Question 109: What Are The Marks Of The Church?

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

Question 109: What are the marks of the Church?

The marks of the Church are the distinguishing signs by which the true Church of Jesus Christ is recognized. According to Scripture and historic Anglican teaching, these marks are the faithful preaching of the Word of God, the right administration of the sacraments of Christ, and the exercise of godly discipline. Where these are found, there is the Church, even if imperfect in outward form. (Acts 2:42, 1 Corinthians 11:23–26, 2 Timothy 4:2, Matthew 18:17–20)

Full Scripture References

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” — Acts 2:42 (BSB)

“For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: that the Lord Jesus, on the night He was betrayed, took bread… in the same way, after supper He took the cup…” — 1 Corinthians 11:23, 25 (BSB)

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” — 2 Timothy 4:2 (BSB)

“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven…” — Matthew 18:17–18 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

The marks of the Church are the visible signs that identify where the true Church exists. In line with the Reformation and the early Fathers, Anglican teaching has consistently upheld three essential marks: the pure preaching of the Word of God, the right administration of the sacraments, and the exercise of godly discipline. These marks are not superficial but essential, because they reflect the presence and work of Christ in His Body.

The Church is marked first by the faithful proclamation of Scripture, which is the voice of Christ calling and forming His people. Without the Word rightly preached, the Church cannot be spiritually nourished. Second, the Church rightly administers the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, instituted by Christ for the strengthening and unity of the Body. Third, the Church exercises discipline, not as punishment, but as a ministry of restoration and holiness, guarding the truth and correcting error for the sake of love.

Article XIX of the Thirty-Nine Articles declares: “The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ’s ordinance.” This concise Anglican definition has been recognized as consistent with the best of the patristic and Reformation heritage.

Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The Church which has these marks—the Word, the Sacraments, and Discipline—is a true Church, though it may be poor, persecuted, or despised” (Knots Untied, 1874).

Canon Dr. Ashley Null (Diocese of Western Kansas) explains, “The Reformers were clear: the true Church is not marked by wealth or hierarchy, but by fidelity to the Gospel in preaching, sacrament, and correction of error” (Reformation Anglicanism, Vol. 1, 2016).

Archbishop Foley Beach (Anglican Church in North America) states, “The marks of the Church remind us that we are stewards, not inventors. We must preach the Bible, celebrate the sacraments rightly, and be willing to speak the truth in love to protect the flock” (Provincial Address, 2021).

Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “The marks of the Church are not negotiable. They are the minimum conditions for faithful Christian witness and ecclesial life, rooted in Scripture and tested by time” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).

These marks keep the Church centered in Christ, protected from error, and equipped for mission. They do not guarantee perfection, but they identify where Christ’s life is truly at work.

Early Church Fathers On Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church, and there is truth… the Church guards the preaching of the apostles, the order of bishops, and the Eucharist.” — Against Heresies, III.24.1

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Let a man look for the Church not by signs of pomp, but by the preaching of the truth and the celebration of the sacraments. These are the marks left by the Lord.” — On Baptism, Against the Donatists, IV.9

St. Cyril of Jerusalem (c. 313–386 AD): “The Church is known by the teaching of sound doctrine, the communion in the Body and Blood, and the discipline that keeps it holy.” — Catechetical Lectures, 18.25

St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35–107 AD): “Where the bishop presides, there let the Church be; where the Eucharist is celebrated, there is Jesus Christ.” — Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8

An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)

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An Anglican Catechism (Expanded Version)