Of the Church.

 

There is one general church visible, held forth in the New Testament.[a]

 

The ministry, oracles, and ordinances of the New Testament, are given by Jesus Christ to the general church visible, for the gathering and perfecting of it in this life, until his second coming.[b]

 

Particular visible churches, members of the general church, are also held forth in the New Testament.[c] Particular churches in the primitive times were made up of visible saints, viz. of such as, being of age, professed faith in Christ, and obedience unto Christ, according to the rules of faith and life taught by Christ and his apostles; and of their children.[d]

 

[a] 1 Cor. 12:12,13,28. [Together with the rest of the Chapter.]

[b] 1 Cor. 12:28. Eph. 4:4,5. Compared with verses 10-13,15,16.

[c] Gal. 1:21,22. Rev. 1:4,20. Rev. 2:1.

[d] Acts 2:38,41,47. Compared with Acts 5:14. 1 Cor. 1:2. Compared with 2 Cor. 9:13. Acts 2:39. 1 Cor. 7:14. Rom. 11:16. Mark 10:14. Compared with Matt. 19:13,14. Luke 18:15,16.