Definition:
The simultaneous validity of biblical truth at both corporate (ecclesial) and personal (individual believer) levels. These dimensions are mutually necessary and non-substitutable.
Three Diagnostic Criteria
- Does the passage address both “we/the church” and “I/the believer” dimensions?
- Would removing the corporate dimension lead to individualism, and removing the personal dimension lead to institutionalism?
- Does this tension directly shape sacraments, discipleship, governance, witness, and communal culture?
Corporate & Personal Tension Pairs:
- Corporate People of God ↔ Personal Union with Christ
- One Body ↔ Many Members
- Church Holy ↔ Church Mixed
- Corporate Holiness ↔ Personal Sanctification
- Unity ↔ Diversity