What are the four marks of the Church in the Nicene Creed, and what do they signify?

• A. One, Holy, Apostolic, Catholic; signifying unity and mission.
• B. One, Holy, Apostolic, and Eternal; signifying timelessness.
• C. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic; signifying unity, sanctity, universality, apostolic succession and mission.
• D. One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic; signifying authority.

Answer: (C)

The four marks describe the Church’s identity and mission. One means the Church is united in faith, worship, and governance—the Body of Christ functioning as a single communion. Holy indicates the Church is made holy by its union with Christ and the work of the Spirit, calling its members to pursue holiness even though individuals are imperfect. Catholic (universal) shows the Church’s openness to all people in every time and place, with a mission to proclaim the gospel to all nations. Apostolic signifies that the Church derives its teaching and authority from the apostles and guards that teaching through apostolic succession, continuing the apostolic witness and mission. Together they capture unity, sanctity, universality, and the apostolic foundation and mission of the Church.