Reformed Forum What Is the Church? Part 3 | The Doctrine of the Church (Lesson 3)
Dec 15, 2025
Dr. James Cassidy dives into the attributes of the Church, emphasizing its universal and apostolic nature. He distinguishes between the invisible elect and the visible Church, exploring how doctrine shapes its foundation. The importance of faithful gospel proclamation is stressed, alongside the correct administration of sacraments. Church discipline is highlighted as a necessary practice, acknowledging the challenges of remaining faithful amid human imperfection. This lesson offers a deep exploration of what truly defines the Church.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Church Catholicity Means Universal
- The Church is 'Catholic' meaning universal in geography and history.
- The visible church extends worldwide and includes believers and their children across all ages.
Church Extends Through History
- Catholicity is also historical: the church spans past, present, and future ages.
- God's elect have always been and will always be represented on earth until Christ returns.
Apostolicity Is Doctrinal Succession
- 'Apostolic' for Reformed churches means fidelity to apostolic doctrine, not unbroken ordination.
- The succession that matters is succession of teaching, rooted in Scripture, not in sacramental lineage.
