The True Church

We must not forget that the church is Christ's idea; the church is His bride.

Q. What do you believe concerning the holy Christian church? 

A. I believe that the Son of God, 

• out of the whole human race, 
• from the beginning of the world to its end, 
• gathers, defends, and preserves for Himself, 
• by His Spirit and Word, 
• in the unity of the true faith, 
• a church chosen to everlasting life. 

And I believe that I am 

• and forever shall remain 
• a living member of it.   

For the Bible Tells Me So...

John 10:11,16 — "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 

John 10: 27, 28 — My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 

Romans 1:16 — I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 

Romans 10:14-17 — How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.

The Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 21