Chapter 25: Of the Church

Question 1.

Does the Catholic, or Universal Church which is invisible, consist of the whole number of elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the head thereof?

Yes (Ephesians 1:10, 22, 23; Ephesians 5:23, 27; Colossians 1:18).

Well then, does not the Popish Church err, who deny any Catholic invisible Church, consisting of the elect only, effectually called: who maintain, the Catholic Church, to be absolutely visible, and as visible a society, as the Republic of Venice, or the kingdom of France: and that it consists no less of reprobates, unbelievers, great and manifest sinners, void of all inward and true grace, than of the elect effectually called?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, we profess to believe, according to the Creed, that there is a Church Universal, namely such a one, as we have now described: but what we believe must be invisible (Hebrews 11:1). (2) Because, the internal form of the Church (namely her effectual calling by the Word and Spirit; 1 Peter 2:9) is invisible (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Corinthians 2:11). (3) Because, the glory of the king's daughter (that is of the Universal Church, as the adversaries themselves confess) is internal, and therefore hidden and invisible (Psalm 45:13). (4) Because, the Word tells us, that there is a Church, even the number of those, whom Christ has loved; for whom he gave himself to the death; whom he has sanctified, and washed and cleansed, and redeemed, with his own blood, and whom at last, he will glorify (Ephesians 5:25, 26, 27). (5) Because, the Scripture tells; that there is a Church, which is the mystical body of Christ (and therefore invisible to the eyes) which by a most mystical, and most marvelous union, is conjoined, and united strictly with him (Ephesians 1:10, 22, 23). (6) Because, the Church Universal, as to its internal form, is a spiritual house, built of living stones, in Christ (1 Peter 2:5). (7) Because, the members of the Church Universal, considered as to their internal state, and condition, are united, and conjoined together in one body, by one Spirit, and by one Faith (1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:4, 5). (8) Because, the members of the Church Universal, considered the former way, are the living members of Christ, which he himself does cherish with a living, and quickening nourishment (Ephesians 5:29, 30).

Question 2.

Is the Visible Church, under the New Testament, Catholic and Universal?

Yes (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 13; Psalm 2:8; Revelation 7:9; Romans 15:9, 10, 11, 12).

Well then, do not the Independents err, who maintain, there is no Visible Church, under the New Testament, except what may meet in one place, and may perform all their holy services in a private Church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, in very many places of the New Testament, the word Church (to wit Visible) is so largely taken, that it cannot be restricted, to any particular Congregational Church (Acts 8:3; Galatians 1:13; Acts 2:47; 1 Corinthians 10:32; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Corinthians 12:28; 1 Timothy 3:15). (2) Because, it has been foretold, in many places of the Old Testament, that the Catholic Church shall be Visible (Psalm 22:22, 23, 25, 27, 28; Psalm 72:8, 9, 10, 11; Psalm 86:9; Isaiah 2:2, 3, 4; Zechariah 14:9). (3) Because, the donation, or the gift of the kingdom (that is of the Church Universal) made by the Father to the Son, is Universal, and of all the World (Psalm 2:8; Psalm 72:8; Isaiah 49:6; Daniel 7:14). (4) Because, the gospel of the kingdom, is Universal; and according to the style of the Scripture, works the visible conversion of the whole world, and therefore the Church visibly converted, and gathered together, is Catholic and Universal (Matthew 26:13; Mark 14:9; Colossians 1:16). (5) Because, the Visible charter, which constitutes the Church is Universal: and therefore since one charter, constitutes one polity, or government, all the Visible particular Churches, which are constituted by that one Catholic charter, are one Church Universal (Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 3:6). (6) Because, if there be officers of a Church Visible Universal, there must be a Church Visible Universal itself: but the first is true, since the donation of the Ministry, and the giving of it in a gift, is made to the Catholic Church (1 Corinthians 12:28; Matthew 28:19). (7) Because, there is a general outward call, and a general outward covenant into which all Christians enter outwardly, by virtue whereof all of them, are knit, and tied together (Acts 2:39). (8) Because, that same individual system, and body of external laws, proceeding from that same authority, in which all particular Churches are equally concerned, and by which they are ruled, is Universal (1 Timothy 3; Titus 3). (9) Because, that external union of brotherhood, which is among all the Visible Christians in the world, is Catholic, and Universal (Acts 15:23; Acts 24:14; Galatians 5:14). (10) Because, the initial visible seal, admittance, and enrollment, are things Catholic, and Ecumenical. For he that takes up his freedom in a whole corporation or kingdom, is free of the whole, and in every part thereof, and has right to all the general privileges and immunities thereof. There is a patent for baptism: Go and baptize all nations. And by virtue of the privileges thereof, they that are baptized in any one Church, are accounted visible subjects of Christ's kingdom, in all places of the Christian world (Matthew 28:19). (11) Because, all Churches are one body (Romans 12:5). (12) Because, Peter writing to the strangers scattered abroad throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia calls them all one flock (1 Peter 5:2). (13) Because, all the Churches of the World are one sheepfold (John 10:16). (14) Because, the Visible Church is one great house (2 Timothy 2:20).

Question 3.

Does the Visible Church consist of all those throughout the world that profess the Christian Religion, together with their Children?

Yes (1 Corinthians 1:2; Psalm 2:8; 1 Corinthians 7:14).

Well then, do not the Donatists, Anabaptists, and Puritans of old so truly named, err, who affirm the visible Church to consist of those only, that are pious and holy?

Yes.

Do not likewise the Independents err, who think, none ought to be members of the Visible Church, save those, who in the judgment of men very spiritual, and discerning are esteemed true believers, and saints: who have given sufficient proof of their knowledge in the fundamentals of religion: who have reported in order, and given a good account of the experimental work of their conversion, and effectual calling; who have showed their conversation in the world, to have been without the omission of any known duty, or commission of any known fault, and that for a considerable length of time.

Yes.

Do not lastly the Quakers err, who think the only visible Church of God on earth, to be themselves; and all others not of their profession, and practice, to be unregenerate, and wanting the Spirit?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the visible Church, is compared to a garner, in which there is not only wheat, but chaff mixed with it. To a field, in which tares, and darnel are mixed among the good corn. To a net, in which both good fishes, and bad are taken (Matthew 13). To a great house, wherein are not only vessels of gold, and silver, but of wood, and of earth (2 Timothy 2:20). (2) Because, Christ will answer some at the last day; who will say to him, Lord, have not we prophesied in your name, and in your name cast out devils, and have we not eaten and drunken at your table, I know you not. This evidently shows, that many have been members of the visible Church, whom Christ will not own at the last day (Matthew 7:22-23). (3) From the parable of the ten virgins, five of whom were foolish, five wise (Matthew 25:1). (4) From the parable of the banquet, where one was found at the table, without a wedding garment (Matthew 22:11). (5) Because, many are of the visible Church, who are not of the invisible Church (1 John 2:19). (6) Because the Apostle, calls the Church of Corinth, the Church of Christ, notwithstanding of their gross enormities (1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 6:7). (7) Because, Moses did acknowledge, even those then to be members of the visible Church, to whom yet he knew, the Lord had not given ears to hear, nor eyes to see, nor a heart to understand, the great and wonderful miracles which he wrought in their sight (Deuteronomy 29:10-13, compared with verses 2-4). (8) Because, John the Baptist did admit many thousands into the communion of the visible Church, without making a narrow search of their true grace, and conversion (Matthew 3). (9) Because, the Apostles did instantly, and without the delay of one day, baptize all those that professed the Christian Religion (Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12; John 3:26). (10) Because, the preaching of the Gospel, is appointed by God, as an ordinary means, no less for the conversion of men, and women, than for the advancement of those in grace that are converted (Proverbs 9:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:24-25). (11) Because, we are forbidden by the Apostle, to judge the spiritual state and condition of our neighbor (Romans 14:4). (12) Because, Christ did acknowledge Judas the thief, and traitor, as a member of his visible Church, whom yet he foresaw to be the son of perdition (Matthew 26:23). (13) Because, Christ had a visible church on earth many hundreds of years before ever there were such cattle as Quakers in the world. Unless they will allege that the primitive Christians and all the saints, since the Apostles' days, have been their predecessors, and claim kin to them, as the Samaritans did to Jacob, who were truly descended of the heathen; who were brought there out of Assyria, as the Quakers are descended from the Enthusiasts in Germany, about 160 years since, as Nicolas Strokins, John Matthias, and John of Leyden, notorious heretics, blasphemers, and bloody murderers.

But how quite different, the Quakers are to the primitive Christians, and holy men of God then, and since, will evidently appear hence, that they did not contemn these two great ordinances of the Gospel instituted by Christ, to wit, Baptism and the Lord's Supper. They had Bishops and Deacons to govern, and instruct them, who were ordained to their functions by prayer and imposition of hands, whom they did not revile, with the ugly names of dumb dogs, and hirelings. These primitive Christians, had not in their assemblies women-preachers as the Quakers have, which is downright contrary to Paul's injunctions (1 Corinthians 14:35). Neither were silent meetings ever heard of among the primitive Christians. Nor did they ever out of contempt call churches, places appointed for the public worship of God, steeple-houses, but resorted to them for performing their devotions, and service to God, as did our blessed Saviour, and his Apostles (John 18:20; Luke 4:16; Acts 3:1; Acts 13:5).

Do not likewise the Papists and Lutherans err, who will have none members of the visible Church that are unbaptized?

Yes.

Do not lastly the Anabaptists err, who will have no infants members of the visible church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, that God commanded infants, and little ones, should stand before him; should enter into covenant with him (Deuteronomy 29:10-11). (2) Because, infants are called the people of God, no less than men and women come to age (Deuteronomy 29:11-13). (3) Because, the promise of grace belongs to children as well as to the parents (Acts 2:39). (4) If children be not members of the visible church, they must be members of the visible kingdom of the devil, for there can be no midst (Ephesians 2:12-13). And so there shall be no difference between the children of believers, and the children of Turks and Pagans. (5) Because, infants under the Old Testament, had right to the Covenant of Grace (Genesis 17:7, 12). And children of believers under the New Testament have lost no right to that covenant of grace, which children under the Old Testament had; seeing the covenant of grace, now under the Gospel, is not more strictly, and sparingly administered, than long since under the law (Hebrews 8:6; Romans 11:12). (6) Because, infants are commanded to join themselves to God's ordinances (Joel 2:16). (7) Because, if Christ, while an infant, was head of the visible church; then infants may be his members. But the first is true, from Isaiah 9:6. Therefore the second must be true also. (8) Because, they whom the false Apostles would have to be circumcised, after the manner of Moses (and therefore infants) were called disciples (Acts 15:10).

Quest. 4.

Is there any ordinary possibility of salvation out of the visible Church?

No (Acts 2:47).

Well then, do not the Enthusiasts, Quakers, and Libertines err, who affirm, that any man, may be a true Christian, and be saved, though he live within no visible Church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Lord Jehovah, in his visible church (ordinarily) commands the blessing, even life for evermore (Psalm 133:3). (2) Because, the visible church, is the mother of all believers (Galatians 4:26). By Jerusalem which is above, I understand the true Christian church, which seeks its salvation; not by the first covenant of the law, namely by the works of the law, but by the second of the Gospel; namely by the merits of Christ, embraced by a true faith, which has its origin from heaven, by the powerful calling of the Holy Ghost. (3) Because, they that are without the visible church, are without Christ (Ephesians 2:12). (4) Why are men and women joined to the visible church but that they may be saved? (Acts 2:47).

(5) Because, they that are without the visible church, are destitute, of the ordinary means of life and salvation (Psalm 147:19-20).

Quest. 5.

Has Christ given to this Catholic church visible, the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering, and perfecting of the saints in this life, to the end of the world?

Yes.

Shall there be always a church on earth, to worship God according to his will?

Yes (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:19-20; Matthew 16:18; Psalm 72:17; Psalm 102:28; Isaiah 59:21).

Well then, do not the Socinians, Anabaptists, and Libertines err, who affirm that the visible church may fail, and perish out of the world?

Yes.

Do not likewise the Skeptics commonly called Seekers err, who affirm, that the whole universal church, which has been upon the earth — and all religious worship, all external and outward preaching of the Word, all administration of Sacraments, and the use of all other religious things — have perished a little after the Apostles' times, and are not to this day restored, until Christ from heaven shall send new Apostles with an extraordinary commission, for restoring, and raising up again the visible church?

And that in the mean time, no man has right or power, to dispense the Word, or administer the Sacraments, or perform any ecclesiastical duty — and that they who are now called the preachers of the Gospel are not so?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the Lord has promised, that his church shall endure, so long as the ordinances of heaven shall continue (Isaiah 66:22). (2) Because, Christ has promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church (Matthew 16:18). (3) Because, there is no end to be put to the kingdom of Christ (Luke 1:33), and therefore no end to his church (Isaiah 9:7). (4) Because glory will be to him, in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end, Amen (Ephesians 3:21). (5) Because, Christ who has given power to his ministers, to teach his church, and to administer the Sacraments, has promised to be with them to the end of the world (Matthew 28:19-20). (6) Because, the Lord has promised to preserve a people to himself, to the end of the world which he shall rule, and govern, by his Word and Spirit (Isaiah 59:20-21; Isaiah 9:6-7). (7) Because, the Lord has chosen Zion — he has desired it for his habitation, where he will rest, and dwell forever (Psalm 132:13-14). (8) Because, Christ has given some to be pastors, and teachers for the perfecting of the saints, till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God (Ephesians 4:11); and he has appointed a ministry to continue even after the Apostles' days, as is evident from 1 Timothy chapter 3 and Titus chapter 1, where the Apostle sets down the ordinary qualifications of ministers, and the rules for calling them to the ministry. (9) Because, there is a general rule set down, for the government, and discipline, of Christ's church — which discipline and order, is to continue in it, to the end of the world (Matthew 18). (10) Because, the Lord commands, that we forsake not the assembling of ourselves together — and has promised to bless after a special manner, any that are gathered together in his name, anywhere — but our assembling for hearing the word of God, is done in the name of Christ (Hebrews 10:25; Matthew 18:20; Matthew 28:20). (11) Because, the death of Christ, in the last supper, is to be shown till he come (1 Corinthians 11:26). (12) Because, by the Word (even preached — Romans 10:17) we are born again (1 Peter 1:23; James 1:18); by Baptism we are ingrafted into Christ (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27); in the Lord's Supper, we have communion with Christ (1 Corinthians 10:16). See more to this purpose in chapter 21, question 8.

Quest. 6.

Has the Catholic church been sometimes more, sometimes less visible?

Yes (Romans 11:3-4; Revelation 12:6, 14).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who affirm, that the church has been, is, and shall be most gloriously visible to all the whole world far and near?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, the church of God, in the Prophet Elijah's time was brought to that pass, that he thought none remained but himself (1 Kings 19:10; Romans 11:2-4). (2) Because, for a long time Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without the Law (2 Chronicles 15:3). (3) Because, the Lord often complains, that his church and people have forsaken him, have not known him — that the faithful city has become a harlot, that scarce a man could be found to do justice, and follow truth — all which is inconsistent with that glorious condition of the visible church, which the Papists dream of (Isaiah 1:3-4; Jeremiah 2:29; Jeremiah 5:1). (4) Because, in the time of the ten persecutions, the visible church was much obscured, and darkened; and after these storms were over, arose the Arians, who did much trouble the church of Christ, as is clear from history. (5) Because, two wings were given to the woman, that is to the church of God — two wings (I say) of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, to hide herself (Revelation 12:14). (6) Because, the Apostle Paul did foretell that general defection, and apostasy of the visible church mentioned (2 Thessalonians 2:3). (7) Because, Christ has foretold, that before his second coming, he shall scarce find faith on the earth (Luke 18:8).

(8) Because, the church of God is always liable to trouble, and persecution while it sojourns in this world. But troubles and persecutions do much obscure the brightness, and splendor of a visible church (Luke 21:17; John 16:2; Psalm 129:1-3).

Quest. 7.

Are the purest churches under heaven subject both to mixture and error?

Yes (1 Corinthians 13:12; Revelation 2 and 3; Revelation 18:2; Romans 11:18-22).

Well then, do not the Papists err, who affirm that the church cannot err, neither in matters absolutely necessary, neither in other things which it proposes to be done and believed by us?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because the visible church, under the Old Testament, often made defection to idolatry (Exodus 32:8; Judges 3:7). (2) Because, as long as we are here, we know but in part, and therefore we are subject and liable to mistakes (1 Corinthians 13:9, 12). (3) Because the seven churches of Asia to which John did write are accused of mixture and errors (Revelation 2:4, 5). (4) Because, while Christ was on earth, the disciples dreamed of a worldly kingdom, and for a time, even after his resurrection, they did believe it (Acts 1:6). (5) Because, before the day of Christ is at hand, there shall be a falling away of the visible church from the true orthodox faith to Antichristianism, which in great part is already come to pass, and more than is to come between this time and his second coming (2 Thessalonians 2:3; Revelation 13:3). (6) Because one of the chief differences between the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant is this: that the one can err, but not the other (1 Corinthians 13:9, 10, 12). (7) Because Christ has foretold that there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Matthew 24:24). (8) Because, when the Son of man comes, he shall scarcely find faith on the earth (Luke 18:8). (9) Because the converted Jews erred in being zealous for the law, thinking that the ceremonial law ought yet to be observed, not understanding that the same was abolished by Christ (Acts 21:20). So did the Galatians err in admitting circumcision (Galatians 1:6), and the Corinthians in their abuse of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:18).

Quest. 8.

Is there no other head of the visible church but the Lord Jesus Christ?

No.

Can the Pope of Rome in any sense be the head thereof?

No (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22).

Well then, does not the Popish church err, who maintains that not only Christ is the universal head of the church, but that there is another visible head under him, who (say they) is the Pope of Rome, Christ's vicar or deputy under him?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because, as not many husbands but one only is head of the wife, so Christ only is head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). (2) Because the church is espoused to one only, namely to Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3). (3) Because the church is the body of Christ only (Ephesians 1:22, 23). (4) Because, among all the ecclesiastical orders instituted and appointed by Christ, we do not read of such a creature as a universal vicar of Christ (Ephesians 4:11). (5) Because the church is one body only (unless it be a monster), and one body cannot have two heads (Romans 12:4, 5). (6) Because Christ only can inspire or breathe in vigor, sense, motion, and spiritual life into his members (Ephesians 5:29, 30; John 6:48, 50, 51; John 15:1, 2). (7) Because there must not be lordship and sovereignty among those who are under Christ their head and Lord (Luke 22:25; 1 Peter 5:2, 3).

(8) If the Pope is not so much as a bishop of a particular church, he cannot be universal bishop. The first is true, because he does not perform the office of a bishop, which is set down in 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7-9.

Do not likewise the Erastians and others, such as Arminians, err, who make the supreme magistrate head of the church?

Yes.

By what reasons are they confuted?

(1) Because the Protestant religion, as it is contained in the Harmony of Confessions, especially in the Confession of Faith recorded in the first Parliament of King James the sixth, lately ratified and confirmed, does not acknowledge any supreme head or governor in the church — neither angel, man, pope, prince, nor potentate — save the Lord Christ, from whom alone all subordinate power and authority is derived to the officers of his own church. (2) Because, if the supreme magistrate is a church officer, he must derive his power from Christ and must be a spiritual and ecclesiastical head and governor, and not a civil one only; and if such, then Christ has devolved his own place and office upon him, which is without Scripture proof. (3) Because, if the supreme magistrate is head of the church, he must have a right to this title either by human law or by a divine warrant; laws of a nation cannot make him head of the church, because such laws cannot make him an ecclesiastical and spiritual officer; and there is no divine warrant or commission from Christ, as is clear from Matthew 18:17, from the epistles to Timothy and Titus, from Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:7, 8, and from 1 Corinthians 11:28.

Quest. 9.

Is the Pope that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, who exalts himself in the church of God against Christ and all that is called God?

Yes (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 8, 9; Revelation 13:6; Matthew 23:8, 9, 10).

Though this is denied by the church of Rome, yet the true description of Antichrist agrees to him.

(1) Because he is not one single man, but an order and race of men succeeding one another in that same state and office, which you will see by comparing 1 John 4:3 and 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 8 together. (2) His coming is after the manner of Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9). (3) As to his name, he calls himself a Christian, but in very truth is an adversary to Christ, and by consequence one who denies Jesus to be the Christ (Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 John 2:23). (4) He sits in the temple of God as God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). (5) He rules in the great city and exercises dominion over the kings of the earth. (6) He deceives those who dwell on the earth with lying wonders and miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9; Revelation 13:14, 15). (7) He causes all sorts of persons to receive his mark on their right hand or on their forehead (Revelation 13:16, 17). (8) To him agrees what Paul says: and now you know what withholds (namely the Roman emperor) that he might be revealed in his time (2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7).