← Westminster Larger Catechism · Q. 65

What special benefits do the members of the invisible church enjoy by Christ?

✚ Soteriology

The members of the invisible church by Christ enjoy union and communion with him in grace and glory.1

Scripture proofs

The Westminster Assembly's proof texts (KJV). The bracketed numbers in the answer above mark the clause each set of references supports; expand a row to read the verses.

1 John 17:21, 24; Eph. 2:5–6
John 17:21, 24

John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Eph. 2:5–6

Eph. 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Eph. 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

This doctrine across the Standards

Where the Confession and the Westminster Shorter Catechism treat the same matter, so the question can be studied alongside its parallel statements.

In the Westminster Confession

XXV.1 The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have …

The catholic or universal Church, which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ the head thereof; and is the spouse, the body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

→ XXV.1 · Of the Church
XXV.2 The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation as …

The visible Church, which is also catholic or universal under the gospel (not confined to one nation as before under the law) consists of all those, throughout the world, that profess the true religion, and of their children; and is the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, the house and family of God, out of which there is no ordinary possibility of salvation.

→ XXV.2 · Of the Church
XXV.3 Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering …

Unto this catholic visible Church Christ hath given the ministry, oracles, and ordinances of God, for the gathering and perfecting of the saints, in this life, to the end of the world: and doth by his own presence and Spirit, according to his promise, make them effectual thereunto.

→ XXV.3 · Of the Church
XXV.4 This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are …

This catholic Church hath been sometimes more, sometimes less visible. And particular churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.

→ XXV.4 · Of the Church
XXV.5 The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as …

The purest churches under heaven are subject both to mixture and error; and some have so degenerated as to become no churches of Christ, but synagogues of Satan. Nevertheless, there shall be always a Church on earth to worship God according to his will.

→ XXV.5 · Of the Church
XXV.6 There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of …

There is no other Head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ: nor can the Pope of Rome, in any sense be head thereof; but is that Antichrist, that man of sin and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God.

→ XXV.6 · Of the Church
XXVI.1 All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head, by his Spirit and by faith, have fellowship …

All saints that are united to Jesus Christ their head, by his Spirit and by faith, have fellowship with him in his graces, sufferings, death, resurrection, and glory: and being united to one another in love, they have communion in each other's gifts and graces, and are obliged to the performance of such duties, public and private, as do conduce to their mutual good, both in the inward and outward man.

→ XXVI.1 · Of the Communion of Saints
XXVI.2 Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and …

Saints, by profession, are bound to maintain an holy fellowship and communion in the worship of God, and in performing such other spiritual services as tend to their mutual edification; as also in relieving each other in outward things, according to their several abilities and necessities. Which communion, as God offereth opportunity, is to be extended unto all those who, in every place, call upon the name of the Lord Jesus.

→ XXVI.2 · Of the Communion of Saints
XXVI.3 This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the …

This communion which the saints have with Christ, doth not make them in any wise partakers of the substance of his Godhead, or to be equal with Christ in any respect: either of which to affirm is impious and blasphemous. Nor doth their communion one with another, as saints, take away or infringe the title or propriety which each man hath in his goods and possessions.

→ XXVI.3 · Of the Communion of Saints