Continuing Barth’s discussion of the four marks:
When I look at myself with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy person. When I look at the church with earthly eyes, I do not see a holy church. I am filled (to a lesser or greater degree) with a mixture of worship and doubt. The church is filled (to a lesser or greater degree) with a mixture of worship and doubt. This is evident to earthly eyes. Yet, something else is evident to the eyes of trust. Hidden within the earthly/visible church (of which I, as a follower of Jesus Christ am necessarily a member) is the holy, indestructible body of Christ. This is a matter of revelation and is seen and known only by trusting the Spirit.
Each of us is holy only in Jesus. Only Jesus determines our relationship to him. All we can do is trust. This same trust must be exercised as we relate with those who profess trust in Christ. It is only when we accept one another’s profession that we can confront one another’s practice and belief.
