Of the Church, XXV:4

This catholic Church has 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 administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.

Again, the true Church, the real Bride of Christ, is not precisely co-extensive or co-terminous with the human institution that identifies itself as the church, although the match has been closer at some times than at others. And so we observe that the Church "has been sometimes more, sometimes less visible."

The Confession now introduces the concept of marks, or characteristics, that define a particular church as being part of the Church. Here listed are three:

1. The doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced. This is perhaps the most basic, the most important mark. How can a church be of the Church if it neither teaches nor accepts the biblical gospel? The Church is called to be a witness to her Lord. She cannot do this if she gives the wrong testimony.

2. The ordinances are administered. Much more will be said on this point when we study the three chapters on the sacraments.

3. Public worship performed, according to the principles of biblical worship already studied.

Tomorrow: The wheat and the tares.