37.Owen's final words
Owen’s final words as to why Synods of Elders are necessary Says Owen (XVI:197f & XVI:205f): "Synods are consecrated unto the use of the Church of all ages by the example of the Apostles in their guidance of the first Churches of Jews and Gentiles; which hath the force of a divine institution, as being given by them under the infallible conduct of the Holy Ghost. Acts 15....
"Hence it is evident what are the ends of such Synods among the Churches of Christ. The general end of them all, is to promote the edification of the whole Body or Church Catholic; and that (1) To prevent divisions from differences in judgment and practice, which are contrary thereunto. The first Christian Synod was an Assembly of the first [or foremost] two Churches in the world, by their Delegates. The first Church of the Jews was at Jerusalem, and the first Church of the Gentiles was at Antioch; to prevent divisions and to preserve communion between them was the first Synod celebrated, Acts 15 (2) To avoid or cure offences against mutual love among them.
(3) To advance the light of the Gospel by a joint confession and agreement in the faith.
(4) To give a concurrent testimony against pernicious heresies or error, whereby the faith of any is overthrown, or in danger so to be.
(5) To relieve such by advice, as may be by any Diotrephes unduly cast out of the Church [3Jn 1:1-10f]....
"There is a threefold power ascribed unto Synods. The first is declarative, consisting in an authoritative teaching and declaring the mind of God in the Scripture; the second is constitutive, appointing and ordaining things to be believed or done and observed by and upon its own authority; and thirdly, executive, in acts of jurisdiction towards persons and Churches..."The power of a Synod for the execution of its decrees respects either (1) The things or doctrine declared...on itsauthority from the presence of Christ; or (2) persons to censure, excommunicate or punish those who receive them not....
"The authority of a Synod declaring the mind of God from the Scripture in doctrine, or giving counsel as unto practice synodically, unto them whose proper representatives are present in it whose decrees and determinations are to be received and submitted unto, on the evidence of their truth and necessity, as recommended by the authority of the Synod from the promised presence of Christ among them, is suitable unto the mind of Christ and the example given by the Apostles. Acts 15:1-44 ....
"A Synod convened in the Name of Christ, by the voluntary consent of several Churches concerned in Mutual Communion, may declare and determine of the mind of the Holy Ghost in the Scripture, and decree the observation of things true and necessary, because revealed and appointed in the Scripture; which are to be received, owned and observed on the evidence on the mind of the Holy Ghost in them, and on the ministerial authority of the Synod itself."