The church stands or falls with it
One very considerable article of this truth is contained in the words just recited. This is his name, by which he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness. A truth this, which enters deep into the nature of Christianity, and in a manner supports the whole frame of it. Of this, undoubtedly, may be affirmed what Luther affirms of a truth closely connected with it. It is the article with which the church stands or falls. The Christian church stands or falls with it. It is certainly the pillar and ground of that faith of which alone comes salvation, of that catholic, or universal, faith which is found in all the children of God, and which, unless a man keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
1771 text
4. One very considerable article of this truth is contained in the words above recited, This is his name whereby he shall be called, The Lord our righteousness: a truth this, which enters deep into the nature of Christianity, and in a manner supports the whole frame of it. Of this undoubtedly may be affirmed, what Luther affirms of a truth closely connected with it, it is Articulus stantis vel cadentis ecclesiæ: the Christian church stands or falls with it. It is certainly the pillar and ground of that faith, of which alone cometh salvation: of that Catholic or universal faith, which is found in all the children of GOD, and which “unless a man keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.”