Many Christians wonder how to identify the one true church that Jesus Christ established, especially given the multitude of denominations that exist today. This question can be clarified by considering the principles laid out in the New Testament and understanding the significance of adhering to the biblical blueprint for the church.
The Biblical Blueprint
Consider the analogy of giving the same blueprint to ten different homebuilders. If each builder constructed a home that looked different from the others, it would be clear that at least nine of them, if not all ten, did not follow the blueprint. The only way to determine which builder followed the correct plan would be to compare each home to the original blueprint.
Similarly, when different churches claim to follow the Bible but teach and practice things that are diametrically opposed to each other, it is evident that someone is not adhering to the biblical pattern.
If by chance you aren’t following, the “blueprint” is the Bible.
Jesus Built One Church
The New Testament teaches that Jesus built only one church.
In Matthew 16:18 (NKJV), Jesus says, "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
The term "church" here is singular, indicating that Jesus intended to establish one unified body of believers.
Christians, Not Denominations
In Acts 11:26 (NKJV), we read, "And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
Here, we see that the disciples were called Christians. This is the biblical name for followers of Christ.
Adherence to Scripture
To identify the one true church, we must compare its teachings and practices to the New Testament. Here are some key elements to consider:
Doctrine: The teachings of the church must align with the New Testament. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV), Paul writes, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." The Bible is the ultimate authority for doctrine. All of it, not just the parts that we like or that fit with what we have always been taught. (Psalm 119:160)
Worship: The pattern of worship in the New Testament includes preaching (Acts 20:7), singing (Ephesians 5:19), prayer (Acts 2:42), giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and partaking of the Lord's Supper every first day of the week (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Acts 20:7). A church that follows the biblical pattern of worship will adhere to these practices, nothing less and nothing more.
Organization: The New Testament church is described as being overseen by elders and served by deacons (Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13). Any deviation from this structure, such as elevating the role of “pastor” or allowing women to preach or serve as elders or deacons, indicates a departure from the biblical blueprint.
Name: The church is described in various ways in the New Testament, such as "the church of God" (1 Corinthians 1:2) and "the church of Christ" (Romans 16:16). Any name used outside of those used in scripture is merely allegiance to a human founder and man made doctrine.
So How Do We Fix It?
The truth is simple: Jesus built one church, and He calls His followers Christians. To determine which church is the one true church, we must compare its teachings, worship, organization, and name to the New Testament blueprint. Any church that deviates from this pattern is not following the biblical design and is therefore not the church that Jesus established.