The church's uniqueness lies in the accurate confession of Jesus as the Christ, highlighting believers as a chosen race, royal priesthood, and people of God, with authority surpassing other institutions. The church's authority is not based on human intellect but on the supernatural work of God, emphasized through the keys to the kingdom given to Peter for proclaiming the gospel and practicing Christian discipline.
Insights
The authority of the church is not derived from activities like singing or ceremonies but from the accuracy of the confession about Jesus, emphasizing the unique role of believers as a chosen race and royal priesthood.
The church's authority, symbolized by the keys to the kingdom given to Peter, extends beyond other institutions and is manifested through the power to excommunicate and reconcile, highlighting the collective exercise of authority by believers rather than being tied to a single individual like Peter.