The Confession of Faith (29)

In Article 28 it is written that every one is bound to join himself to the true church. The church is the holy congregation of true Christian believers, but which is the true church? This important question is answered in the article which we now consider. It begins: “We believe that we ought diligently and circumspectly to discern from the Word of God which is the true church, since all sects which are in the world assume to themselves the name of the church.” This article is especially of great importance in our days since there are so many new groups who often claim to be the true church. However, if we examine them in the light of God’s Word, we find the opposite.

Ever since we left the Lord, there has always been a false church upon earth. From the time of the apostles until now, many people believed they have been saved, but they have never been lost. Millions of Satan’s subjects live in great wickedness, but there are millions of others in false religions, which for Satan is no different. Of many of these false churches we must say that they are synagogues of Satan. How do we dare to say this? Because it is taught us by God’s Word which speaks the Truth. Therefore, to find out which is the true church, we have to examine God’s Word carefully.

It is understandable that all churches claim to be a true church, for otherwise people would not attend. Therefore, it is not sufficient to make such a claim but rather to see what the Bible says. Jeremiah warns, “Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these.”

This article first mentions “sects.” Already in the days of the apostles, this name was used. It is a group of people in or against the church, who falsify the doctrine or try to disturb the unity. Thus, the Pharisees and the Sadducees were sects. In Church history, we find the Donatists who tried to have a pure church of converted people only, and these were later followed by the Anabaptists. Actually, we must make a difference between schismatics, heretics, and sects. Schismatics do not change the foundation of the doctrine, but for an unimportant reason of church government or for a difference about a subordinate doctrinal question, they break with the church and leave it. An example of such a question is whether baptism is to be done by immersion or by sprinkling. Such minor things are made to be major issues, with all the sad consequences of it.

Heretics do not maintain the fundamental truths, such as the many churches who do not believe in the Trinity, the eternal Godhead of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. In the beginning there were only minor differences, but they gradually became major ones. They then went out of the church or were cut off from the church because they departed from the pure doctrine according to God’s Word. Sect is derived from the word “sequor,” which means to follow; in other words, they follow a certain person. Often you will find among the sects that subordinate parts of doctrine are made principal matters or certain matters are over-emphasized so that it seems that this is the only subject of the Bible. They are well prepared in this matter and, with the power of persuasion, they can have a strong influence on others, especially with those who have little knowledge of the Truth. In these ways many groups, parties, and sects have come into existence, but it is also true that the Protestant churches have had many divisions.

Here we are not speaking of different churches in different countries. The Lord calls His Church out of all nations and languages, which already makes a difference. However, here we are speaking of the multiplying of churches for human reasons. Then it becomes a question which is the true church and which is a false church; where do they preach the Truth and where is half-truth preached, or even a lie.

Rev. Kersten says of this, “The false church makes itself known; it continues in its unrighteousness and idolatry, and not only rejects all efforts to reform, but even with violence and device tries to choke the true church.” The confession gives an answer as to which is the true church and later which is the false church. We will follow the marks given here in this article. “The marks by which the true church is known are these: if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein.” This is only the first mark, for there are three marks given. These marks are standards by which each church is to judge itself but also standards in regard to other churches. They are also standards by which each believer may know the church he is to join. Persons who desire to make confession of faith must also use these standards.

The first mark is—if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein. No gospel may be preached other than Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Christ merited salvation and out of free grace, with the exclusion of all our works, we become partakers of His grace by the administration of the Holy Spirit, who uses the Word as a means. In John 16:13a we read, “Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” The Spirit shall glorify Christ. When Christ is taken out of the preaching and the gospel in the meriting and applying of salvation, then the gospel is no gospel and the church no longer a church. Then it is a dead body without spirit and life, and is only form—a false church. The pure preaching of God’s Word is of the greatest importance, and we must continually pray to the Lord for it.

Closely related to the preaching of the gospel is the administration of the sacraments. It is the second mark of the true church given us; “If she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ.” Both the gospel and the sacraments point to Christ; the first is audible, the second visible. It was especially the sacraments which caused many differences between the churches of Rome, of Luther, and of the Protestants.

Regarding the third mark given us, namely, church discipline, we hope to say something the next time, D.V.

Have we ever been interested in the truth which is brought in our midst? It is a great privilege that we have the truth, but it is also a great responsibility whereof we will have to give an account before the Lord. He has said that His Word is not brought in vain. May it become the desire of the heart under the administration of the Spirit to belong to the true Church, which the Lord gathers by Word and Spirit.

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