Introduction: Why the Church Matters
In Built Upon the Rock, Crampton and Bacon set out to examine the doctrine of the church (ecclesiology) from a Reformed / Presbyterian perspective. They argue that the church is not optional or secondary—it is God’s chosen instrument in history. They begin by addressing the question: on what “rock” is Christ building His church? Some argue Peter; others see Christ Himself or the confession of Christ as the rock. The authors affirm that Christ, the eternal Son, is the true foundation.
They also frame their approach in covenant theology and Reformed standards, insisting that doctrine, church government, and practice must be rooted in Scripture and shaped by confessional fidelity.
The Word “Church” & Its Biblical Meaning
The authors begin with etymology and biblical usage. The English “church” comes from the Greek ekklesia (ἐκκλησία), meaning “called out” or “assembly.” It is distinguished from secular synagogues, though related (the Greek synagōgē means “gathering”) NTS Library.
They trace ekklesia through its Hebrew antecedents (qahal, edah) and show how it is used in the Old Testament for Israel, then transitions into the New Testament as the assembly of God’s people. For them, the church is the continuation and fulfillment of God’s covenant people.
They also observe that church has multiple senses:
- Universal / catholic church — all believers in all places and times
- Visible church — professing, organized communities on earth
- Local congregation — a particular gathering in a city, town, or place
- Denominational expression — a network or association of congregations
- Representative / corporate church bodies — assemblies or councils representing churches in a region or national body NTS Library
This fivefold sense helps them structure the doctrine of the church in several dimensions.
Covenant Theology & the Church
Crampton & Bacon see the doctrine of the church firmly within the framework of covenant theology. They argue:
- God’s covenant of works with Adam, and the breach thereof, necessitated a covenant of grace.
- The covenant of grace existed before Christ, was progressively administered under various covenants (Noah, Abraham, Moses, David), and finds its fulfillment in Christ.
- The church of God is essentially one, operating under the same covenant in all ages, even though its administration changes in the Old and New Testaments.
- Related to that, they argue that the church in Israel and the church in the New Testament are not two entirely separate “brides,” but the same people of God in different stages of development NTS Library+1.
Thus, the church is both rooted historically in Israel and inaugurated fully in Christ.
Attributes of the Church: One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic
The authors examine the four classical marks of the church (as confessed in Nicene and Reformed tradition) and explain how each is to be understood:
- Unity: The church is one in essence. Despite geographic, ethnic, or denominational diversity, God’s people are united under one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Ephesians 4:4–6). Unity is doctrinal and spiritual more than just organizational.
- Holiness: Because the church is set apart (sanctified) by Christ and the Spirit, it is called to moral purity and obedience—though the visible church may contain unregenerate members.
- Catholicity (Universality): The church is not limited to a particular nation or time. The universal church includes all believers across time and space, transcending boundaries.
- Apostolicity: The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). The apostles’ doctrine and commission continue through the church by fidelity to Scripture.
These attributes form a theological “grid” by which any church body may be evaluated—does it preserve these marks?
The Marks of a True Church of Christ
From the Westminster tradition and Reformed confessions, the authors assert that a true church can be identified by three essential marks:
- The true preaching of the Word of God — faithful exposition of Scripture, Christ-centered gospel, doctrine in accord with apostolic teaching.
- The right administration of the sacraments — baptism and the Lord’s Supper as instituted by Christ, administered according to biblical patterns and graced by faith.
- The faithful exercise of church discipline — the authority to admonish, correct, and when necessary remove unrepentant members, preserving the purity and witness of the church NTS Library.
They argue that if any (or all) of these are absent, a body ceases to function as a biblical church. This is a strong Reformed ecclesiology.
Church Government, “Connectionalism,” & Eldership
Crampton & Bacon lay out their view of Presbyterian / elder-led church government:
- They argue for connectionalism: local congregations are not entirely autonomous but are linked through shared confession, government, and accountability.
- They interpret Acts 6, Acts 8, and other passages to show that in early times congregations multiplied, yet were not isolated—they were organized under shared oversight.
- They then argue for a representative system: elders in each local church, sessions, presbyteries (regional assemblies), and assemblies (national bodies).
- Each congregation is “the church,” but not meant to be entirely disconnected from other churches—local churches together constitute the visible church.
Thus, their Presbyterian polity is not a later imposition but a recovery of New Testament pattern.
Unity & Diversity in the Church
The authors emphasize that unity does not mean uniformity of cultural expression, but unity in essential doctrine, mission, and confession. Diversity (in liturgy, language, culture) is acceptable as long as it does not violate the core of the faith.
They also emphasize doctrinal unity over organizational unity. Unity of message and belief is foundational; otherwise, structural union is superficial or deceitful NTS Library.
Relationship between Visible & Invisible Church
Because the visible church (those who profess Christ and participate in church life) includes both true believers and nominal members, there must be a distinction:
- Invisible church: the elect, known only to God
- Visible church: those outwardly identifiable, baptized, professing, part of congregations
They affirm the Reformed view that the visible church is a “mixed body”: true believers and non-believers intermixed. Yet the marks, sacraments, and discipline distinguish what should be normative.
They also note that some may be outside visible membership yet part of Christ’s people, though the ordinary means of grace (preaching, sacraments) lie within the visible church.
The Church’s Mission & Presence
Crampton & Bacon view the church as God’s instrument in the world—called to gather, nurture, sanctify, and send forth witnesses. The presence of the church is not just internal but visible: organized worship, preaching, sacramental ministry, and discipline.
They see the church as:
- Instrumental—not the end, but the means God uses to carry out His redemptive purpose
- Covenantal—the place where God relates to His people under Christ
- Responsible—to uphold doctrine, administer sacraments, guard truth, and maintain order
They also emphasize the church’s calling to holiness, discipleship, accountability, and mission.
The Church in History & Purity
While the authors hold to a high ecclesiology, they also acknowledge the church has never been perfect. They maintain:
- The purity of the church wavers—some congregations degenerate into false forms
- There will always be reformation needed
- God preserves a faithful church in every age
- The visible church’s purity varies by how well it conforms to its marks, doctrine, ordinance, and life
Thus, Protestant, Reformed churches must continuously assess themselves against the biblical pattern.
Summary & Implications
Built Upon the Rock presents a robust, Reformed ecclesiology. Some of its most important takeaways:
- Christ is the foundation; the church must be built on Him
- The church is covenantal, one people of God through all redemptive history
- The four classical marks (one, holy, catholic, apostolic) remain the benchmark
- The three marks (Word, sacraments, discipline) identify a true church
- Presbyterian government reflects New Testament principles of connectionalism and accountability
- Unity rooted in doctrine, not organizational mimicry
- The tension between visible and invisible membership must be kept in view
- The church’s mission is internal and external—nurturing believers and bearing witness