Of the 30,000 Protestant denominations, which one is the true church of God?
It is sometimes claimed more than 30,000 Protestant denominations exist today. Some Catholics will argue against the Protestant church by asking which of these denominations is the true church? Why? The Roman Catholic Church claims to be Christ's one true church. The observation that Protestants have many different groups is one way they sometimes seek to show that the Protestant church is not God's true church.However, this accusation fails in many ways. First, there are not really 30,000 different denominations. Many of these groups are merely subgroups of larger denominational groups such as Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, or Baptists. Though there is much variety among Protestant churches, there is not that much variety.
Second, the concept of the true church of God is often misunderstood. The term church is used in the New Testament in two main ways. It can refer to a local congregation (the people, not the building) or it can refer to the church in reference to all Christians in all places. The true church is not any particular denomination, but rather believers gathered together in worship.
Third, there is no need for a "one, true church" as the Roman Catholic tradition teaches. Instead, believers in Christ are called to gather together in worship (Hebrews 10:24-25) and to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20). There is no requirement for a church system that includes a pope or sacred tradition.
Fourth, the authority of the church is found in Christ, not any person. He is the head of the church: "For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior" (Ephesians 5:23). Colossians 1:18 adds, "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." Under His leadership, the Bible notes that local churches are led by elders/pastors and deacons (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1:5-9) who exist to equip the saints for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-16).
There is no single denomination or church group that serves as God's true church. Instead, God's Word serves as the authority that believers seek to study and live out to develop local churches that honor God and make disciples. Though many denominations do exist, all churches are called to follow the essential teachings of God's Word, such as the five solas of the Protestant Reformation, that form the basis for the functions of today's churches.
Is there one true church? Which one is it?
What is the reason for all the Christian denominations?
Which churches are considered 'mainline denominations,' and why?
What is the definition of the church?
What was God's purpose in establishing the church?
Truth about Church
