The Doctrine of the Church (13): The Preaching of the Word as a Means of Grace

The Word of God must be preached. Then, and then only -- as the Word that is preached -- it is a means of grace. This too is expressed in our confessions. In the Belgic Confession, where it instructs us in the marks of the true church, we read: "The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these: if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein; if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ; if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin ....