2011-06-10

What are the identifying marks of the Church?

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Even though Christ’s Church is invisible to the human eye according to its essence, it nevertheless has identifying marks, on the basis of which it can be found, and on the basis of which we can faithfully adhere to it. These identifying marks are the pure teaching of God’s Word and the Sacraments admnistered according to Christ’s command.

Is. 55:10-11: As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater; so shall my Word be that goeth forth out of my mouth. It shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Joh. 8:31-32: If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed, and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Joh. 10: 27-28: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.

Luke 8:11: The seed is the Word of God.