Jesus Christ declares in Matthew 16:18 that He will build His church upon Himself as the Rock, ensuring that not even death can prevail against it. This promise affirms that the true church of Jesus Christ persists on earth and can be found, though only those drawn by the Father can come to Him, as stated in John 6:44. The church, described in Ephesians 1:22-23 as Christ's body with Him as the Head, is a spiritual organism of true Christians, not confined to a single human organization or denomination. Revelation 2-3 indicates that end-time church members may be scattered among at least seven churches, whether these are physical entities or spiritual designations. Romans 8:14 identifies true Christians as those led by the Spirit of God, showing through their words and behaviors that they are directed by Him. Jesus Himself provides a fundamental test in John 14:15, stating that His true disciples will keep all of His commandments, striving for perfection and seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness as instructed in Matthew 6:33 and 5:48. Additionally, a true church will bear a name reflecting its divine origin, such as a church of God, as seen in various New Testament references, giving honor solely to the great God who is its Lord.

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.

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.