Question:
Why do you believe there is only "one church?"
Answer:
First of all, we must clarify what is meant by the word “church.” In the Bible, the word “church” is used in both a universal and local sense—it simply means “called out.”
When Jesus Christ said, “...on this rock I will build My church” he was not talking about a local congregation (Matthew 16:18). He was speaking of those people that would unite based on verse 16’s truth, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The Lord’s church, in this sense, exists throughout the world. When one obeys the gospel, he is added to “the church” (Acts 2:47).
Yet, the term “church” is used in a local sense also. As the apostles went about establishing churches in the first century, they were not establishing denominations of varying beliefs. Instead, they were establishing different congregations of the same belief and practices in various locations (Romans 16:16; Galatians 1:2; Acts 20:28).
It is important to clarify this to know that believing the saved are a part of the “one church” does not just mean “one local congregation.”
With that said, I do believe there is “one church.” The Bible very clearly teaches this concept.
Jesus promised to build “My church”—singular (Matt. 16:18).
Paul stated “There is one body” (Ephesians 4:4). In Ephesians 1:22-23 he informs the reader that this body is “the church.” The number one rules out any number more or less than that specified.
Jesus has only one bride, the church (Ephesians 5:27, 30-32). Jesus and His church was compared to a husband to his bride. How many brides is a husband supposed to have?
As the head of the church, Jesus only has “one body” (Ephesians 1:22-23). As mentioned earlier, this “one body” was “the church.” What kind of freakish body has one head, with various bodies (denominations) connected to it?
Jesus Himself also taught He had “one flock” (John 10:16). There were not multiple vines, but one “true vine” (John 15:1-6). Christians are the branches. To be outside of this vine, is to be cut off from Christ!
Are you in Christ’s body?
August 2007