Introduction

4. The Marks of the True and False Church

• (Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 29)

• Marks of the True Church

• 1. The pure doctrine of the Gospel is preached.
  2. She maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ.
  3. Church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin.

  Summary: If all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the Church.

  Introduction to Article 29 of the Belgic Confession

  1. We need to discern from the Word of God, which is the True Church since all sects/cults, which are in the world, assume to themselves the name of the Church.
  2. We are not speaking of hypocrites that are mixed in the Church with the good, and are merely externally in it.
  3. We say that the Body on Communion of the True Church must be distinguished from all sects/cults, who call themselves Church.

• Marks of the False Church

  1. She ascribes more power and authority to herself and her ordinances than to the Word of God.
  2. She will not submit herself to the yoke of Christ.
  3. She does not administer the sacraments as appointed by Christ in His Word, but adds to and takes from them, as she thinks proper.
  4. She relieth more upon men that upon Christ.
  5. She persecutes those who live holily according to the Word of God, and those who rebuke her for her errors, covetousness, and idolatry.