The Bible teaches that there is only one true church, but it is not defined by a specific denomination, building, or earthly organization. Instead, the “true church” is a spiritual body made up of every person who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. While many different Christian denominations exist today, anyone who follows the biblical gospel belongs to the one universal body of Christ.
The Difference Between the Local and Universal Church
To understand if there is only one true church, we must first distinguish between the “universal church” and the “local church.” When people ask this question, they are often looking for a specific organization or a name on a sign. However, the New Testament uses the word ekklesia (church) in two distinct ways. Most of the time, it refers to a local gathering of believers in a specific city, like the church in Ephesus or Corinth. These are the visible expressions of faith that we see in our neighborhoods today.
The second usage refers to the universal church. This is the invisible, spiritual body of all believers throughout history. This “true church” consists of everyone who has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. It transcends borders, cultures, and denominational labels. Whether someone is a Baptist, a Methodist, or non-denominational, they are part of the one true church if they have truly repented of their sins and trusted in Christ.
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6, NLT)
This passage makes it clear that God sees one unified body. While humans see thousands of different organizations, God sees a single family. We do not join the true church by signing a membership card at a local building. We are baptized into the true church by the Holy Spirit the moment we believe.
The Foundation of the True Church
The identity of the true church is not found in its traditions or its leadership hierarchy, but in its foundation. Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the church. He promised that He would build His church and that even the powers of hell would not conquer it. Because Jesus is the head of the church, the only way to be part of the “true” version is to be connected to Him.
Many groups throughout history have claimed to be the “only” true church (ex: Mormons). They often point to their history, their apostolic succession, or their unique rituals as proof of their exclusivity. However, the Bible sets a different standard. The true church is marked by its adherence to the biblical gospel. If a group teaches a version of salvation that requires human effort or denies the deity of Jesus, it has separated itself from the true body of Christ, regardless of its claims.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NLT)
A healthy local church recognizes that it is just one small part of a much larger kingdom. We should be wary of any group that claims you can only be saved through their specific organization. The Bible never links salvation to a denomination. It always links salvation to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Dealing with Denominations and Diversity
If there is only one true church, why are there so many different denominations? This diversity often confuses people seeking the truth. However, denominations are not necessarily a sign of a “false” church. Most denominations formed because of differences in “secondary” issues—things like the style of worship, the frequency of communion, or the way a church is governed.
While these differences are important for how a local church functions, they do not change the core of the faith. Christians can disagree on how to perform a baptism while still sharing the “one baptism” mentioned in Ephesians. The diversity within the body of Christ is actually a reflection of God’s creativity. Just as a human body has different parts with different functions, the universal church has different branches that reach different types of people.
The danger arises when a denomination begins to believe that its specific traditions are equal to the authority of Scripture. When a group adds “requirements” to the gospel, they risk drifting away from the truth. The true church is held together by “the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3). As long as a church holds to the essentials of the Bible, it remains part of the one true body.
Identifying the Marks of a True Church
Since the true church is a spiritual reality, how can we find a healthy local expression of it? We should look for specific biblical marks. First, a true church will prioritize the preaching of God’s Word. It will not rely on human philosophy or political agendas but will submit to the authority of the Bible. Second, it will rightly administer the ordinances given by Jesus: baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, the true church is characterized by love and discipleship. Jesus said that the world would know His followers by their love for one another. A group that claims to be the only true church but is filled with hatred or legalism is missing the heart of Christ. The true church is a community of people who are growing in their relationship with God and helping others do the same.
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NLT)
Belonging to the true church means you have a new identity. You are no longer defined by your past or your social status. You are part of a “holy nation” that spans the entire globe. This should give us a sense of great humility and a desire to partner with other believers, even if they don’t do everything exactly the way we do.
The Takeaway
There is only one true church, and it is the global community of everyone who has placed their trust in Jesus Christ. While we gather in different buildings and use different names, our unity is found in our “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.” We are not saved by a denomination, but by Jesus alone. When we focus on Him, we find our place in the one body that will live forever in His presence.
