What is the Invisible Church?

In our journey through the rich truths of the Westminster Larger Catechism, we arrive at Question 64: "What is the invisible Church?" It answers: "The invisible Church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head." This idea here invites us to look beyond the public, physical gatherings of believers we see in our local congregations and to think about the timeless, eternal assembly that God is building across all of history. It's a reminder that our faith is part of something much larger than our immediate experiences, a divine plan that spans generations and unites us with saints from every era.

Last week, in our previous post, The Special Privileges of the Visible Church, we explored how the visible church offers tangible blessings like fellowship, sacraments, and accountability. The reality is that in the visible church, some are not truly in Christ. The question is, what is the difference? Today, let's delve into this mystery, drawing from Scripture to understand how the elect are gathered under Christ's sovereign headship. This truth should stir our hearts to worship, encourage us in times of isolation, and inspire us to live with an eternal perspective.

The Whole Number of the Elect in the Invisible Church

At the heart of the invisible church is the doctrine of election, where God, in His sovereign grace, chooses a people for Himself before the foundation of the world. The catechism describes the invisible church as "the whole number of the elect," emphasizing that this body includes every individual whom God has predestined for salvation. This isn't a partial or incomplete group; it's the complete tally of those redeemed by Christ's blood.

Consider Ephesians 1:10, where Paul speaks of God's plan "To unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." This verse points to a cosmic gathering, where the elect are drawn from every corner of creation into one harmonious whole. The invisible church isn't limited by geography, culture, or time; it's a universal family that defies human boundaries. In John 10:16, Jesus declares, "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." Here, the Lord reveals that His flock extends beyond the immediate audience of His day, encompassing Gentiles and future believers who will heed His call.

This truth is devotional gold for the believer. Have you ever felt alone in your faith, perhaps in a workplace or community where few share your convictions? Remember that you are part of the whole number of the elect. Your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, alongside Abraham, David, the apostles, and countless unnamed saints who have gone before. This invisible bond strengthens us, reminding us that our struggles are shared in the grand narrative of redemption. As we meditate on this, let's pray for a deeper awareness of our election, thanking God for His choosing love that predates our existence.

Moreover, the elect are not chosen based on merit but on God's unchanging decree. This guards against pride and fosters humility. In our visible churches, we might see varying degrees of spiritual maturity, but in the invisible church, all are equally secure in Christ. John 11:52 echoes this by noting that Jesus died "Not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad." The cross is the great unifier, gathering the dispersed elect into a single, invisible entity.

That Have Been, Are, or Shall Be in the Invisible Church

The scope of the invisible church is breathtaking; it encompasses the past, present, and future. The catechism specifies "that have been, are, or shall be," highlighting God's timeless perspective. The elect who "have been" include Old Testament patriarchs like Noah and Moses, who looked forward to the Messiah. Those who "are" include us, living in this age of grace, experiencing the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And those who "shall be" are future generations, perhaps our children or believers in distant lands yet to hear the gospel.

Ephesians 1:22-23 beautifully illustrates this: "And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all." The church here is described as Christ's body, a living organism that grows and fills all things across time. This fullness isn't achieved in a single moment but unfolds progressively as the elect are called home.

Devotionally, this encourages perseverance. In seasons of doubt or trial, we can draw comfort from knowing that the invisible church is already complete in God's eyes. The saints who "have been" interceded for us in their prayers for future generations as we, who "are," pray for those who "shall be." This continuity fosters a sense of legacy. Think of the martyrs of old; their faithfulness echoes through time, bolstering our own. John 10:16 reinforces this time-spanning unity: the "other sheep" include not just spatial outsiders but temporal ones, all brought into one flock.

In practical terms, this truth shapes how we view church history. We honor the creeds and confessions not as relics but as living testimonies from the elect who "have been." It also fuels missions: knowing there are elect who "shall be" motivates us to proclaim the gospel, trusting God to gather them. As we reflect, let's commit to intercessory prayer that spans eras, thanking God for past saints, seeking strength for present ones, and pleading for the future harvest.

Gathered Into One Under Christ the Head in the Invisible Church

The culmination of the invisible church is its unity "gathered into one under Christ the head." This isn't a loose affiliation but a profound oneness, with Christ as the supreme authority and life-source. Ephesians 1:22-23 underscores Christ's headship: He is head over everything for the church, implying direction, nourishment, and protection. As the body, the invisible church derives its vitality from Him, functioning in perfect harmony under His rule.

John 11:52 captures the gathering aspect: Christ's death was to "Gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad." The scattered children, fragmented by sin, culture, and time, are collected through the atoning work of Christ. Devotionally, this calls us to submission and unity. In a divided world, the invisible church models perfect oneness. Though visible churches may fracture over secondary issues, the invisible remains undivided. This should humble us, prompting reconciliation where possible and a focus on essentials. Christ's headship also assures victory: as Head, He subdues all enemies, ensuring the elect's perseverance.

Imagine the final gathering at Christ's return, the whole number of the elect, from Adam to the last convert, assembled in glory. This hope sustains us amid earthly chaos. It also deepens our love for Christ, the Head who bled for His body.

Living in Light of the Invisible Church

As we conclude, let's apply these truths. The invisible church isn't abstract; it informs our daily walk. It guards against despair: when visible churches falter, remember the elect endure. It promotes catholicity: we share bonds with believers worldwide, transcending denominations. It fuels evangelism: God is gathering His elect, and we participate in that.

In contrast to the visible church's privileges discussed previously, such as ordinances and discipline, the invisible church offers assurance of election and eternal security. Together, they paint a full picture of ecclesiology. May this meditation draw you closer to Christ, the Head.

Soli Deo Gloria