Marks of a True Church

Introduction

Many people today think of “church” in terms of size, music, programs, or architecture.

But biblically, the true church is marked by faithfulness to Christ.

The Reformers summarized these as three marks: preaching, sacraments, and discipline.

Today we’ll simplify those into three questions:

1. Look for Faithful Preaching and Partaking of the Word

During the reformation, Luther wanted to counter the Roman Catholics who taught that a real Church is one that is in good standing with the Pope. Luther argued that instead that a true Church submitted itself to the Word of God. He viewed the word in three ways: 1. The Eternal Word of God, Jesus Christ. 2. The written word of God, the Scriptures. 3. The Preached Word of God.

When Paul writes to the faithful church in Thessalonica, we find that they have a passionate reception for all three of those points. 1 Thes. 2:13 says

1 Thessalonians 2:13 NKJV

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

So, the Church must proclaim the Word of God as God’s Word, not man’s opinions. It must seek to handle His word faithfully and reverently and should have congregants that want to hear and apply it to their lives. So, if you ever find yourself in a new city and you’re looking for a church, here are a few questions:

Application:

Does the church exalt Christ through the Scriptures? Do the pastors and teachers do their best to handle the Bible faithfully?

When you look at this church, are the people feeding on the Word in preaching, prayer, and teaching? Are they receiving the Bible happily and submitting to it?

In short, when looking for a Church, remind yourself that a true church is a people gathered around God’s voice. I know it is easy to get caught up in fancy lights, or music, or programs, but the central point of concern should be, “Does this place exalt God’s word?”

2. Look for the Provision of the Sacraments

Again, during the time of the reformation, the Roman Catholics had 7 sacraments which were: baptism for regeneration, confirmation, the Eucharist, penance, anointing the sick, the Holy Orders, and marriage. Luther and Calvin went to war against this showing that the Scriptures only provide two explicit sacraments or ordinances to the Church which are Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

Earlier we discussed how Luther listed three ways of thinking about the Word. We’ll the ordinances were the fourth way and they called them a visible word. In short, when you see baptism and the Lord’s supper, you are witnessing a visible sermon being preached.

Two of the texts they regularly cited were.

Baptism — Matthew 28:19.

Matthew 28:19 NKJV

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Lord’s Supper — 1 Corinthians 11:23–26

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 NKJV

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The reason that this matters is because these two ordinances are powerful means of declaring our commitment to Jesus, and ways that God strengthens us in the faith.

When we are baptized, it is a sign that we have died with Christ and are now raised to live our lives following Him. When you are baptized, God declares that you are in Christ, the Church declares that they believe you are a brother, and you declare that you are committed to Jesus forever.

When you take the Lord’s Supper, you declare that you are in communion with Christ and His people. It’s a spiritual meal to strengthen you by remembering what Jesus did in your fight against sin.

Application:

So, when you visit a new church, ask: Does the church faithfully baptize according to Christ’s command?

And ask: Does this church regularly gather at the Table to remember Christ’s death and be nourished in faith?

3. Look for the Pursuit of Holiness

Finally, if a Church is committed to receiving God’s word, then they’ll be serious about holiness. One of the ways that God ensures His Church pursues holiness is by removing unrepentant sinners from her ranks through what we call church discipline.

1 Peter 1:15–16 NKJV

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

and Matthew 18:15-17

Matthew 18:15–17 NKJV

“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

When I got to Beacon, my second month here, we preformed two excommunications. I remember so many people coming to me and saying, “We’re so sorry you’re having to experience this, this doesn’t happen often.” as though this was a bad thing going on. Yes, I don’t enjoy it at all, but it is necessary because God’s word commands it. So, when I got here and witnessed this, it told me that these people are serious about following Jesus.

A true church does not only proclaim grace, it lives under grace, and relentlessly pursues holiness.

This includes discipline rightly practiced—restoring the wayward, protecting the flock, and maintaining the purity of Christ’s bride.

I was once encouraging a guy to pursue membership at the church and he wouldn’t do it. One day I point blank asked him why and he said, “Because I don’t want to be excommunicated.” So, I had to explain to him that (1.) We don’t go around excommunicating people for fun, and (2) Jesus promises us that discipline is for our sanctification. So, the only people who should really fear reaching the point of excommunication are those who aren’t genuine followers of Christ at all. Why? Because I believe that genuine believers will repent before we reach the point of excommunication!

Application:

So, when you visit a new church, ask: Is sin addressed with gentleness but seriousness?

Are members encouraged to walk in repentance and obedience? And if you reach the point that you want to consider joining that church, ask one of the pastors “When was the last time this church practiced church discipline?”

Conclusion

The true church is not recognized by external success, but by faithfulness:

Word faithfully preached.

Sacraments rightly provided.

Holiness pursued in love.

If you are in a church where these marks are present, however imperfectly, you are in a true church of Christ. Love it. Commit to it. Grow in it. For Christ has promised to build His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.