On the Councils and the Church

On the Councils and the Church

On the Councils and the Church (1539) is a treatise by Protestant Reformer Martin Luther on ecclesiology, on a later stage of his life.

On the Councils and the Church is known best for its teaching, dealt in the third part of the book, of the "seven marks of the Church", of which the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church can be recognized. These marks are:

  1. holy word of God, effective mean of grace
  2. holy sacrament of baptism, regeneration
  3. holy sacrament of the altar
  4. office of keys exercised publicly, although not the office of pope. Includes also private confession as a mean of grace.
  5. it consecrates or calls ministers, or has offices that is to administer, bishops, pastors, preachers, but not women.
  6. prayer, public praise, and thanksgiving to God, the liturgy
  7. holy possession of the sacred cross, suffering and carrying the cross as followers of Christ.

English translation

Luther's Works: vol. 41

See also

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