Embark on a spiritual journey to find the authentic Church of Jesus Christ. Based on teachings from the King James Bible, we explore 20 essential characteristics that define the true Church. Uncover the divine blueprint for Christ's Church and deepen your faith.
The true Church of Jesus Christ is founded upon Him as the cornerstone. This unshakeable foundation ensures the Church's stability and divine purpose. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
#2. United as One Body
Just as a body has many parts working together, the Church functions as a unified entity. This unity reflects the harmony and cooperation among its diverse members. 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ —- 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
Holiness and Apostolic Heritage
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#3. Holiness
Members of the Church are called to be holy, reflecting God's holiness 1 Peter 1:15-16 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
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#4 Apostolic Foundation
The Church is built upon the teachings and authority of the apostles. Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
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#5. Sound Doctrine
Committed to teaching and preserving biblical truth. 1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
The Church's Mission and Spiritual Gifts
#6. Missionary Work
Spreading the Gospel to all nations, fulfilling Christ's Great Commission. Matthew 28:19-20 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
#7. Spiritual Gifts
Members are endowed with diverse spiritual gifts to edify and strengthen the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
#8. Community and Fellowship
A supportive fellowship where believers encourage and uplift one another. Acts 2:42-47 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Worship and Sacraments in the True Church
#9. Spirit-filled Worship
True worship in spirit and truth, is central to the Church's activities and relationship with God. John 4:23-2423 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
#10. Powerful Prayer
Both corporate and individual prayer as vital communication with God and a source of strength. Acts 2:42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
#11. Sacred Sacraments
Baptism and other sacraments as meaningful ordinances connecting believers to Christ. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Discipline & Correction, Moral Standards
#12. Discipline & Correction
The church practices discipline to maintain purity and order among its members: Matthew 18:15-17 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
#13. Moral Standards
The Church upholds moral standards based on biblical teachings. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Authority and Revelation in Christ's Church
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#14. Established Authority Structure
A God-ordained structure including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ephesians 4:11-12 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
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#15. Ongoing Revelation
The Church is guided by continuous revelation from God to its leaders and individual members. 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
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#16. Restoration of Truth
Belief in the restoration of gospel truths and priesthood authority lost during apostasy. Acts 3:19-21 19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
The Church's Eternal Purpose and Work
#17. Resurrection Hope
The Church holds firm to the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15: 4, 12-14 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.
#18. Perseverance
The true Church will prevail against evil forces, standing firm in faith and truth. Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
#19. Ordinances for the Dead
Baptism for the Dead. 1 Corinthians 15:29
Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?
#20. Ordinances for the Living
Sacred ordinances are performed for both the living and the dead, extending salvation to all. Acts 19:2-6 2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
The King James Bible contains numerous references to God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. Here are some key verses for each:
God the Father
1 Corinthians 8:6 - But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Ephesians 4:6 - One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Matthew 23:9 - And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Jesus Christ
John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 10:30 - I and my Father are one. John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
The Holy Ghost
John 14:26 - But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
These verses demonstrate the distinct roles of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, while also showing their unity and interconnectedness. The King James Bible consistently portrays them as separate entities working in perfect harmony for the salvation and guidance of humanity.