Biblical concept of Church in Lutheranism

[stevenhorr]

Greetings,

I was reading 1 Corinthians 12 yesterday,wherein St Paul talks about the Church as the body of Christ, and I find myself wondering how Luther (and other Reformers by extension) view the Church? I understand the Catholic and Orthodox views, but not the Protestant view on this. Is it an invisible Church based on individual Christians' belief or sanctification?Is there a book or website you would recommend for understanding the Lutheran and/or Protestant view on the Church as the body of Christ?

Thanks in advance,
Steve

 

[GracetotheHumble]

As Lutherans we understand the church to be catholic meaning universal. The church is the collective body of believers wherever they may be found. The church is also found wherever the word of God is preached and the sacraments administered.

 

[Obedientiarius]

The Lutheran definition of Church, in short, is found here: http://bookofconcord.org/augsburgconfession.php#article7
A longer explanation can be found here: http://bookofconcord.org/defense_6_church.php

 

[stevenhorr]

Great. Thanks for these helpful responses!