10. The nature, marks, and purposes of the church

Question 1

The Nature of the Church: Main Headings

Answer 1

1. Definition
2. The Church Is Invisible, Yet Visible
3. The Church Is Local and Universal

Question 2

The Nature of the Church: 1. Definition

Answer 2

The church is the community of all true believers for all time. [Eph. 1:22-23]

Question 3

The Nature of the Church: 2. The Church Is Invisible, Yet Visible

Answer 3

• -The invisible church is the church as God sees it. 1 Tim 2.19;
• -The visible church is the church as Christians on earth see it. [Phil 1-2]
• -The visible church will always include unbelievers [Matt 7.15-16]

Question 4

The Nature of the Church: 3. The Church Is Local and Universal

Answer 4

– the word “church” may be applied to a group of believers at any level, ranging from a very small group meeting in a private home to all true believers in the universal church.

Question 5

The Marks of the Church

Answer 5

(Distinguishing Characteristics)
1. Pure preaching of the Word
2. Right administration of the sacraments
(baptism and the Lord’s supper).

Question 6

C. The Purposes of the Church

Answer 6

1. Ministry to God: Worship [Col. 3:16]
2. Ministry to Believers: Nurture [Eph. 4:11-13]
3. Ministry to the World: Evangelism and Mercy [Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 6:35-36]
4. Keeping These Purposes in Balance