The identity of the true church is rooted in Jesus Christ as its Builder and Head, as declared in Matthew 16:18, ensuring it will never die out. It is a singular spiritual body, the body of Christ, with Him as the Head (Ephesians 1:22-23), not confined to one organization. True members are drawn by the Father (John 6:44), led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14), and keep Christ's commandments (John 14:15). Though scattered among various congregations, as seen in Revelation 2-3, the church remains one under Christ's design, often bearing a name like "church of God," reflecting its divine origin and purpose.

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Can the True Church Be Found?

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The true church of Jesus Christ still exists on the earth and can be found, because Christ built it on Himself as the Rock and not even death can prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). No one finds it by his own decision; the Father must draw a person (John 6:44). God is now working through a small elect body, the firstfruits, called out as the ekklesia of God, limited to 144,000 across history up to Christ's return. The church is the body of Christ, with Christ as Head (Ephesians 1:22-23), so it is a spiritual organism of individual true Christians wherever they are, not confined to one human organization or denomination. In the first century, converted members were united in Christ's body though scattered under different apostles, and Revelation 2-3 suggests the end-time church will likewise be spread among several churches. Still, true disciples do gather in larger church organizations. Several marks identify its members. They are led by God's Spirit (Romans 8:14) and witness for Him properly before the world. They keep all of God's commandments, not picking and choosing (John 14:15), and teach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). They pursue perfection and seek God's Kingdom first. A true church also calls itself a church of God or a similar form, as the New Testament does eleven times, and takes no name from a man, doctrine, or government. Finding it requires diligent study, and the seeker may pass through many worldly churches, but God will lead the one He is drawing to it.

Is There a True Church?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The church of God, once seemingly unified in a single corporate body, has become widely scattered following its collapse, raising questions about the existence of a singular, true church. Despite this dispersion, Jesus Christ affirms in Matthew 16:18, "I will build My church," indicating a singular entity, not multiple churches. The true church cannot be found or joined without divine revelation, as Jesus states in John 6:44 that no one can come to Him unless drawn by the Father. This church is described in the Bible as part of a Kingdom, a building, the body of Jesus Christ, and a Family, emphasizing its exclusivity and the sovereignty of God in adding members by His design alone. Though the church may appear small or invisible compared to the vast number of professing Christians, Jesus promises that it will never die out, as eternal life resides within it and the most powerful army in creation protects it. The identity of the true church is often misunderstood by seekers who are ignorant of its purpose and nature. Initially, the church existed as one corporate group during the early period covered by Acts 1-12, but as the gospel spread beyond Jerusalem, congregations formed in diverse locations, leading to a gradual dissolving of that unique unity. Despite divisions and the presence of flaws in various congregations, as seen in Revelation 2 and 3, these assemblies remain part of the true church, showing that perfection in character or doctrine is not a prerequisite for being a true assembly.

Is There a True Church?

Sermon/Bible Study by

God's true church cannot be found without revelation nor can one join the organization; God calls and places each member in its appropriate place in the Body.

The Source of Church Characteristics (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The church of God stands distinct from other Christian groups due to its unique characteristics, which are shaped by Jesus Christ Himself as the Builder and Architect. He declared in Matthew 16:18 that He will build His church, emphasizing that there is only one true church bearing His fingerprints. This church is configured according to His design, reflecting His own characteristics in its members over time, as they act and react in ways mirroring His nature. The true church, though small and described as a little flock, is promised eternal life and will never die out, as assured by God's unchanging Word. In the end time, the church's identity is further clarified through the descriptions of the seven congregations in Revelation 2 and 3. These congregations, existing simultaneously in the first century, form one spiritual body, the church of God. Their characteristics serve as examples for end-time believers to evaluate themselves against, ensuring they align with Christ's expectations. These characteristics are not tied to specific eras but are meant for individual assessment and repentance as prophetic events unfold, highlighting the urgency of Christ's imminent return as noted in messages to five of the congregations. The church's unique identity is also tied to its spiritual configuration through the Holy Spirit, the enabling tool that unites members with the Father and the Son. This Spirit, an invisible immaterial power, allows communication with God, enabling members to understand His purpose and act in harmony with Him. As described in John 6:44, no one can come to Christ for conversion unless drawn by the Father, marking each member as personally called. This contrasts with the calling of ancient Israel, who lacked the promise of the Holy Spirit and served a different purpose, illustrating why the church is termed the Israel of God, distinct from other entities claiming the name Israel. Historically, the church has faced scattering, as seen after the dissolution of the Worldwide Church of God into smaller fellowship groups. This scattering, attributed to God's purposeful action, mirrors the historical dispersion of Israel and Judah. Despite this, the church remains under His authority, operating effectively in its current configuration as He desires for the end time. The smaller groups continue to preach the gospel worldwide, often using modern means like the Internet, potentially reaching a broader audience than ever before, demonstrating that size does not define the church's impact or purpose. Ultimately, the church's identity is rooted in being constructed into the image of Christ, a process initiated by a supernatural birth through the Spirit, as explained in John 3:2-7. This regeneration begins before formal rituals like baptism, which serve as witnesses to commitment. Christ, as the Creator, shapes His children into a perfect family and Kingdom, configuring them to follow Him wherever He goes, ensuring they fit within the divine design of the true church of God.

Where Is God's True Church Today?

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

The true church is found only within Christianity, because no other religion has Jesus Christ as Savior and Teacher; Acts 4:12, John 14:6, and I John 5:12 show that salvation comes through His name alone. Other religions may teach moral truths and produce disciplined individuals, but they leave open the idea that good works can offset sin, whereas even one sin brings the death penalty and only the righteousness of the sinless Christ, received through repentance and faith, justifies. The true church's identity rests on Christ's roles: He proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom of God, justifies, and then sanctifies, working by His Spirit to form His image in those called. Hebrews 2 shows that the "everyone" for whom He tasted death is the many sons being brought to glory, the church, whom He calls brethren. Ephesians 1:21-23 describes the church as His body and bride, exalted as His complement, which He fills with every gift needed to glorify God. This body is not a single corporate entity and cannot simply be joined; the Father must draw a person to it (John 6:44). Its members are marked by holiness, keeping all Ten Commandments in letter and spirit, worshiping in spirit and truth, self-sacrifice, honesty, freedom from envy, and a Kingdom-focused vision. They are pilgrims who strive to be transformed into Christ's image and to glorify the Father and Son.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A Christian worldview includes the importance of our calling and the reality of God and His laws. Our worldview determines how we spend our time.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The responsibility given to the church Christ has called out of this world is to expand His teachings, magnifying them and making them clear and honorable.

The Plain Truth About Easter

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Easter is not a Christian name, but belongs to the idolatrous 'queen of heaven.' Here are the origins of Easter eggs and sunrise services, which pre-date Christ.

The Importance of Doctrine

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

People who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.

Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Two)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Despite the Council of Laodicea's condemnation of the Sabbath, a group of believers termed Paulicians kept God's laws and resisted the heresy from Rome.

In Search of a Clear World View (Part Seven)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

The modern nations of Israel, by turning its back on the truth, has blown its opportunity for moral leadership every bit as much as ancient Judah did.

Guard the Truth!

Booklet by John W. Ritenbaugh

The true church of God is an invisible, spiritual organism, of those people that have and are led by the Spirit of God, who hold fast to apostolic teaching.

The World (Part 1)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Our worldview must be shaped by a fear of God, a love for His people, and a hatred for the world's practices that destroy our relationship with God.

What Makes a True Disciple? (Part One)

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

How does God identify Himself with His disciples today? No miracle manifests itself when He sends His Spirit, but the Spirit begins producing miraculous changes.

The Offerings of Leviticus (Part Nine): Conclusion (Part Two)

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

There must be something to prove we are one with Christ and in union with the Father and the Son. That something is the manner in which we conduct our life.

Producing Fruit

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

To be made clean only prepares us for producing fruit. If we stand still, simply resting on our justification, the dark forces will pull us backwards.