John Philip Gell
Church Ministry in Kensington
A Recent Case of Hieratical Teaching Scripturally Considered
"Church Ministry in Kensington" by John Philip Gell is a theological treatise written during the mid-19th century. The book examines the practices and doctrines of the Church, particularly the concepts of sacrifice, altar, and priesthood within a Christian context. It challenges various interpretations of these roles, emphasizing a scriptural perspective on ministry. In the text, Gell responds critically to a recent case of hierarchical teaching regarding the Eucharist, analyzing different sermons on the nature of sacrifices in the Christian church. He argues that traditional views on the Eucharist as a true sacrifice contradict Biblical scripture, stating that the sacrificial offerings required by the Law have ceased with the singular sacrifice of Christ. Throughout the discourse, Gell emphasizes that faith, rather than sacrificial rites, is the means of accessing divine grace. He calls for a return to scriptural principles to maintain clarity in the understanding of Christian ministry, highlighting the broader implications of these theological debates for the role of clergy and the laity in worship.