Church III

I have written on my love for the Church twice here and here. One thing I love about the Reformed tradition of the Church is how it has always been a confessional tradition. Today I read Article 27 of the Belgic Confession, which is about the Church and I wanted to share it:

We believe and confess one single catholic or universal Church--
    a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers,
    awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ being washed by His blood,
    and being sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
This Church has existed from the beginning of the world and will last until the end,
    as appears from the fact that Christ is the eternal King who cannot be without subjects.
And this holy Church is preserved by God against the rage of the whole world,
    even though for a time it may appear very small in the eyes of men--
      as though it were snuffed out.
For example, during the very dangerous time of Ahab,
    the Lord preserved for Himself seven thousand men who did not bend their knees to Baal.
And so this holy Church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain placeor certain persons.
    But it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world,
    though still joined and united in heart and will,
    in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.

By His Grace,
Taylor