Term

visible church

The church as seen by Christians on earth, which includes both believers and unbelievers.

Filed underEcclesiology

Definition

The church as Christians on earth see it. Because only God sees our hearts, the visible church will always include some unbelievers.

Connections

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Narrower than
Contrasted with

Sources

  1. 1.Wayne A. Grudem Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed.. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020). 44A.2Original citation: Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2020, 44A.2.

Last revised August 14, 2026