Page 29 - Ecclesiology Textbook Masters

Study Section 4: The Marks of a True Church

4.1 Connect.

In our little town of Hartsville, South Carolina, there are over 60 churches. We have
Methodists, Baptists, Catholics, Presbyterians, Church of God, Non-denominational, Church
of Christ, Assembly of God, Pentecostal Holiness, Lutheran, Nazarene, Seventh Day
Adventists, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, to name a few. Do you suppose all these churches are
faithful to the doctrines of Scripture? If you came to our community, how would you know
which of the 60 churches to attend? Then, of course, you can sit in your living room on
Sunday morning and “attend” any hundreds of churches as they broadcast their services on television.
So, how are you supposed to judge which of the options are the best and most like what God would
want you to attend and minister? The Bible clearly states what the marks or characteristics of a true
church are. So, learn them, and use them to scrutinize the various churches you have in your
community from which to attend. Use these marks as a criterion for making your decision. Let’s look at
the marks of a true church…

4.2 Objectives:

1. The student should be able trace a short history of the church from the 1 century to today.
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2. The student should be able describe the marks of a true church.

3. The student should be able define inspiration and inerrancy and explain the difference
between the two terms as applied toward the Scriptures.

4.3 A Short History of the Church

Immediately after Pentecost, the church experienced phenomenal growth. It appears that most
believers seriously believed and practiced Christ’s final words: “While you are going, make disciples of all
nations…” They applied the teachings of Christ to the behavior of their lives, even if it conflicted with
the views of those with whom they lived. They internalized a Christian or Godly world view. They began
to think God’s thoughts and apply it to what others thought or how they behaved around them. Their
lives were radically different than those of their culture. They stood out and as a result, experienced
tremendous persecution for over 200 years. Thousands were burned, eaten alive, crucified, tortured
and put to death because they would not worship Caesar as God.

With the rise of Constantine as Caesar of Rome, persecution was halted. In fact, the Christian Church
found favor with the government. In February, 313 AD., Constantine wrote the Edict of Milan, officially
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recognizing Christianity as an acceptable faith. Basically it permanently established religious toleration
for Christianity within the Roman Empire. The proclamation granted all people freedom to worship
whatever deity they pleased, assured Christians of legal rights, including the right to organize churches,
and directed the prompt return to Christians of confiscated property. It was a day of rejoicing among all
believers in Christ.

17 https://www.britannica.com/topic/Edict-of-Milan

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