14. The external means of theology by which it reaches its goal in man.
Just as the theologian must not lose sight of the scriptural purpose of theology, which is to produce faith in Christ and to lead to salvation, so he must not allow himself to be blinded to the means by which this purpose is achieved. Such means are not: worldly power, external coercion, government aid, social affairs, etc. The temptation to fall for such unchurchly means is not small. As long as the theologian still has the flesh about him, he is inclined to consider his position as pastor of a congregation or even as professor of theology more honorable and secure if the state stands behind him with its authority and power. In the past and now, this has even caused some to advocate state-church relationships and to reject the "Free Church," the only outward form of the Church of Christ ordered by God. But even theologians who belong to free churches are exposed to the temptation to resort to unchurchlike means for the building of the church, as we see in this country in social affairs, community churches, in the insistence on a "strong church government," etc. Therefore, to the Ικανό της εκ τον θεον, which ought to be proper to a theologian, belongs427) a hearty confidence in the means of grace ordered by God, inconspicuous before the world and one's own flesh, in the εναγγέλιον της χάριτος τον θεον.428) This is what Christ commanded his church to teach and preach, and when his apostle bids farewell to the pastors and congregations of Ephesus for this life,
424) Tit. 3:8.<w:t xml:space="preserve">425) Gal. 1:8.
426) More detailed explanation III, 56 ff.<w:t>427) 2 Cor. 3:5.
428) Acts 20:24.
119 ><w:t>The nature and concept of theology. [English ed. 106]
he does so with the words: "And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the Word of His grace, which is mighty to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them that are sanctified." 429) All of us, pastors and professors, have to learn this again and again in faith. As far as church government in particular is concerned, Schleiermacher also mentioned the " management" of the church as the ultimate purpose of theology.430) We can put up with this, provided the right means of guidance, God's Word, is meant. The Christian church is led or governed merely by God's Word. The external arrangements which smaller or larger church bodies make for fellowship purposes should not be called the "governing means of the Christian church." Luther: "Christians cannot be governed by any means without the Word of God alone. For Christians must be governed by faith, not by outward works. Faith, however, cannot come by any word of man, but only by God's Word, as St. Paul says Rom. 10:17: 'Faith comes by hearing, but hearing comes by the Word of God.'" 431)