Posted at Reformed Standards:
First published in 1560
Source: The Scottish Confession | Reformed Standards
First published in 1560
16. Of the Kirk
As we believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, so we must constantly believe that from the beginning there has been, now is and to the end of the world will be a, a kirk, that is to say, one company and multitude of men chosen of God b, who rightly worship and embrace Him by true faith in Christ Jesus, who is the only head of the same kirk, which also is the body and spouse of Christ Jesus c. Which kirk is catholic, that is universal, because it contains the elect of all ages, all realms, nations, and tongues d be they of the Jews or be they of the Gentiles; who have communion and society with God the Father and with His Son Christ Jesus, through the sanctification of His Holy Spirit, and, therefore, is it called the communion (not of profane persons) but of saints, who as citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem e have the fruition of the most inestimable benefits, to wit, of one God, one Lord Jesus, one faith, and of one baptism, out of which kirk there is neither life nor eternal felicity. And, therefore, we utterly abhor the blasphemy of those that affirm that men, who live according to equity and justice, will be saved whatsoever religion they have professed. For as without Christ Jesus there is neither life nor salvation, so will none be participant thereof, but such as the Father has given unto His Son Christ Jesus f, and those in time come unto Him, avow His doctrine and believe in Him (we comprehend the children with the faithful parents). This kirk is invisible, known only to God who alone knows it, whom He has chosen, and comprehends as well (as is said) the elect that be departed (commonly called the kirk triumphant) as those that yet live and fight against sin and Satan as will live hereafter.