Description

Several religions claim to be the one true church or the exclusive path to heaven. But what does the Bible say? Is there only one true church? And if not, do all roads lead to heaven? These are the questions we’ll explore today.

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Q. Is there only one true church?

Definitions

Let’s start by defining terms. Before we answer the question about whether or not there is one true church, we need to make sure we understand what the “church” is and what it isn’t. 

• The church is not a building.  You might say, “I’ll meet you at the church.” or “Our men’s group meets at the church.” But the building itself is not the church. 
• The church isn’t an organization.
• The church isn’t a denomination. 
• Ex: Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Assemblies of God

1. Southern Baptist Convention (SBC): The largest Baptist denomination in the United States
2. American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA): with a more moderate theological stance compared to the SBC.
3. Conservative Baptist Association of America (CBAA)
4. National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. (NBCUSA): One of the oldest and largest African-American Baptist denominations in the United States, known for its emphasis on social justice and missions.
5. National Baptist Convention of America, Inc. (NBCA) 
6. Baptist Union of Great Britain 
7. Canadian Baptists of Western Canada 
8. Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF) 
9. National Baptist Convention of Nigeria (NBCN)
10. General Association of Regular Baptist Churches (GARBC)

• Estimating the exact number of Christian denominations is challenging due to various factors, including differing criteria for what constitutes a denomination and the existence of many small, independent churches. However, scholars and religious experts often cite figures ranging from 30,000 to 40,000 Christian denominations worldwide!!

From Sys Theo, Lesson 10: 

The church is neither a building nor an organization. It is a people, the community of all those who stand in a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

• Ekklesia - assembly of the called out ones - called out by the proclamation of the gospel to gather around Christ.  

John 10:9 Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures.

So, back to our question: Is there only one true church?

Answer: 

NO – in the sense that there’s only one institution/denomination that gets it right

YES – in the “C” sense of the global community of true believers in the basic Bible message

John 17:20-21 (NLT) “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you...