203. How is the Church different from all other communities?
A. Christ is the Head of the Church, and so it is called the "Christian" Church.
Colossians 1:18 And He [Christ Jesus] is the head of the body, the Church.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the Church, His body, and is Himself its Savior.
B. The Church is the only community in the world in which God "daily and richly forgives my sins and the sins of all believers." Therefore it is called "holy" and the "communion of saints."
Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
John 20:23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.
C. Only the Church is founded on the testimony of Jesus' apostles, whose witness to His teaching, work, and saving death and resurrection is preserved in the Holy Scriptures and to be proclaimed to all nations. Therefore it is called "apostolic."
Acts 1:1-2 In this first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up, after He had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen.
Ephesians 2:19-20 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.
D. Therefore, the Church is one--the only community in which there is salvation, for it is the gathering of all who believe in Jesus Christ, who comes to them in His Word and Sacraments.
Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--one Lord, one faith, one Baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Eventual commentary
| Previous Question | Next Question |