Doctrine of the Church in the Teaching of Edward Irving

Doctrine of the Church in the Teaching of Edward Irving

David Y. LEE

This paper attempts to re-construct the ecclesiology of Edward Irving (1792-1834) who was a Presbyterian minister and later founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church. It emphasizes two aspects of his ecclesiology. Firstly, Irving the Reformed-Pentecostal theologian understands the church as the body of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Owing to Irving's emphasis on the ascension of the humanity of Christ, Irving asserts the necessary work of the Spirit to empower the church as a witnessing and visible body of Christ to the world. Secondly, Irving the pre-millennial dispensationalist also understands the church dynamically as an eschatological community in holiness on the way to parousiaOwing to Irving's understanding of God's promise to Abraham being fulfilled in Christ's humanity, Israel is given a prominent role in God's eternal salvation plan. It is concluded that his ecclesiology is Christ-centered and Spirit-enabled resulting in a church that is reformed, charismatic and dispensational.