Question 54.
What believest thou concerning the "holy catholic church" of Christ?
Answer. That the Son of God [a] from the [b] beginning to the end of the world, gathers, [c] defends, and [d] preserves to himself by his [e] Spirit and word, out of the [f] whole human race, a [g] church chosen to everlasting life, agreeing in true faith; and that I am and for ever shall remain, a [h] living member thereof.
Question 55.
What do you understand by "the communion of saints"?
Answer. First, that all and every one, who believes, being members of Christ, are in common, [i] partakers of him, and of all his riches and gifts; secondly, that every one must know it to be his duty, readily and [j] cheerfully to employ his gifts, for the advantage and salvation of other members.
Question 56.
What believest thou concerning "the forgiveness of sins"?
Answer. That God, for the sake of [k] Christ's satisfaction will no more [l] remember my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my life long; but will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ; that I may never be [m] condemned before the tribunal of God.
[a]: John 10:11
[b]: Gen. 26:4
[c]: Rom. 9:24; Eph. 1:10
[d]: John 10:16
[e]: Isa. 59:12
[f]: Deut 10:14,15
[g]: Acts 13:48
[h]: 1Cor. 1:8,9; Rom. 8:35ff
[i]: John 1:3,4; Rom. 8:32; 1Cor. 12:13
[j]: 1Cor. 12:13
[j]: 1Cor. 13:5; Phil. 2:4,5,6
[k]: 1John 2:2; 2Cor. 5:19,21
[l]: Jer. 31:34; Psa. 103:3,4,10,11; Rom. 8:1,2,3
[m]: John 3:18
