The Central Question of Article 28
This afternoon’s sermon addressed Belgic Confession Article 28, which teaches that all believers are obligated to join the church. The confession states this strongly: there is no salvation outside the church, and the church is the holy assembly and congregation of the redeemed.
The sermon carefully clarified that this statement does not mean salvation is found in a particular building or denomination, but that God has appointed the church as the ordinary means through which He gathers and preserves His people.
Salvation and the Ministry of the Word
Scripture teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Romans 10 emphasizes confession of Christ and belief in His resurrection. At the same time, the sermon highlighted that God ordinarily brings people to faith through the preaching of the gospel.
The ministry of the Word belongs to the church. God has promised that through the preaching of the gospel, sinners will hear, believe, and be saved. While God can work in extraordinary ways, believers are not instructed to wait for such exceptions, but to seek salvation where God has promised to work.
What Is the Church?
The sermon explained that the word “church” does not primarily refer to a building or an event. The biblical word ekklesia means those who are called out and gathered together. The church is the visible assembly of believers who are united by faith in Christ and called to worship and serve together.
Church membership, therefore, is not optional or merely cultural. To belong to Christ is to belong to His body, and that belonging is expressed through faithful participation in the gathered church.
The Church as a Holy Assembly of the Redeemed
Article 28 describes the church as holy, meaning set apart by God. The church is not perfect, but it is distinct from the world. Within the church, believers are taught, corrected, encouraged, and guided in a life of service to God.
The church is also the congregation of the redeemed—those who have been delivered from sin through the blood of Christ and now live together in unity under His lordship.
Living as Members of Christ’s Body
The sermon concluded by emphasizing that every believer has a place in the church. Each member has gifts given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the whole body. Active participation, mutual care, and service are essential aspects of faithful church membership.
Article 28 calls believers not only to join the church, but also to submit to its instruction and discipline, recognizing this as part of God’s gracious design for the preservation of faith and the growth of His people.
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