26.1
Of the Church
The catholic or universal church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ, the Head thereof, and is the Spouse, the Body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Eph. 1:10, 22, 23 · Eph. 5:23, 27, 32 · Col. 1:18
26.2
Of the Church
The whole body of men throughout the world, professing the faith of the gospel and obedience unto God by Christ according to it, not destroying their own profession by any errors everting the foundation, or unholiness of conversation, are, and may be called the visible catholic church of Christ; although as such it is not entrusted with the administration of any ordinances, or have any officers to rule or govern in, or over the whole body.
1 Cor. 1:2 · 1 Cor. 12:12, 13 · Ps. 2:8 · Rev. 7:9 · Rom. 15:9, 10, 11, 12 · 1 Cor. 7:14 · Acts 2:39 · Ezek. 16:20, 21 · Rom. 11:16 · Gen. 3:15 · Gen. 17:7 · Matt. 13:47 · Isa. 9:7 · Eph. 2:19 · Eph. 3:15 · Acts 2:47
26.3
Of the Church
The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error, and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan: nevertheless Christ always hath had, and ever shall have, a visible kingdom in this world, to the end thereof, of such as believe in him, and make profession of his name.
1 Cor. 12:28 · Eph. 4:11, 12, 13 · Matt. 28:19, 20 · Isa. 59:21
26.4
Of the Church
There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ; nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God, whom the Lord shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
Rom. 11:3, 4 · Rev. 12:6, 14 · Rev. 2, 3 · 1 Cor. 5:6, 7
26.5
Of the Church
As the Lord in his care and love towards his Church, hath in his infinite wise providence exercised it with great variety in all ages, for the good of them that love him, and his own glory; so according to his promise, we expect that in the latter days, antichrist being destroyed, the Jews called, and the adversaries of the kingdom of his dear Son broken, the churches of Christ being enlarged, and edified through a free and plentiful communication of light and grace, shall enjoy in this world a more quiet, peaceable and glorious condition than they have enjoyed.
1 Cor. 13:12 · Rev. 2, 3 · Matt. 13:24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 47 · Rev. 18:2 · Rom. 11:18, 19, 20, 21, 22 · Matt. 16:18 · Ps. 72:17 · Ps. 102:28 · Matt. 28:19, 20