The true church?

Question

I have often seen Roman Catholics claim that their church is the true church. They are the church that Christ founded. Lets forget for a moment that The term Catholic was not used till long after Christ died. The church though is not a building or a denomination. The church is all the believers in Christ. Is this not the true church? Not any denomination or sect but all the believers regardless of what their denomination is?

Father K - I am coming to like your answers. I agree wholeheartedly about denominations being man made and not of God. I think the denominations probably make God extremely mad. Unfortunately I really don't think any one denomination is correct. I am pentecostal and I will be the first to say that not all pentecostal beliefs are correct. Many of the beliefs are man made traditions. I think this is true of most churches. Think we could all sit down with the Bible and start over?

Bandaidgirl - I asked this question the other day actually. It is believed he underwent what they call the baptism of desire. Which as I understand it basically means if he could have been baptized he would have been. I agree with you baptism is not necessary for salvation. However I believe every Christian should be baptized.

Answer 1

Edge, I couldn't have answered your question beter than you have yourself, i.e. The church is (comprised of) all believers in Christ - not any denomination or sect, but all the believers, regardless of their denomination. You're on the right track young man and you have a good understanding of the Word of God. Just keep plumbing its depths and it will keep you on the right path.

Answer 2

Technically, Catholicism is not a denomination. Yes, it is true that there is only one Church, but the reality we live in, the unity is not as it should be. Nor are all the parts 100% faithful to everything that Christ gave His Church. So, if a denomination is only teaching, say 98%, and 2% is forgotten, is that the best place for someone to fully live the life that Christ won for them on the Cross?

Answer 3

Actually, the Roman Catholic Church was founded by St. Peter (you remember: 'Upon this rock I shall build my church'?) He was the very first Pope... just as Jesus was the very first priest.

Jesus instructed Peter on how to teach and care for his people, and from Peter's work was born Catholicism.

You are correct in saying that the church does not live in a building, but within the people of God. We, the Catholics, only call ourselves the 'true church' because we were the first Christians.

However, we also acknowledge that other denominations, although they do not share all of our beliefs, are our brothers and sisters in Christ... even as the Jewish and Muslim peoples are our neighbors through the Father.

Answer 4

Let me point out a few things for ya buddy....1) catholic means universal aka the universal church 2) you can, historically, trace the Catholic faith back to Jesus. Even though the first Christians, aka the apostles and the early disciples, weren't necessarily called Catholics (they were in fact the followers of "the Way"), that group eventually was called Catholic. AND 3) Don't forget that all Christian Denominations grew out of the Catholic faith for one reason or another.
So yea I do believe that the 'true' church is the Catholic Church.

FYI...I do agree that the Church isn't a building but the people.

Answer 5

There have been many heretics who claimed to believe in Christ but who taught erroneous doctrines. The Manicheans and the Albigensians are two that come to mind. They were certainly not part of the true church. If I believe in Christ but try to teach that he was an alien who came from Neptune, I can construct a building and call it the "Alien Church of Christ" but I am not part of the true church.

Answer 6

Whoever believes in the Holy Trinity.....Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.....whoever is Christian....is part of the Body of Christ and the True Church.

This, by the way, is what is believed and taught by the Catholic Church. They view Protestant Christians as "Separated Brethren"... not an enemy. Christ has only one body.

"The Church" has absolutely nothing to do with buildings.

Answer 7

The term catholic as in the creed "one catholic and apostolic church" means universal. Therefore all Chrsitians are part of a catholic church - with a little 'c'.

The Roman Catholics aren't the only denomination isn't the only that claims to the the 'true' Christian church. We see that in evidence in a lot of different branches.

Answer 8

First, you need to clarify. When you say "true church", you mean "true Cristian church". There are others.

Second, a thing can be true only if it is correct and authentic. If there is a true Christian church, and one becomes apostate from that church, are they still true? If a person calling themself Christian but believes heretical things about Christ, is that person a true Christian?

So, as far as the Catholic church is considered, those who separated themselves from the truth may not be true Christians.

As far as the word Catholic, it simply means universal. As a small cult grows, there will necessarily need to be new words. When Jesus was ministering, he certainly didn't call his church Christian; that was also a name given after his death.

Answer 9

Just one question.....Father K...i disagree with the Baptism part. You dont have to be baptised to be a part of the church...or to be a believer. What about the thief on the cross with Jesus. He was never baptised and yet Jesus told him that he would be with him in paradise that day. I'm not saying that we shouldnt get baptized as believers,,,just that to be saved, baptism is not a part of it. This should happen after salvation, but then others may believe different...again...what about the thief? Was he saved?

Answer 10

Catholic church is not a denomation.. it's the true churc why is that? catholic is an adjective was given as Universal.. the christ church is Universal.. it's open to the nations.. the christ church follows the Bible and keep the apostolic traditions.. the christ church follows what jesus said in matthew 16:18.. about peter was given the key by jesus.... the catholic church shares the same believe with east churches.. they are part of the churches were founded by the apostles..