---
title: "Chapter 25: Of the Church | Westminster Confession of Faith"
description: "Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 25: Of the Church 1. The catholic or universal Church which is invisible, consists of the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or sh"
canonical: "https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/"
source: "https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=94"
---

# Chapter 25: Of the Church | Westminster Confession of Faith

1. 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.

Scripture proofs: Eph. 1:10, 22-23; Eph. 5:23, 27, 32; Col. 1:18.

2. 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.

Scripture proofs: 1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Cor. 12:12-13; Ps. 2:8; Rev. 7:9; Rom. 15:9-12; 1 Cor. 7:14; Acts 2: 39; Ezek. 16:20-21; Rom. 11:16; Gen. 3:15; Gen. 17:7; Matt. 13:47; Isa. 9:7; Eph. 2:19; Eph. 3:15; Acts 2:47.

3. 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.

Scripture proofs: 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-13; Matt. 28: 19-20; Isa. 59:21.

4. 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.

Scripture proofs: Rom. 11:3-4; Rev. 12:6, 14; Rev. 2–3; 1 Cor. 5:6-7.

5. 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.

Scripture proofs: 1 Cor. 13:12; Rev. 2–3; Matt. 13:24-30, 47; Rev. 18:2; Rom. 11:18-22; Matt. 16:18; Ps. 72:17; Ps. 102:28; Matt. 28:19-20.

6. 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.

Scripture proofs: Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22; Matt. 23:8-10; 2 Thess. 2:3-4, 8-9; Rev. 13:6.

## For kids — a study explanation (ages 10–13)

These explanations are separate from the official text above.

Words to knowCatholicUniversal or worldwide; here it does not mean the Roman Catholic denomination.Invisible churchAll the people who truly belong to Christ, whose hearts God knows.Visible churchThe community of people professing the true faith, together with their children.AntichristSomeone opposing Christ or claiming his place; the Confession and Testimony discuss this in their historical wording.

### WCF 25.1 · All Christ’s people belong together

The invisible church includes all God’s chosen people from the past, present, and future, gathered under Christ. He is their head; they are described as his body and bride. We cannot see every heart, but God knows everyone who truly belongs to him.

Explore the ScripturesEphesians 1:10; Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18.

Talk about itWhy does the church include believers from other times as well as our own?

[Read original paragraph 1 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-1)

### WCF 25.2 · The visible church

The visible church includes people around the world who profess the true faith, together with their children. It is Christ’s kingdom and God’s household. The church is the ordinary place where God gathers and nourishes people in salvation; we should not treat life outside it as the normal Christian path. Membership itself does not automatically save us.

Explore the Scriptures1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Psalm 2:8.

Talk about itWhy should belonging to Christ lead us to value his church?

[Read original paragraph 2 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-2)

### WCF 25.3 · Christ equips his church

Christ gives his church the ministry of his Word and the practices he commands. Through them he gathers people and helps believers grow until the end of the world. His presence and Spirit make these gifts effective. The church does not accomplish its task by human strength alone.

Explore the Scriptures1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11-13; Matthew 28:19-20.

Talk about itWhat gifts does Christ use to gather and grow his people?

[Read original paragraph 3 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-3)

### WCF 25.4 · Churches differ in faithfulness

The church has been more visible at some times than others. Local churches are more or less faithful depending on their teaching, response to the gospel, sacraments, and worship. We should assess faithfulness by God’s Word, not only by size or reputation.

Explore the ScripturesRomans 11:3-4; Revelation 12:6; 1 Corinthians 5:6-7.

Talk about itWhat makes a church faithful rather than merely popular?

[Read original paragraph 4 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-4)

### WCF 25.5 · No earthly church is perfect

Even the best churches on earth have errors and mixed membership. Some become so corrupt that they cease to be true churches of Christ. Nevertheless, God will always preserve a church on earth that worships according to his will. Imperfection calls for reform, not a belief that Christ has abandoned his people.

Explore the Scriptures1 Corinthians 13:12; Matthew 13:24-30; Revelation 18:2.

Talk about itHow can we seek reform without expecting a perfect earthly church?

[Read original paragraph 5 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-5)

### WCF 25.6 · Christ alone is the church’s head

Jesus alone is the head of the church; the pope cannot hold that place. The original Confession also identifies the pope as Antichrist, using strong language against a claim to rule Christ’s church in his place. The RP Testimony discusses many antichrists and a final man of lawlessness. Read these statements together rather than silently leaving out the original wording.

Read with the RP TestimonyRead this historical wording with the Testimony’s teaching about many antichrists and the final man of lawlessness.

[Read the Testimony’s explanation](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/#point-18)Explore the ScripturesColossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22; Matthew 23:8-10.

Talk about itWhy must every church leader remain under Christ’s authority?

[Read original paragraph 6 →](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/#paragraph-6)

### Discuss and remember

Read the chapter together, then choose a question to talk about.

- Who is the Head of the church?
- How do elders and the whole church family help us grow?

#### Scripture to remember

Colossians 1:18

[Read the memory passage in our Bible reader →](https://ctkrp.org/bible/?q=Colossians%201%3A18)

Read the passage in context. Explain it in your own words, then practice one short phrase at a time. Review it together during the week.

#### Put it into practice

Thank God for someone in your congregation and encourage that person.

[Find help for family worship](https://ctkrp.org/family-worship/)

Original source: [2026 RPCNA Constitution](https://ctkrp.org/assets/rpcna-constitution-2026.pdf#page=94)

## Related reading

- [Church membership and life together](https://ctkrp.org/learn/topics/church-membership/)
- [Westminster Larger Catechism · Question 62: What is the visible Church?](https://ctkrp.org/larger-catechism/question-62-what-is-the-visible-church/)
- [What does “Presbyterian” mean?](https://ctkrp.org/learn/what-is-presbyterian/)
- [Directory for Church Government](https://ctkrp.org/church-government/)
- [Find teaching on church](https://ctkrp.org/sermons/?q=church)
- [Read RP Testimony chapter 25](https://ctkrp.org/testimony/chapter-25-church/)
- [Chapter 24](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-24-marriage-and-divorce/)
- [Chapter 26](https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-26-communion-of-saints/)

Canonical page: https://ctkrp.org/confession/chapter-25-church/