[Matt. 16:16, 18] We call it the _Workmanship_ of the
Holy Ghost, because He brings men to faith and thus produces the Church.
HE CALLS, GATHERS, ENLIGHTENS AND SANCTIFIES THE WHOLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
ON EARTH, AND PRESERVES IT IN UNION WITH JESUS CHRIST IN THE TRUE FAITH.
[Eph. 3:25-27]
The Church may also be called the Holy Spirit's _Workshop_, because He
abides and works in it through the Means of Grace,--the Word of God and
the Sacraments.
WHEN FOUNDED. The Holy Christian Church was founded on the day of
Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the disciples. [Acts
2:1-41] On that day the Gospel of the crucified and risen Saviour was
first preached by the apostles, the first converts were made, and the
first Christian baptisms were administered.
VISIBLE OR INVISIBLE. The Church is invisible, because we cannot read
men's hearts nor tell who are real believers. But if we regard the
Church as an external organization which includes all who profess to
believe, it is visible. In this outward visible Church there are many
persons who are not real believers.
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