Of the Church.- THE
catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole
number of the elect that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one,
under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the
fullness of him that filleth all in all. [1]
- The
visible church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel
(not confined to one nation, as before under the law), consists of all
those throughout the world that profess the true religion, [2] together
with their children; [3] and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, [4] the
house and family of God, [5] out of which there is no ordinary possibility
of salvation. [6]
- Unto
this catholic visible church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles,
and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints
in this life, to the end of the world; and doth by his own presence and
Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto. [7]
- This
catholic church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. [8] And
particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure,
according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced,
ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less
purely in them. [9]
- The
purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; [10]
and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but
synagogues of Satan. [11] Nevertheless, there shall be always a church on
earth to worship God according to his will. [12]
- There is no other head of the church but the Lord Jesus Christ; [13] nor can mere man in any sense be the head thereof.
[13] Col 1:18; Eph 1:22.
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