Toward A Christian Worldview - Faith Presbyterian Church Reformed

Chapter 2: Christianity and the Basic Elements of Philosophy
sis 1-2), and, in a sense, the other two institutions are founded upon
the family. {17}
The second Biblical institution is the church. {18} Theologians distinguish
between the visible and the invisible church. The former,
according to the Confession (25:1), “consists of all those throughout
the world who profess the true religion, and of their children.” The
invisible church, on the other hand, comprises the true saints (the
elect) of all time, even those not yet born. Teaches the Confession
(25:1): “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 fullness of Him that fills all in all.”
The third Biblical institution, which is our present focus, is the
civil magistracy. The difference between this institution and the other
two is that it is, in the words of Augustine, a “necessary evil.” {19} That
is, the civil magistracy is itself made necessary due to the Fall of man
and the major purpose of the state is to punish evil doers (Romans
13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). And for this purpose the state is “God’s minister”
(Romans 13:4,6). As taught in the Confession (23:1): “God, the
supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates,
to be, under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the
17. For a detailed study of the family and the various duties associated with that
institution, consult the audio tape series, A Directory of Domestic Duties by Richard
Bacon (Rowlett, TX: Blue Banner Publications, 1995).
18. For a further study of the doctrine of the church, see W. Gary Crampton and
Richard E. Bacon, Built Upon The Rock (Dallas: Blue Banner Ministries, 1999).
19. Augustine, City of God 19.13-15.
Toward A Christian Worldview 45