1. What is the holy Christian Church?

 "As we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." - Romans 12, 4- 5.

 The holy Christian Church is the communion of saints, that is, the whole body of believers in Christ.  All believers, yet only believers, are members of this Church.

2. Why do we call the Church "invisible"?

 "Lord, they have killed Thy prophets, and digged down Thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.  But what saith the answer of God unto him?  I have reserved to Myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace." - Romans 11, 3-5.

 The Church is called "invisible" because saving faith, which constitutes the means by which a person becomes and remains a member of the Church, is unseen of man.

3. Why do we declare that the Church is one?

 "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd." - Saint John 10, 16.

 The unity of the Christian Church is expressly taught by Christ and is based on its unity of faith in the one Savior.

4. Why do we call the Christian Church "holy"?

 "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith." - Philippians 3, 8-9.

5. Why is the Church called "Christian"?

 "Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." - 1 Corninthians 3, 11.

 It is called the "Christian" Church because it is built upon Chirst, its one and only foundation.

6. Wherein does the glory of the Christian Church lie?

 "Ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." - 1 Corinthians 3, 23.

 "But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." - Saint Matthew 23, 8.

 Because the members of the Christian Church enjoy the high privilege of being subject only to Christ, their divine Lord and Master.

7. How is the Church founded and preserved?

 "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marevellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." - 1 Saint Peter 2, 9-10.

 "Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." - Psalm 100, 3.

 Saving faith, which makes a person a member of the Church, is solely the work of God.  Therefore the Church owes its existence and preservation entirely to divine grace.  The means or instrument by which God sustains His Church is the Gospel in its various forms.

8. In what other senses is the word Church used?

 To denote a denomination, a local congregation, and a house of worship.

9. What is the visible Church?

 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kine: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away." - Saint Matthew 13, 47-48.

 The visible Church is the whole number of those who adhere to the Word of God and profess the Christian faith.  Among these there are many, the true Christians, but also some hypocrites.

10. How can we distinguish the true visible Church?

 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you." - Saint Matthew 28, 20.

 "He that hath My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully." - Jeremiah 23, 28.

 That denomination is the true visible Church wich believes, teaches and professes the entire doctrine of the Word of God and administers the sacraments according to Christ's institution.

11. Is it necessary to have and belong to local congregations?

 "They continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.  And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2, 42-47.

 Local churched are established by divine command, so that believers may establish in their midst the public ministry, together celebrate Holy Communion, privately reprove an erring brother, or publicly rebuke and discipline impenitent sinners.

12. Why must we strive to belong to churches in which the Word of God is taught is its purity?

 On account of Christ's words, "Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, 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." - Saint John 8, 31-32.

 The Bible warns us to avoid all false churches and other organizations which profess a false religion.

TEST PAPER, LESSON 23
1. Please tell in your own words what the Christian Church is.
2. In what sense is the holy Christian Church "invisible"?
3. Complete the following Bible passage: "Other foundation can... - 1 Corinthians 3:11
4. In what sense do we call the Christian Church "holy"?
5. In what way is the Christian Church founded and preserved?
6. In your own words please tell what the visible church is.
7. What would you answer to the objection that it isn't necessary to belong to a Christian congregation?
8. What are the two marks, or signs, by means of which you can tell weather a congregation is truly Christian? A.................................. B........................................................
9. Complete the following Bible passage: "Teaching them to observe ......................................................................................." - Saint Matthew 28:20.
10. Are you a member of a Christian congregation? ............  Which one?..................
Make every effort to fill in the answers from memory.  If you are not sure of certain answers, you may look them up in the lesson.  Your paper will be graded according to the following standard: 10 correct: perfect; 9 correct: excellent; 8 correct: very good; 7 correct: good.