The Special Privileges of the Visible Church

The visible church is important for us to understand, specifically, why it is so important for us as Christians to be part of the visible church. A part of this is understanding the privileges that come with being joined to the visible church. The Westminster Larger Catechism, in its 63rd question, asks: "What are the special privileges of the visible Church?" The answer resounds with divine assurance: "The visible Church hath the privilege of being under God’s special care and government; of being protected and preserved in all ages, notwithstanding the opposition of all enemies; and of enjoying the communion of saints, the ordinary means of salvation, and offers of grace by Christ to all the members of it in the ministry of the gospel, testifying, that whosoever believes in him shall be saved, and excluding none that will come unto him."

This declaration invites us to reflect deeply on the church not merely as a gathering of believers but as a divinely ordained institution, marked by God's favor and purpose. The visible church, those professing faith in Christ and their children, united in local assemblies, stands as a beacon of hope in a fallen world. We need to explore these privileges, drawing from Scripture to see how they nourish our souls, strengthen our faith, and call us to greater devotion. As we meditate on these truths, may our hearts be stirred to cherish our place within this blessed community and to extend its graces to others.

Under God’s Special Care and Government in the Visible Church

One of the foremost privileges of the visible church is its position under God’s special care and government. This is no abstract concept but a living reality, where the Lord Himself oversees and directs His people with paternal affection. Consider the imagery in Isaiah 4:5-6: "Then the Lord will create over the whole site of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud by day, and smoke and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory there will be a canopy. There will be a booth for shade by day from the heat, and for a refuge and a shelter from the storm and rain." Here, God promises to envelop His people, today identified as His church, in protective glory, much like the pillar of cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. This divine canopy symbolizes His constant presence, shielding us from spiritual perils and providing refuge amid life's tempests.

This care extends to all who trust in Him, as affirmed in 1 Timothy 4:10: "For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe." The "especially" underscores the unique salvation and oversight granted to believers within the church. It's a reminder that our labors in faith are not in vain; God governs us as a loving Savior, directing our paths for His glory and our good.

Psalm 115 further illuminates this privilege, contrasting the living God with lifeless idols. "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! ... Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." The psalm calls Israel, and by extension the church, to trust in the Lord as their help and shield (verses 9-11). He remembers and blesses His people (verses 12-13), granting increase and protection. In a world of uncertainty, this governmental care assures us that the church is not adrift but firmly anchored in God's sovereign will. Devotionally, let this truth prompt us to surrender our worries to Him, knowing His government is perfect and His care unwavering.

Protected and Preserved: The Visible Church Through the Ages

Hand in hand with God's care comes the privilege of protection and preservation, even against formidable foes. The visible church has endured centuries of opposition, yet it persists by divine decree. Isaiah 31:4-5 vividly depicts this: "For thus the Lord said to me, ‘As a lion or a young lion growls over his prey, and when a band of shepherds is called out against him he is not terrified by their shouting or daunted at their noise, so the Lord of hosts will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its hill. Like birds hovering, so the Lord of hosts will protect Jerusalem; he will protect and deliver it; he will spare and rescue it.’" God's fierce defense is likened to a lion guarding its catch or birds hovering protectively. These are images of unyielding vigilance.

Zechariah 12:2-4, 8-9 echoes this promise: "Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples... On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves... On that day the Lord will protect the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them on that day shall be like David... And on that day I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." These prophecies, while rooted in Israel's history, point to the church's eschatological security. Enemies may gather, but God confounds them, empowering even the weakest believers with supernatural strength.

Throughout history, the church has faced persecution, heresy, and cultural shifts, yet it endures. This preservation is not due to human ingenuity but God's faithfulness. As we contemplate this privilege, let it embolden us to stand firm in faith, praying for the church worldwide. In times of trial, remember: the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). This truth fosters resilience, turning our gaze from temporal threats to eternal victory.

Enjoying the Communion of Saints in the Visible Church

Another profound privilege is the enjoyment of the communion of saints, a fellowship that transcends time and space, uniting believers in mutual edification and love. Acts 2:42 captures this early church dynamic: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This devotion to shared life reflects the visible church's role as a family, where saints commune in doctrine, meals, and intercession.

This communion is a foretaste of heaven, where diverse individuals find unity in Christ. It's a privilege that combats isolation, offering support in joys and sorrows. Devotionally, we should actively pursue this, attending worship, sharing burdens, and encouraging one another. In an age of individualism, the visible church reminds us that we are members of one body, each essential to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Let this privilege draw us deeper into community, fostering bonds that reflect God's relational nature.

The Ordinary Means of Salvation: Privileges of the Visible Church

The visible church also enjoys the ordinary means of salvation, the Word, ordinances, and prayer, administered for the building up of faith. Acts 2:39 declares: "For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." This promise, tied to baptism and faith, highlights the church's role in extending salvation's means to generations and distant peoples.

Psalm 147:19-20 praises God's revelation: "He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not know his rules. Praise the Lord!" Similarly, Romans 9:4 lists Israel's privileges: "They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises." These now extend to the church, where God's Word is proclaimed and ordinances observed.

Ephesians 4:11-12 explains: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Pastors and teachers equip us through preaching and teaching, nurturing spiritual growth. These means are "ordinary" yet powerful, channels of grace that sustain and sanctify. As we partake, let us approach with reverence, allowing them to transform us into Christ's likeness.

Offers of Grace: The Visible Church's Invitation to All

Finally, the visible church privileges us with offers of grace through the gospel ministry, testifying that whosoever believes shall be saved. Mark 16:15-16 commissions: "And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.’" The church is the vessel for this proclamation, inviting all to faith.

John 6:37 assures: "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." This open invitation excludes none willing to come, emphasizing God's welcoming heart. The gospel offers grace freely, calling sinners to repentance and life.

In the visible church, this ministry unfolds weekly, as preachers declare Christ's salvation. It's a privilege that compels evangelism, extending grace beyond our walls. Devotionally, let this stir us to pray for the lost and share the gospel boldly, rejoicing in God's inclusive call.

Summing it Up

In conclusion, these special privileges of the visible church, care, protection, communion, means of salvation, and offers of grace, reveal God's profound love for His people. They are not earned but gifted, calling us to gratitude, faithfulness, and mission. As we dwell in this blessed estate, may we glorify God, edify one another, and invite the world to join. Praise be to the Lord who preserves and privileges His church eternally.

Soli Deo Gloria