One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church: The Biblical Doctrine of the Church

We Believe #8

by Guy Prentiss Waters, John McClean (series_editor), Murray J. Smith (series_editor)

We can better see God’s wise and good plan for the world when we better understand his intentions for the church.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church provides a cohesive and comprehensive guide to understanding the nature and purpose of the church. Throughout redemptive history, God has been gathering a people to himself to worship him, to serve one another, and to bring the gospel to the nations.

Waters approaches the doctrine of the church from biblical-theological, historical, and systematic angles. He also addresses practical concerns about the life and ministry of the church today, such as worship, spiritual gifts, and the relationship between church and state.

Genres: Theology

348 pages, Hardcover

Published August 6, 2025

About the author

Guy Prentiss Waters (PhD, Duke University) is James M. Baird Jr. Professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson. He is the author or editor of fifteen books and numerous chapters, articles, and reviews. He is a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA).

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The “We Believe” takes shape as a dandy series that taken together will finally make a major systematic theology contribution. Several of these type series are reformed in nature, as is this one, and we certainly aren’t lacking works from that perspective, but this is one to consider to cover that viewpoint. While I might disagree on points, I’ve found real help in each volume of this series.

That being said, this title is a bit more militantly reformed than others in the series. The doctrine of the Church is one that kind of forces you into a distinct lane, but did this scholarly work really need to quote a denominational source of the Presbyterian Church multiple times? Even if the author thought those sources were exquisitely worded, does it really encourage a broad readership? Perhaps, though, if you are a Presbyterian, you’ll want this title even more in the crowded field.

All of that being said, I’m not denigrating the work. Waters is a good writer who presents with clarity. You won’t misunderstood what he’s saying even if you disagree with it. I imagine him to be a good teacher. So many paragraphs are him discussing by listing items one, two, three, etc.

This systematic theology theme is run through the rubric of biblical theology here. It’s also moored to Covenant Theology. Not surprisingly then, he begins in Creation. I see the Church coming along later than that, but there are still connections worth pursuing even if I might not see them as strongly as him. I have the same reservations and enjoyments in his chapters on Abraham, Moses and the Prophets.

The work grew much more captivating in chapter 6 where we meet Jesus, the Eschatological Reconstitution of the Church. The next chapter on the Apostles returns to more expected fields for a work of this type. Part II encompassing chapters 8-13 is more traditional in its contents. Still, the parts touching on local churches especially holds to the Presbyterian mindset.

Chapter 14 felt like Bavinck to me as it addressed things like church and state as well as religious liberty. The Conclusion succeeds as a clear summary as 7 statement are winsomely made to reiterate the work.

I’ve explained a few things in this review to show that you might love this book more if you’re a Presbyterian than if you’re not. Still, it’s a book much worth having.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Tim Sanduleac · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read.

Waters relies mostly on Scottish and Southern Presbyterian sources for the major arguments of this book. The first half of the book, giving a succinct treatment of Covenant Theology, is phenomenal, and fairly accessible. I have some quibbles here and there, and I didn't care much for the chapter on the church's relationship to the civil government. That being said, this is a great introduction to the Reformed doctrine of the Church.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Guy Waters writes on the biblical doctrine of the church. Written from a confessionally Reformed perspective in dialogue with the great creeds of the church, this book traces the church through the entire scope of Scripture. It is an outstanding biblical theology of ecclesiology.

Waters begins by explaining how human beings bear God’s image ontologically, functionally, and relationally. Marriage and labor further point to God’s purposes for the church — relating to Christ and doing God’s work in the world. It was eye-opening for me to see how the roots of the church stretch all the way back to Adam and Eve.

Precise, Accessible, Faithful

For Israel, the purpose of the laws was to order the life of an already-redeemed people. Israel was to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, pointing to Christ to diffuse the saving knowledge of God to the nations. When the kingdoms of Israel dissolved, prophetic promises concerning the remnant and Christ shed light on the dynamic, global future of the eschatological people of God. The person and work of Christ reconstitutes God’s people around himself, while the apostles continue Christ’s ministry to the world.

I was most interested to read about the attribute of unity in the church. Waters posits an underlying unity of Israel and the church as God’s people. Also, the terminology of the invisible/visible church is not employed in Scripture, but the concept is present. The unity of the church is obscured but not destroyed by denominations. A common faith in God as he has revealed himself in Scripture is strong enough to unite us all. Waters’ arguments are precise, accessible, and faithful.

The Bride and Bridegroom

The latter half of the book presents four distinct dimensions of life and ministry in the church — government, worship, life, and mission. A small section regarding the day of worship was especially compelling. The biblical reasons for a Sabbath are: (1) it is not unique to the Mosaic law but was an ordinance of creation; (2) Jesus neither criticized nor abolished the Sabbath — only speaking positively about it; and (3) the New Testament testifies that Jesus Christ rose from the dead on the first day of the week, commemorating God’s work of new creation. I was inspired to see how we rest and worship on Sunday mornings, meeting with one another and with the risen Christ.

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church is a solid work that will strengthen pastors, scholars, and laymen who serve God’s people. You will come away with a better understanding of the Bride, and a stronger love for the Bridegroom.

I received a media copy of One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church and this is my honest review. @diveindigdeep

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, : excellent work on ecclesiology. Waters has written before about presbyterian polity specifically, but here takes a much deeper look at every aspect of the doctrine of the church. I'd say he's hit a home run.

The first third of the book, perhaps surprisingly, contains little systematic theology at all. Instead Waters simply exegetes several biblical texts without making the ecclesial connections. At first this was frustrating, but once you realize that he's simply laying a deep foundation for what comes later, you will appreciate this effort.

The systematics themselves (last two thirds of the book) are right down the middle for a serious, confessional, conservative presbyterian. No surprises, and no weaknesses. Waters' good sense shows itself time and again as he discusses various topics about which baptists and papists would disagree with him. But Waters calmly lays down the law. I loved it. Excellent book for any presbyterian elder to own and read.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise work of ecclesiology from a Reformed, Presbyterian perspective. Waters's approach is first to survey the subject through a history of redemption perspective, tracing the church back to the Garden of Eden. He then constructs the doctrine of the church systematically. Finally, he makes application of the doctrine of the church. The work reflects a great deal reading and reflection. Each chapter concludes with a short list of recommended readings. Those who read this work will have a greater understanding of the doctrine of the church and a greater understanding of Presbyterianism, even if they don't agree with it. Highly recommended.

[Ben Sibley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good bridge between entry-level material and another step down. This book plus the Westminster Larger Catechism would be a helpful progression from the Westminster Confession and Shorter Catechism.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, clear-written introduction to ecclesiology from a Reformed Presbyterian conviction. I gave it four-stars because it often assumed and asserted rather than argued for its distinct Presbyterian approach to ecclesiology.

[Wayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Review pending.

[Eddie Mercado · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. Very impressive how much Waters could accomplish in under 300 pages. His Biblical-Theological treatment of the church was the most helpful section in my opinion.