Now remains the fourth part, of the holy catholic church: of the which I would hear what you have to say.
Answer: I may briefly say, that the Church is the Body of Christ
Scripture Reference: 1 Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24
Question. Yes, but I would have it somewhat more plainly and at large.
Answer. The Church is the body of the Christian commonwealth, that is the universal number and fellowship of all the Faithful, whom God through Christ hath before all beginning of time, appointed to everlasting life.
Scripture References: Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:12-13, 20:26; Eph. 1:4-5 and 30:9-10; Matt. 25:34
Question. Why is this point put into the Creed?
Answer. Because if the Church were not, both Christ had died without cause, and all the things that have been hitherto spoken of, should be in vain and come to nothing.
Question. How so?
Answer. Hitherto we have spoken of the causes of salvation, and have considered the foundations thereof, namely, how God by the deserving of Christ, loveth and dearly esteemeth us: how also by the work of the Holy Ghost, we receive this grace of God, whereunto we are restored. But of these, this is the only effect, that there be a Church, that is, a company of the godly upon whom these benefits of God may be bestowed.
Scripture Reference: Matt. 16:18; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 12:13, 28; 2 Tim. 3:15