Which Church best represents the church established by Christ during his ministry on earth?

Question

In other words what was his church like and which best represents that church today.

Answer 1

The ability to trace one's church back to the “first church” through apostolic succession is an argument used by a number of different churches to assert that their church is the “one true church.” The Roman Catholic Church makes this claim. The Greek Orthodox Church makes this claim. Some Protestant denominations make this claim. Some of the “Christian” cults make this claim. How do we know which church is correct? The biblical answer is – it does not matter!

The first church, its growth, doctrine, and practices, were recorded for us in the New Testament. Jesus, as well as His apostles, foretold that false teachers would arise, and indeed it is apparent from some of the New Testament epistles that these apostles had to fight against false teachers early on. Having a pedigree of apostolic succession or being able to trace a church's roots back to the "first church" is nowhere in Scripture given as a test for being the true church. What is given is repeated comparisons between what a false teachers teach and what the first church taught, as recorded in Scripture. Whether a church is the "true church" or not is determined by comparing its teachings and practices to that of the New Testament church, as recorded in Scripture.

For instance, in Acts 20:17-38, the Apostle Paul has an opportunity to talk to the church leaders in the large city of Ephesus one last time face to face. In that passage, he tells them that false teachers will not only come among them but will come FROM them (vv. 29-30). Paul does not set forth the teaching that they were to follow the "first" organized church as a safeguard for the truth. Rather he commits them to the safekeeping of "God and to the word of His grace" (v. 32). Thus, truth could be determined by depending upon God and "the word of His grace" (i.e., Scripture, see John 10:35).

This dependence upon the Word of God, rather than following certain individual "founders" is seen again in Galatians 1:8-9, in which Paul states: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." Thus, the basis for determining truth from error is not based upon even WHO it is that is teaching it, “we or an angel from heaven,” but whether it is the same gospel that they had already received – and this gospel is recorded in Scripture.

Another example of this dependence upon the Word of God is found in 2 Peter. In this epistle, the Apostle Peter is fighting against false teachers. In doing so, Peter begins by mentioning that we have a "more sure word" to depend upon than even hearing the voice of God from heaven as they did at Jesus' transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16-21). This “more sure word” is the written Word of God. Peter later tells them again to be mindful of "the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets and the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Savior" (2 Peter 3:2). Both the words of the holy prophets and the commandments Jesus gave to the apostles are recorded in Scripture.

How do we determine whether a church is teaching correct doctrine or not? The only infallible standard that Scripture says that we have is the Bible (Isaiah 8:20; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Matthew 5:18; John 10:35; Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 2:25; Galatians 1:6-9). Tradition is a part of every church, and that tradition must be compared to God's Word, lest it go against what is true (Mark 7:1-13). While it is true that the cults and sometimes orthodox churches twist the interpretation of Scripture to support their practices; nonetheless, Scripture, when taken in context and faithfully studied, is able to guide one to the truth.

The “first church” is the church that is recorded in the New Testament, especially in the Book of Acts and the Epistles of Paul. The New Testament church is the “original church” and the “one true church.” We can know this because it is described, in great detail, in Scripture. The church, as recorded in the New Testament, is God’s pattern and foundation for His church. On this basis, let’s examine the Roman Catholic claim that it is the “first church.” Nowhere in the New Testament will you find the “one true church” doing any of the following: praying to Mary, praying to the saints, venerating Mary, submitting to a pope, having a select priesthood, baptizing an infant, observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as sacraments, or passing on apostolic authority to successors of the apostles. All of these are core elements of the Roman Catholic faith. If most of the core elements of the Roman Catholic Church were not practiced by the New Testament Church (the first church and one true church), how then can the Roman Catholic Church be the first church? A study of the New Testament will clearly reveal that the Roman Catholic Church is not the same church as the church that is described in the New Testament.

The New Testament records the history of the church from approximately 30 A.D. to approximately 90 A.D. In the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries, history records several Roman Catholic doctrines and practices among early Christians. Is it not logical that the earliest Christians would be more likely to understand what the Apostles truly meant? Yes, it is logical, but there is one problem. Christians in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries were not the earliest Christians. Again, the New Testament records the doctrine and practice of the earliest Christians…and, the New Testament does not teach Roman Catholicism. What is the explanation for why the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th century church began to exhibit signs of Roman Catholicism?

The answer is simple – the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th century (and following) church did not have the complete New Testament. Churches had portions of the New Testament, but the New Testament (and the full Bible) were not commonly available until after the invention of the printing press in 1440 A.D. The early church did its best in passing on the teachings of the apostles through oral tradition, and through extremely limited availability to the Word in written form. At the same time, it is easy to see how false doctrine could creep into a church that only had access to the Book of Galatians, for example. It is very interesting to note that the Protestant Reformation followed very closely after the invention of the printing press and the translation of the Bible into the common languages of the people. Once people began to study the Bible for themselves, it became very clear how far the Roman Catholic Church had departed from the church that is described in the New Testament.

Scripture never mentions using "which church came first" as the basis for determining which is the "true" church. What it does teach is that one is to use Scripture as the determining factor as to which church is preaching the truth and thus is true to the first church. It is especially important to compare Scripture with a church's teaching on such core issues as the full deity and humanity of Christ, the atonement for sin through His blood on Calvary, salvation from sin by grace through faith, and the infallibility of the Scriptures. The “first church” and “one true church” is recorded in the New Testament. That is the church that all churches are to follow, emulate, and model themselves after.

Recommended Resource: The Gospel According to Rome: Comparing original church, first church and The Word of God by James McCarthy.

Answer 2

The church that Jesus established bears his name as ownership. It is the church of Christ.

"Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you." Romans 16:16

We are not affiliated with any denomination but, instead, seek only to be Christians.

Each congregation is governed by its own elders, in harmony with the New Testament. We have no central headquarters or president. The head of the church is none other than Jesus Christ himself (Ephesians 1:22-23).

It is the Word of God that unites us into One Faith (Ephesians 4:3-6). We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and his holy Apostles, and not the teachings of man. We are Christians only! We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent.

To find out more about the church of Christ see source.

Answer 3

The theme of Jesus’ preaching was: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’ (Mt 4:17) Like an official herald, he was alerting his listeners to his Sovereign God’s activity, to a time of opportunity and decision. (Mr 1:14, 15) As foretold by Isaiah, not only did he bring good news and comfort for the meek, brokenhearted, and mourning ones, as well as proclaim release to captives, but he also declared “the day of vengeance on the part of our God.” (Isa 61:2) He boldly announced God’s purposes, decrees, appointments, and judgments before rulers and people.

Who is it today who are doing the same thing as Christ? Who are following his commandments?

He (Jesus) recognized that his divine commission called for a preaching work, and he carried it on publicly, in cities and villages, in the temple area, synagogues, marketplaces and streets, as well as in the countryside. (Mr 1:39; 6:56; Lu 8:1; 13:26; Joh 18:20) Like John, he did more than preach. His teaching receives even greater emphasis than his preaching. Teaching (di·da′sko) differs from preaching in that the teacher does more than proclaim; he instructs, explains, shows things by argument, and offers proofs. The work of Jesus’ disciples, both before and after his death, was thus to be a combination of preaching and teaching.—Mt 4:23; 11:1; 28:18-20.

What religion does this preaching and teaching work today? How many Catholics or Baptists (Not picking on any one in particular, just using as examples) have you seen out preaching and telling others about the "good news of God's kingdom"? The one that you find that does this is the true religion, the true followers of Christ. The true "church" founded by Christ.

Answer 4

The Church in the New Testament is simply the Body of the saved and Jesus Christ is its Head. "...Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body." (Eph. 5:23).
The apostles and prophets were servants who revealed by inspiration the will of the Head. "...It has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets..." (Eph. 3:5) "...Members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone..." (Eph. 2:19-20).
"... for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4
Thus, anyone who obeys the commandments of the Lord as revealed by the apostles and prophets becomes part of the body or household. He then continues in a life of obedience to the Head.
The authority is Not in the body, but in the Head (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18).
The ruling is not in the kingdom, but in the King (Heb. 7:1-2; Rev. 1:5-6).
The Authority is not in the Church, but in Christ (Matt. 28:18; 1 Pet. 3:22).

Answer 5

This book is great, and completely explains why I think Fundamental Baptists are the closest to the Church of the Apostles

The Trail of Blood
by J. M. Carroll
(Following the Christians
Down Through the Centuries
or
The History of Baptist Churches
From the Time of Christ,
Their Founder, to the Present Day)

http://www.biblepreaching.com/trailofblood.html

Answer 6

The Catholic Church is the Church established by Christ. He gave it authority for all time, so whatever the Catholic Church teaches is divinely protected throughout the ages. The popular culture is different today and fashionable views have changed, but the principles the Catholic Church stands for, are the principles of Jesus, and that is why the Catholic Church does not change its fundamental principles and beliefs, even though there is a constant chorus of demands for a change in Catholic teaching in order to pander to the liberal spirit of the age.

Answer 7

Church on The Rock. Jesus said to Peter upon this rock I build my church". i think he was telling Peter that he would help begin the church by providing a solid foundation thru the Holy Spirit then we would have to do the rest. Christians woiuld go on to be called so at Antioch.

Answer 8

I believe any church. Church is too often represented by denominations. Church is actually the gathering of people to worship. If you are worshipping God, you are the church. Historial buffs will tell you the Catholic church and they are right in the view of denomination. I believe that anyone who is gathered to worship the Lord is "his" Church.

Answer 9

The one that has been preaching and teaching the fullness of Christ for over 2,000 years. That church was established in 33 AD by Jesus Christ Himself and placed into Peter's hands, that is the Holy Roman Catholic Church.

There Was Only ONE Church Founded By Christ

AND HIS CHURCH STILL LIVES TODAY

Answer 10

Naturally, every Christian will respond with his/her own denomination. Hardly an unbiased response. I'll bet you none of them have any clue as to the early history of Christianity, other than what's been fed to them in Sunday School.

First, get me some evidence that "Christ" existed in the first place, then i'll get back to you. Be aware that all the evidences i've seen so far i have examined and found insufficient (e.g., Tacitus, Pliny, Suetonius, the NT epistles) or unconvincing (e.g., the gospels, the Josephus forgeries).

N.B. to Catholics: Porkypine is correct, no matter what your priest told you.

Answer 11

I believe just believing in God and honoring Him is what best represents His Church.

The Catholic Church wasn't established by Christ, it was formed around the time Constantine made Christianity legal.