Chapter 25

Of the Church

The nature and marks of the true Church.

Article 25.1

The Catholic 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 fulness…

Read Full → 6 proof texts

Article 25.2

The Visible Church

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, and of their chil…

Read Full → 16 proof texts

Article 25.3

Ministry and Ordinances

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 Sp…

Read Full → 4 proof texts

Article 25.4

The Purity of the Church

This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances…

Read Full → 5 proof texts

Article 25.5

Corruption in the Church

The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth to w…

Read Full → 10 proof texts

Article 25.6

Christ the Head of the Church

There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church ag…

Read Full → 6 proof texts

Font Size

Width

Theme