The marks of the true church applied, or At the point of the wedge
Dykstra examines how Reformed churches can apply the three classical marks of the true church (pure doctrine, proper sacraments, and church discipline) to identify genuine congregations and denominations in the contemporary context. The article argues these marks properly apply at the local congregational level and addresses common misapplications when evaluating churches across the fragmented modern Christian landscape.
Previous article in this series: August 2018, p. 437. Where is the true church to be found? The Reformed church confesses that the true church can be identified by three notable marks, namely, the preaching of the pure doctrine of the gospel, the administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ, and the proper exercise of church discipline. It was necessary for the church of the Reformation to set forth these marks in order that the true church of Christ be distinguished from the...
Full article available on sb.rfpa.org