Is There Only One True Church?

Can we continue? Absolutely. In the last 50 years we have seen dramatic, doctrinal changes in almost every single denomination, including Lutheran churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Episcopalian, Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventists.

Consider that even among many who identify themselves as “church of Christ”, we have seen in the last 50 years: the invention of numerous agencies to do the work of the church; Changes in the structure of the church; Permitted church works to be controlled and dominated by institutions.

If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God? To find the Lord’s Church, we must look for that which does not change. We must seek those who practice the absolutes taught of Judgment and Salvation.

There are some simple ways that we can identify the true church of Christ. Let’s consider a secular example of this: when Columbus arrived in America, He wanted to know if he was in India (which is where he intended to go). He likely asked some simple questions to determine if he was in India. Who is in charge here? How does your nation work? Who is in your nation?

What is your name? Let us ask similar questions about the church that Jesus built, and whether we have arrived at that country (Hebrews 11:16)

Who is in charge here? This is a question of where we get authority. Churches have a number of answers; the catechism, the Methodist disciple, or the Baptist convention, for example. The church that Jesus built exclusively has ONE answer: Jesus and His word. (Matthew 28:18, I Timothy 1:3). When asked what our structure is, or how we function, we turn to that singular authority (Ephesians 4:11, 5:23). When asked who is in the church, we turn to the Bible for this answer as well (Acts 2:47). Finally, when asked the name of our “country”, we once more find the answer in the Word of God. (I Corinthians 1:12 )

Did God Change? "For I am the LORD, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6)Such a question might seem silly, but let us again consider the aforementioned denominations.

In 250 years time the Catholic church: Decided limbo wasn’t real; Muslims get to heaven now. The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, “He is Jesus Christ himself, hidden under the veil of flesh." Catholic National July 1895 "We hold upon this earth the place of Almighty God" Pope Leo XIII Encyclical Letter of June 20,1894. If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God?

In 50 years the Methodist church: Discovered God did not create all things; Discovered women could be bishops; Discovered homosexuality was not a sin. If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God?

In 50 years time the Christian Church: became a denomination; Elected a woman as president. Can this church be the church of God?

In 50 years time the Mormon church: changed the identity of God; changed the priesthood of believers; discovered they couldn’t speak in tongues. If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God?

In 50 years time the Presbyterian church: Discovered abortion was not a sin; Discovered homosexuality was not a sin. If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God?

In 50 years time the Baptist church: Made pastors “ruler of the church” (1988); Made confessions a source of doctrine (2000). If God does not change, how could this church be the church of God?

To find the Lord’s Church, we must look for that which does not change. We must seek those who practice the absolutes taught of Judgment and Salvation.

Absolute 1: As we have seen, Jesus only built ONE Church. A denomination is by definition a denial of this truth.

Absolute 2: A person is only saved in Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12).

Absolute 3: A person is only saved by Faith and Obedience in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:9, Hebrews 5:9).

Absolute 4: A person is condemned for believing the doctrines of men (Colossians 2:22-23).God is not a God of inconsistency, change or error. He is not the author of confusion, pluralism or denominations of His name.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:4-6

Want to know more? Pray with all your heart for the Lord to tell you Is There Only One True Church?