Christ gave the Church the means whereby man can be sanctified and saved. * The Church instituted by Christ is the only way to eternal salvation. Jesus Christ founded the Church to bring all men to eternal salvation. Christ also loved the Church, and delivered himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, cleansing her in the bath of water by means of the word in order that he might present to himself the Church in all her glory, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she might be holy and without blemish" ( Ephesians 5:25-27). Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world' " ( Matthew 28:18-20). * > "And Jesus drew near and spoke to them saying, 'All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. * > "And I say to thee, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ( Matthew 16:18). The Church is also a monarchical society in which the Pope rules with full power, that is, with jurisdiction over the entire Church. The Roman Pontiff and the bishops under him are the ruling hierarchy of the Church. * The Gospels show that Christ founded the Church in the form of a visible, hierarchical society, that is, one made up of subjects and superiors who rightfully rule subjects. Earlier in His public ministry He had instituted the sacraments, chosen the twelve apostles, instructed them by word and example, and conferred on them the power of teaching, ruling, and sanctifying. * Christ completed the founding of His Church just before His Ascension, when He commissioned the apostles to make disciples of all nations. one body and one Spirit, even as you were called in one hope of your calling one Lord, one faith, one Baptism one God and Father of all" ( Ephesians 4:4-6). Now you are the body of Christ, member for member" ( 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27). * > "For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, many as they are, form one body, so also is it with Christ. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd" ( John 10:14-16). And other sheep I have that are not of this fold. * > "I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, even as the Father knows me and I know the Father and I lay down my life for my sheep. * > "But if I cast out devils by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" ( Luke 11:20). * > "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. * Sacred Scripture refers to the Church as the Body of Christ, as a sheepfold, as the kingdom of God, and as the kingdom of heaven. Even schismatics, heretics, and those excommunicated are subjects of the Church and are obliged by its laws unless exempted by the Church. To remain a real member of the Church after Baptism a person must profess the one true faith and must not withdraw from the unity of the body of the Church in schism or heresy or be excommunicated by legitimate authority because of serious sins. * Since Baptism, according to the ruling of Christ, is the gateway to the Church, a person becomes a member of the Church on receiving this sacrament. The Church is the congregation of all baptized persons united in the same true faith, the same sacrifice, and the same sacraments, under the authority of the Sovereign Pontiff and the bishops in communion with him. Baltimore Catechism #3, Lesson 11, The Catholic Church
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