VII. Are the elect always members of the church and the reprobate never?

The elect are not alway members of the church, but become such when they are converted, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. For it is said; “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.” (Rom. 8:9.) The church is likewise called holy. But the elect are not holy before their conversion to God; for Paul expressly says: “Such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified.” And again; “Who hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” 1 Cor. 6:11. Col. 1:13.) There are some who are born in the church, and live and die in it, whilst others again are not born in it; but are called, some sooner and others later to the church visible and invisible, as the thief on the cross. “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold, them also I must bring,” said Christ. (John 10:16.) “I have much people in this city,” that is by election. (Acts 18:10.) So the reprobate are not always estranged from the church; but are sometimes born in it, and sometimes become members of the visible church, and go out from it again. “They went out from us.” “Grievous wolves shall enter in among you.” (1. John 2:19. Acts 20:29.)

Obj. 1. All those that believe are always members of the church. But all the elect believe, because the saved, the elect, the faithful are inter changeable terms. Therefore all the elect are always members of the church.
Ans. We reply to the minor proposition, that the terms enumerated are indeed interchangeable, but are nevertheless used with a certain limitation. All the faithful, and those that are to be saved are elected, and that always, and at all times. And all the elect are such as do believe, and as will be saved, yet not always; for at one time it may be said of them that they are to be saved; at another that they do believe, and at another that they are saved. So far then these terms are convertable; because all the elect do believe, or will believe before the end of life: for now is the day of grace: then will be the day of judgment.

Obj. 2. Christ notwithstanding calls those his sheep, who are not as yet converted from the Gentiles. “I have,” said he, “other sheep which are not of this fold,” which means that they are not of that portion of the church which was to be gathered from among the Jews. Therefore those other sheep, seem to be of the general flock.
Ans. These were even then sheep, as to the counsel, and care of God, but not as touching the fulfillment of his decree: in other words they were sheep by predestination. In short, the elect are not always members of the church, but it is necessary, that they should be brought into the church, even if it should occur in the very moment of death. This is what we mean when we say that it is necessary that all the elect in this life begin eternal life. The reprobate are indeed sometimes members of the visible church, and are not always estranged from it: but they never truly came into it, nor are they ever members of the invisible church, which is that of the saints; for they are always aliens to this.