A. Introduction.
1. This article follows quite naturally from Article XXVIII. If it is the duty of all men to join themselves to the true church, they must be able to distinguish clearly the true church from the false church. This article tells how this may be done.
2. Presupposed in this article is the fact that the true church is always to be found upon this earth, and that therefore, it remains one’s duty diligently to search for it until he finds it.
3. This search for the true church must however, be put in its proper light.
a. Usually the church is gathered in the generations of believers. Children indeed belong to the church that their parents belonged to; and because their parents belonged to this church. This is not bad as is sometimes averred.
b. However, one must be constantly on the alert that the church to which he belongs does not begin the long journey to the false church, for although the journey is long, it is irrevocable. If the church to which he belongs goes this way, and cannot be brought back, he stands before the obligation to leave and re-establish the institute.
c. If however, he finds himself in a church, which after diligent study of God’s Word does not possess the marks of the true church, then also he must leave and seek that church where it may be found.
B. The marks of the true church.
1. In general.
a. They are marks defined in the Word of God, for the Word of God is the objective standard of all truth.
b. They are marks which distinguish the true church from all sects, which sects usually assume the name of church.
c. Although three marks are given, it is well to note that all three marks are really essentially one mark-the preaching of the Word.
d. The true church must not, however, be distinguished from hypocrites “who are mixed in the Church with the good, yet are not of the Church, though externally in it;”.
2. In particular.
a. The pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein.
b. The pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ is maintained.
c. Church discipline is exercised in punishing sin.
d. Or in short, “All things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the church”.
C. The marks of the false church.
1. In general.
a. Although there are false religions which spring up in heathendom, the article is not concerned here with these, but rather with those churches who have, through the ages become false.
b. Thus, the drift from the true to the false church is not a drift which occurs overnight, but is a slow process continuing over many years. History has however shown that this drift from the firm moorings of the truth of the Word of God is usually irrevocable once it has begun.
2. In particular.
a. She trusts in the power and authority of men rather than in the Word of God and will not submit to the yoke of Christ.
b. She adds to and subtracts from the sacraments appointed by Christ.
c. She persecutes the Godly instead of excommunicating the ungodly.
D. The narks of the members of the true Church.
1. The article evidently speaks of these marks because not only is it one’s calling to seek the true church, but also tho communion of the saints. And, indeed, where one finds the true church he will also find the people of God.
2. These marks are:
a. A walk of Godly sanctification in separation from the world.
b. A seeking for refuge in the blood, death, passion and obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ.
c. The article warns however, that believers are not perfect in this world, but that there remain in them many infirmities against which they must fight all their life long, and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
E. In conclusion, the article once again reminds us that it is our calling to join ourselves to this true church and to the company and fellowship of the believers.