Mother who nourishes us to mature into manhood, enabling us to measure up to the stature of the fullness of Christ, in other words, the Church sanctifies us.
Every Christian is called for sanctity, therefore true Christians were called “Saints” (Acts 9:13), and: “Fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19-20).
The path of purification and sanctification directs to the “Narrow door” of the Kingdom of God (Luke 13:24), through which we walk by loving each other, by forgiving each other, by praying for each other, by sharing sufferings of each other and, certainly, by taking part in sacred sacraments of the Church.
To be continued
Hayk Madoyan
