What is the invisible church?

The invisible church is the whole number of the elect, that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one under Christ the head.[1] 

1. Eph. 1:20, 22-23

   …that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places… .
   
   

   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.

   
   John 10:16

     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.

   
   John 11:52

   …and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 64

Comments

[jen elslager]

I've just started to really get into reformed theology, and I had no idea of this concept of the 'invisible' church. So I found this at Reformed Theology, and it was quite helpful. I know all this must be so basic to many people, but it's like all new stuff to me!

Thanks for posting this.

[jen elslager]

Whoops. I guess that was Reformation Theology. :)