Learn the biblical marks of Christ’s one true church and how it differs from today’s religious institutions.
In a world filled with countless denominations, religious groups, and man-made traditions, it can be difficult to know which church is truly the one established by Christ. But Jesus made a powerful promise:
“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” – Matthew 16:18
He didn’t say He would build many churches—He said My church—one. The Bible teaches that the church is Christ’s body (Ephesians 1:22–23), and He is its sole head. If Jesus established one true church, we can identify it—not by tradition, denomination, or popularity—but by the clear marks found in Scripture.
1. Founded by Christ – Not Man
The church that belongs to Christ was founded by Jesus Himself, not by a man, a council, or a denomination.
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11
Some believe the church was built on Peter, based on Matthew 16:18, but that is a misunderstanding. Let’s clarify:
Was Peter the Rock? No—It Was His Confession
In Matthew 16:16–18, Peter boldly confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “You are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (Petra) I will build My church.”
The Greek words show the distinction:
Petros = a small stone (Peter)
Petra = a massive, immovable rock (the truth Peter confessed)
Christ was saying: “Peter, you are a small stone, but on the solid truth that I am the Son of God, I will build My church.” This matches what Paul said later:
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11
The church was not built on Peter, but on Christ Himself and the truth of who He is.
2. Established on the Day of Pentecost
The church began in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, as recorded in Acts 2. There, the apostles preached the first gospel sermon, and about 3,000 souls were baptized into Christ.
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:47
There was no denominational structure—just one body of believers united in the apostles’ doctrine.
3. Wears a Biblical Name
The church wears names that reflect ownership by Christ and God, not man.
“The churches of Christ greet you.” – Romans 16:16
“To the church of God which is at Corinth…” – 1 Corinthians 1:2
These are not denominational titles but simple identifiers. No sectarian names or creeds existed in the first century.
4. Teaches the One Gospel
The one true church teaches the same gospel that Jesus’ apostles preached. Paul strongly warned:
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.” – Galatians 1:8
That gospel includes:
Hearing the Word (Romans 10:17)
Believing in Christ (Mark 16:16)
Repenting of sins (Acts 2:38)
Confessing Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10)
Being baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16)
There is no biblical support for the “sinner’s prayer” or “faith alone” salvation. Only obedience to the gospel saves (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
5. Practices Scriptural Worship
The early church worshiped simply and reverently, following God’s pattern—not man-made traditions.
Singing (a cappella) – Ephesians 5:19
Prayer – Acts 2:42
Preaching – Acts 20:7
Giving – 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week – Acts 20:7
Worship in the one true church is done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), without innovations not found in the New Testament.
6. Promotes Unity, Not Division
The true church is united in doctrine—not split into competing beliefs.
“Now I plead with you… that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you…” – 1 Corinthians 1:10
Denominationalism is a product of man—not God. Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20–21), and that unity is only found by following God’s Word alone.
7. Added to the Church by the Lord
People don’t “join” the true church. The Bible teaches that the Lord adds the saved to His church.
“And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:47
There are no voting processes or membership rolls—only submission to Christ through obedience to His gospel.
Conclusion: Return to the Pattern
The Bible makes it possible to identify the one true church. If a religious group:
Was not founded by Christ,
Was not established on Pentecost,
Teaches a different gospel,
Bears a man-made name,
Worships with unauthorized practices,
And promotes division—
…it cannot be the church we read about in the New Testament.
We urge you to search the Scriptures, test everything by God’s Word (Acts 17:11), and seek out the church that follows the Bible—nothing more, nothing less.
“There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all…” – Ephesians 4:4–6