Already we have looked at the spring where the church flows forth. At this point it is proposed that we are to believe the church with this end in view: that we may have assurance that the whole number of the elect are joined by the bond of faith into one church and society and one people of God, which Christ our Lord is leader and prince, and, so to speak, Head of the one body, just as in him before the foundation of the world they were all chosen to e gathered into God's kingdom.
Now this society is catholic, that is, universal, because there could not be two or three churches, but all God's elect are so united and co-joined together in Christ that as they are dependent upon one Head, they also grow together in one body, being joined and knit together as are the limbs of one body. They are made truly one since they live together in one faith, hope, and love, and in the same Spirit of God, called to the inheritance of eternal life.
It is also because as many have been chosen by God's eternal providence to be adopted into the number of the church--- all these are made holy by the Lord through spiritual regeneration.
The significance of the final phrase is still to be interpreted more clearly. Namely, the communion of believers is only valid in the sense that as a particular gift is reserved for each, all are truly made sharers in it, even though by God's dispensation it has been expressly given to one, not to others. Just as the members of one body share among themselves by some sort of community, each nonetheless has his special gift and distinct ministry. For, as has been said, they are gathered and fastened together into one body. We believe the church and its communion to be holy on this condition, that relying upon a solid faith in Christ, we too trust we are members of it.
From John Calvin's Catechism of 1538
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