Article 27 speaks of the “one, catholic or universal church”.
The word “church” is usually our translation of the Greek, ecclesia, or, “called out ones”. It consists of those “called out” of the world to serve God. This church has been described as “triumphant” (the church in glory), “militant” (the fighting church on earth), and “latent” (the church still to be born).
The militant church is again spoken of as invisible (those in whose hearts God works but who are not seen as yet as believers), and visible (those who manifest by confession and walk that they belong to Christ).
The church possesses also various attributes (qualities, characteristics). (1) It is one-there is one body of Christ; that oneness is principally seen already on this earth in that there is common adherence to the principal truths of Scripture. (2) It is holy-because of Christ’s work and a holiness which is true already in principle. (3) It is catholic-universal; gathered from all the earth and all ages. (4) It is apostolic-follows the teachings of the apostles through whom Christ speaks.
QUESTIONS:
1. In what sense is the church on earth also triumphant?
2. What does “militant” mean? How should this describe the church on earth?
3. What does Ephesians 6 say of the weapons of the church on earth? List them.
4. What is the “pluriformity” (or: multiformity) of the church? (see dictionary or Rev. H. Hoeksema’s Dogmatics)
4. What is the church as organism?
5. What is the church as institute?
6. What does Rev. 7:9 and Rev. 5:11 say concerning the church?
7. What does the Heidelberg Catechism, Question 54, say of the church?
8. What other names does the Bible give to the church?
9. Did the church begin at Pentecost? Explain.
10. How do we know that we are “living members” of the church?