"All Church power arises from the indwelling of the Spirit; therefore those in whom the Spirit dwells are the seat of Church power. But the Spirit dwells in the whole Church, and therefore the whole Church is the seat of Church power"
- Charles Hodge
About this Quote
This quote by Charles Hodge is stressing the importance of the Holy Spirit in the Church. He is saying that the power of the Church comes from the existence of the Spirit, which those that have the Spirit home within them are the resource of Church power. He is likewise stating that the Spirit dwells in the entire Church, so the whole Church is the resource of Church power. This quote is stressing the importance of the Spirit in the Church and how it is the source of power and authority. It is additionally emphasizing the value of the Church in its entirety, as well as exactly how it is the source of power as well as authority. This quote is a tip that the Church is not just a physical building, but a spiritual body of followers unified by the visibility of the Spirit.