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Savoy
Chap. 26
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Westminster
Chap. 25
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| 1. 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 of him that filleth
all in all. |
1. 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 of Him that fills all
in all. |
| 2. The whole body of men throughout the
world, professing the faith of the gospel and obedience unto God by
Christ according to it, not destroying their own profession by any
errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are, and
may be called the visible catholic church of Christ; although as such
it is not entrusted with the administration of any ordinances, or have
any officers to rule or govern in, or over the whole body. |
2. 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 children: and is the kingdom of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there
is no ordinary possibility of salvation. |
| 3. 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
Christ always hath had, and ever shall have, a visible kingdom in this
world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make
profession of his name. |
3. Unto this catholic visible Church
Christ has 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 does, by His own presence and Spirit, according to His
promise, make them effectual thereunto. |
| 4. 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
Iperdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all
that is called God, whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of
his coming. |
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. |
| 5. As the Lord in his care
and love towards his Church, hath in his infinite wise providence
exercised it with great variety in all ages, for the good of them that
love him, and his own glory; so according to his promise, we expect
that in the latter days, antichrist being destroyed, the Jews called,
and the adversaries of the kingdom of his dear Son broken, the churches
of Christ being enlarged, and edified through a free and plentiful
communication of light and grace, shall enjoy in this world a more
quiet, peaceable and glorious condition than they have enjoyed. |
5. 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 worship God according to His
will. |
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6. 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 exalts himself, in the Church, against Christ and all
that is called God. |
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Updated: 12/11/2008