Visibility

Visibility is the first of Madrid’s three signs by which to discern the Church founded by Christ.  Protestants teach that the Church is invisible.  That it is comprised of all people everywhere who believe in Jesus, and that the true members of the Church are known to God alone.  Although there are some traces of truth, this model leaves out critical features that Christ taught about the nature of the Church.  Even those who believe only in the invisible church belong to a particular church which they attend every Sunday. However, those who believe only in the invisible church generally conclude even though they may have chosen a particular church to be active in, the specific church they go to doesn’t really matter.

In contrast, Jesus declares to his hearers: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”

This is an assertion that the Church would be clearly visible… to those willing to look.  Without question the Catholic Church is clearly visible to all - Catholic and non-Catholic, Christian and non-Christian alike.