CATECHESIS ON THE CATHOLIC CHURCH E. MARKS OF THE TRUE CHURCH 2. The Chief Marks of the Church: - a) One - Christ intended His Church to be One; therefore the True Church must be One. Its members must be One. Its members must be united in doctrine, worship and in government. (cf Mk 3:24; Jn 10:16; Jan 17:11) - b) Holy - Christ intended His Church to be Holy; therefore the True Church must be Holy. It must teach a holy doctrine in faith and morals, because its Founder is holy. It must provide the means for its members to lead a holy life. (cfJn 17:17-19; Mt. 7:15-17, 20; Jn 14:12) - c) Catholic - Christ intended His Church to be universal, that is Catholic; and therefore the True Church must be Universal or Catholic. It must be for all peoples of every nation and for all times and teach the same faith everywhere. (cf Mt. 28:19; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8; Mt. 24:14) - d) Apostolic - Christ intended His Church to be propagated by His Apostles; and therefore the True Church must be Apostolic. It must be the Church propagated by the Apostles. Its rulers must derive their office and authority by lawful succession from the apostles. It must hold intact the doctrine and traditions of the apostles, to whom Christ gave the authority to teach. (cf Mt. 16:18; Gal 1:8; Eph 2:20).
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:38:19 +0000
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