A Pamphlet Concerning the Reformation of the Church (3-4)

3. The fourfold way in which the church of Christ can be understood. On the ground of the authority of Holy Scripture, the essence of the church must be considered as distinguished under four aspects. One can refer to the church as it is determined in the counsel of God; the church as her life is hidden in Christ; the church as it is realized on earth among men; and finally the church as it shall finally rejoice before the throne in glory. Confusion of these four makes clear insight...