6/8/14- The 3 Marks of the Church

The notes, therefore, of the true kirk of God we believe, confess, and avow to be: first, the true preaching of the word of God, into the which God has revealed himself to us, as the writings of the prophets and apostles do declare; secondly, the right administration of the sacraments of Christ Jesus, which must be annexed unto the word and promise of God, to seal and confirm the same in our hearts;[8] last, ecclesiastical discipline uprightly ministered, as God's word prescribes, whereby vice is repressed, and virtue nourished.[9] Wheresoever then these former notes are seen, and of any time continue (be the number [of persons] never so few, about two or three) there, without all doubt, is the true kirk of Christ: who, according to his promise is in the midst of them:[10] not that universal [kirk] (of which we have before spoken) but particular; such as were in Corinth,[11] Galatia,[12] Ephesus,[13] and other places in which the ministry was planted by Paul, and were of himself named the kirks of God.

Thoughts: Knox had several Marks of the True Church listed: 1) True Preaching of the Word; 2) Right Administration of the Sacraments; 3) Church Discipline rightly given.  Calvin listed the first two only   The traditional marks before this were "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic."  The Reformed and Protestant churches hold to this too, but define them more in spiritual terms than one denomination/institution (like Roman Catholic).  Let's examine these three marks, for when you are looking for a church to worship in, they are important. 
1) Preaching- The preaching should be the preaching of "the word of God" not just opinion, experience, psychology or entertainment.  In Knox's day "Scripture alone" (sola scriptura) was an important cry of the Reformation, reminding us that tradition and papal decree did not have the same authority as scripture itself.  Many believe the skeptics about scripture and would rather trust their own experience than the wisdom and experience of the ages which testifies to the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts through scripture.  Experience is important, learning is important, but should always be tested by scripture which we claim is "unique and authoritative" as the Word of God.
2) Right Administration of  the Sacraments- Knox (along with the Reformers) was concerned that people not worship the sacraments, but that they be used as reminders and purveyors of God's grace and blessing.  A church without the Lord's Supper and Baptism is missing not only a ritual commanded by Christ ("Go and baptize" and "Do this in Remembrance of Me") but also missing the blessing of God's Spirit.
2) Church Discipline Rightly Given- In many churches this has been watered down.  Calvin recognized that though he called discipline "a sinew of the church" that it did not have the same status as preaching and the sacraments.  But without discipline heresy prospers and the good are cast to the side.  Without discipline actions and beliefs begin to be viewed as less significant.  The problem is that some become legalistic here while others go too far and abuse grace by saying "anything goes."   In our day the only sin seen in many oldline churches is intolerance.  Purity and Peace are discarded for a forced unity in the name of civil rights.  Tolerance has become the idol at which every knee is made to bow, and discipline is only administered to those who do not agree with tolerance.  Practically speaking, the best discipline is done in the church by good and regular pastoral care by both the pastor and officers of the Church.  
    In the end, only God knows the true Church.  It is always invisible and mysterious.  Yet, it is also visible, and these marks help identify which are more faithful than others.  

Prayer; Lord, I pray for your church that it might practice with grace and truth the preaching, sacraments, and discipline of the Church.  

St. Andrews Cathedral in Scotlad.  A seat of clerical sacerdotalism and destroyed by the reformers.