1. What Do We Mean When We Say “the Church”?
The Confession reminds us that the Church is more than a building or a denomination. At its deepest level, it is the whole people of God, united to Jesus Christ, whom Scripture calls our Head, Bridegroom, and Savior.
Discussion: How does this broader understanding shape the way we think about our local congregation?
2. The Invisible Church: God’s Perspective
The invisible Church includes all the elect—believers from every age whom God knows perfectly. This gives us comfort: God’s work in salvation is secure, even when the visible Church appears weak or divided.
Discussion: Why is it reassuring that God sees His Church more clearly than we do?
3. The Visible Church: Our Lived Experience
The visible Church includes all who publicly profess the Christian faith and their children. It is where faith is taught, worship is offered, and discipleship takes place in real time.
Discussion: What responsibilities come with belonging to the visible Church?
4. One Church, Not Two Competing Churches
The Confession does not describe two separate churches, but two ways of speaking about the same Church—one as God sees it, and one as it appears in the world.
Discussion: How can confusing these two perspectives lead either to discouragement or pride?
5. The Church as God’s Ordinary Means of Grace
God ordinarily uses the Church—through preaching, sacraments, and fellowship—to bring people to faith and nurture them in Christ. This underscores the importance of regular worship and participation.
Discussion: Why do you think God chose to work through the Church rather than independent spirituality?
6. Christ’s Faithful Provision
Christ has not left His Church unequipped. He provides ministers, Scripture, and ordinances, and He works through them by the Holy Spirit to grow His people.
Discussion: Where have you seen Christ faithfully sustaining His Church, even in difficult seasons?
7. The Church’s Visibility Changes Over Time
At different points in history, the Church has been more or less visible, influential, or faithful. God’s purposes, however, have never failed.
Discussion: How does church history help us remain patient and hopeful today?
8. No Perfect Churches—Including Ours
Every church, even the best, is marked by sin and error. This calls us to humility, discernment, and ongoing reform rather than cynicism or withdrawal.
Discussion: How can we pursue faithfulness without expecting perfection?
9. A Serious Warning About Departure from the Gospel
The Confession soberly acknowledges that some churches may drift so far from Christ’s truth that they can no longer rightly be called His. This urges vigilance and love for the truth.
Discussion: What safeguards help a church remain faithful to the gospel?
10. Christ Alone Is the Head of the Church
Finally, the Confession insists that Christ alone governs His Church. No human leader or institution can take His place. This preserves both the Church’s unity and Christ’s glory.
Discussion: How does Christ’s headship shape our view of authority, leadership, and obedience in the Church?
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