The Four Marks of The Church

Question 1

what are the four marks of the church?

Answer 1

one
holy
catholic
apostolic

Question 2

Why are the four marks of the church important?

Answer 2

• shows the church is not a human creation but a divine gift formed and guided by Jesus Christ
• shows Jesus did not forms many groups but one faith and the catholic church has preserved unity in faith
• shows the church is worldwide
• the church is holy which means it’s comes from God and so catholics cannot remake it (guided by the church)

Question 3

How are the 4 marks understood in different ways by Christians today?

Answer 3

• protestants see oneness of the church as something spirtitual, based on Baptism and belief in christ
• orthodox christians view agreement on things like creeds as an essential aspect of oneness of the church
• protestants would therefore allow any believer to receive communion but orthodox christians and catholics would not

Question 4

Describe one

Answer 4

where all christians are united in their beliefs about God and Jesus as taught in the creed

Question 5

Describe holy

Answer 5

comes from God and God is at work in the church

Question 6

Describe Catholic

Answer 6

Means universal. Anyone can join the church whatever their race as there are many catholics worldwide

Question 7

Describe Apostolic

Answer 7

Means the church was founded by apostles. The church today teaches the same message about Jesus as the apostles did.