What is the Church?

One, means single and unified, wherever the "Marks of the Church" are.

Holy means dedicate or consecrated to God.

Catholic means universal, all encompassing. This means the church of all places.

Apostolic means in agreement with the teaching of the apostles. This means the church of all times and at all places.

Orthodox means conforming to beliefs and practices that have been established and approved, and therefore, accepted as right or true generally and traditionally. This is essentially saying catholic and apostolic.

Evangelical means in accordance with the teaching of the gospel

In his Book, “On Councils and the Church” Luther identifies seven marks of the church:

1. The Holy Word of God.
2. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
3. The Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
4. The Office of the Keys Exercised Publicly (Confession and Absolution).
5. The Calling, Consecrating, and Ordaining of Ministers (The Holy Ministry).
6. Prayer, Public Praise, and Thanksgiving to God (The Liturgy / Public Worship). 
7. The Sacred Cross.