If there’s no one church – then we can effectively ignore the Scriptures – however, if one church somewhere – someplace can meet all of the evidences presented in the Bible then their might’ve been a restoration and there might be only one church. Each of us should really want to answer this question – and not leave it to upbringing or culture or peer pressure. However, knowing many don’t want to answer this question and will accept what’s normal and non-upsetting – I’ll leave it to the readers where they’d like to go next. Here’s a good list of Scriptures and questions. Should you choose to seek out the answers don’t be surprised with what you find. Good luck – c/ork
Points of the True Church:
I have come across many lists of scriptures and points that are descriptive of the true church of Jesus Christ. For the most part they are very incomplete, but they are a good place to start.
This is probably the best known list:
Seventeen Evidences of the True Church
"Near the onset of World War II, five college students determined to search for the Lord's true church. One of the group compiled a list of seventeen characteristics and key doctrines of the church Christ established. He suggested that Christ's church today should include them all and that they should try to find such a church. The five friends began talking to priests and ministers, comparing the structure and doctrines of various churches with the list. None matched more than half of the requirements.
The five friends parted and it was years before they met again. Individually, they had found and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finding it to be the only church on earth that encompassed all the seventeen of the evidences of the true church of Christ."
Will recognize the Holy Trinity as separate Persons.a. will know the identity of God (Father), Jesus Christ (Son) and the Holy Ghost (Spirit).b. Jesus Christ will be recognized as Head of the Church.
Will accept the Holy Bible in its entirety.Will recognize that some parts of the record are missing.
Will contain the same offices.a. 12 Apostles mandatoryb. Prophets, Teachers, Elders, Evangelists, Bishops, Deacons, High Priests, Saints.
Offices will be "Called of God."a. College degree of license insufficientb. Royal Priesthoodc. Can be married
Will have an unpaid ministry.
Members will be workers in the ChurchWomen included in activities.
Baptism will be mandatory.a. Probably by immersion.b. Must be authorized.
Will believe in the Virgin Birth.
Will believe in literal resurrection.
Will honor Sunday as the Sabbath.
Will receive continuous revelation.
Will be payers of tithes.
Will partake of the Sacrament of the Lord.
Will believe in immortality and heaven and a hell.
Will have miraculous occurrences.
Will teach that Jesus Christ will come again.
Will be persecuted for beliefs.
From audio tape: Seventeen Evidences of the True Church by Floyd Weston, 1990 Covenant Communications
Another related list follows:
Seventeen points of the True Church
Christ organized the Church.Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
The true Church must bear the name of Jesus Christ.Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
The true Church must have a foundation of Apostles and Prophets.Ephesians 2:19-20 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];"
The true Church must have the same organization as Christ’s Church.Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
The true Church must have divine authority.Hebrews 5:4-10 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
The true Church must have no paid ministry.Isaiah 45:13 "I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts."1 Peter 5:2 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"
The true Church must baptize by immersion.Matthew 3:13-16 " Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
The true Church must bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.Acts 8:14-17 " Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
The true Church must practice divine healing.Mark 3:14-15 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:"James 5:14 "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
The true Church must teach that God and Jesus Christ are separate and district individuals.John 17:11 " And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]."John 20:17 "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God."
The true Church must teach that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone.Luke 24:36-39 " And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."Acts 1:9-11 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
The officers must be called by God.Hebrews 5:4 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron."Exodus 28:1 " AND take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."Exodus 40:13-16 "And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he."
The true Church must claim revelation from God.Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
The true Church must be a missionary church.Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen."
The true Church must be a restored church.Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
The true Church must practice baptism for the dead.1 Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"
By their fruits ye shall know them.Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Why are these things important?Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
The "seventeen points" is not information from the Church. Rather is was written years ago by a member and simply "caught on". Today many members make reference to it. However it could have been the 14 points of the true church or the 21 points of the true church.
Another longer, and more complete list follows:
Evidences of the True Church
This list is from a book called The Greatest Quest by Blaine and Brenton Yorgason (Deseret Book Company). This novel describes the search by five college students to find the one true Church of Jesus Christ. At the end of this book, the authors combine their research with the work of Henry Whiffen who also developed a list. Together these gave a total of 42 points. In this list each point has been documented with scriptural references.
The Godhead consists of three separate and distinct beings - God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
Genesis 1:26-27;3:22
Matthew 3:17; 28:19
Luke 3:22
Acts 7:55
1 John 5:7
God the Father, as well as his Son Jesus Christ, who is a resurrected personage, both have bodies of flesh and bone and spirit.
Genesis 32:30
Exodus 33:23
Luke 24:39, 41-43
John 20:17; 21:13-14
Acts 7:55-56
1 John 3:2
Jesus is the Christ, the literal Son of God, the Messiah, and the only perfect person upon the earth - and not simply a great teacher.
Luke 9:35
John 17:4-5
Hebrews 1:6-7
Jesus Christ , as revealed in the New Testament, is Jehovah, God of the Old Testament.
Exodus 3:14
John 8:58
Isaiah 43:11
Hosea 13:4
The Holy Ghost is a distinct personage of spirit and is the third member of the Godhead.
Matthew 3:15-18
John 14:26; 16:13-14; 20:21-22
Ephesians 1:17
The Holy Bible is the word of the Lord insofar as it is translated correctly. It is the record of the Jews and will be joined with another record in the last days to relate God's word to his people. This second record will come from a descendant of Joseph.
Ezekiel 37:15-17
Isaiah 29:18
Revelation 20:12-14
Jesus Christ is recognized as the head of his Church, with other officers named, beginning with a foundation of apostles and prophets, and including teachers, saints, elders, evangelists, bishops, deacons, priests and high priests.
John 15:16
Mark 3:14-15
Ephesians 2:19-20; 4:11-14
Officers in Christ's church will be "called of God." They will receive their authority through the "laying of hands." One cannot call himself to the ministry,a. College degree or license insufficient.b. Royal priesthood will be known as such.c. Bishops and leaders are to marry and to have children.
Acts 19:25
Hebrews 5:4, 10
Timothy 3:2; 4:2-3
1 Peter 2:9
Members of Christ's church will be "workers," and will be called "saints." In addition, women will be included in activities and leadership.
Proverbs 12:4
Romans 1:7
Ephesians 4:12
1 Corinthians 11:7
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
There will exist within the church separate entities for each of the groups of members. Adult and youth organizations will exist. This point stands to reason, if Christ is concerned with helping each individual from that person's own level of understanding.
Ephesians 4:11-14
Christ's church will believe in the "virgin birth" of Jesus Christ but will not believe in the "immaculate conception" of Mary.
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:19-20, 23
Luke 1:26-31, 42
Christ's church will believe in immortality or eternal life, and in a heaven and hell. After the resurrection, we will be assigned to different places according to the judgement. The first resurrection will be for the righteous and will commence 1,000 years before the second resurrection.
John 3:16-17; 5:28-29; 14:2
1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 40-42
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
The Savior's church will honor Sunday as the Sabbath, with the understanding that the resurrection transpired Sunday morning, the first day of the week - and thus replaced Saturday as the Sabbath.
Hosea 2:11
Matthew 28:1
John 5:18
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:2
Officers as well as members of Christ's church will receive continuous revelation from God.
Amos 3:7
Matthew 16:13. 16-19
Ephesians 1:17
Members of the Lord's church will be payers of tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8, 11
Luke 11:42 Hebrews 7:4-5
Members of the church will regularly partake of the Lord's supper. This sacrament represents the flesh and blood of Christ and is partaken of in remembrance of him.
Matthew 26:26-28
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Members of the Lord's church will experience miracles, such as visions, tongues and prophesies. In addition, the church will practice divine healing. When members of the church are sick, elders of the church will anoint them with oil and heal them.
Matthew 9:18
Mark 6: 5; 16:17-18
Acts 5:12, 16
James 5:14-15
Church leaders will teach that the resurrected Jesus Christ will come again to the earth in the last days. This "second coming" will be greatly anticipated.
Job 19:25-26
Matthew 24:30
Acts 1:11; 3:19-21
Members of the Lord's church will be persecuted for their beliefs.
Matthew 5:10-12; 24:9
Luke 6:22-23
Acts 8:1-3; 28:22
Hebrews 11:36-38
The church as a whole, as well as its members, will be recognized for their "fruits" - as well as the prophets who lead them. The church will esteem honesty, virtue, and wholesome activity.
Proverbs 15:4
Luke 6:43-44
2 Corinthians 9:10
Philippians 4:17
Hebrews 13:18
The church must provide salvation for all of God's children, not just those who receive the gospel while living on the earth. It will practice baptism for the dead.
Mark 16:16
John 3:1-8
1 Corinthians 15:29
The church will build temples similar to the one Solomon built, which was destroyed and built again at the time of Christ. These temples will have unique purposes, including baptism and other ordinances. Temples will also be holy places, contain the Holy of Hollies, and be used by members as places of worship.
Isaiah 2:3
Malachi 3:1; 3:7
Christ's original church was organized by him and named after him, and his church today will also be named after him.
Acts 4:10-12
Ephesians 1:22; 4:11-14; 5:23-24
Specific authority to function in the administration of the church is called "priesthood." It is obtained through ordination by one having the power to so ordain.
1 Samuel 13:9-14
Mark 6:7
John 7:16; 20:21
Acts 19:2-5
Hebrews 5:4-6,(6?)8-20
A higher priesthood authority is required to bestow the Holy Ghost than to baptize.
Matthew 16:19
Mark 1:7-8
Acts 8:15-18; 19:2-6
The church that Christ originally organized did not baptize infants since the prerequisite for baptism had (1) a capacity for repentance of past personal sins, and (2) a personal belief in the divinity and teachings of Christ.
Mark 10:14-15; 16:16
Acts 2:38; 8:12
The church is to send out missionaries (in twos), to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mark 6:7
Luke 10:1
The church will have a welfare system to provide for the poor and the needy within the church. Members are to provide for themselves and their family first, and then receive help from the church
Deuteronomy 15:11
Psalm 9:18
Isaiah 14:30
Mark 10:21
Luke 18:22
Romans 15:26
The church will have a law of health. Alcoholic beverages will not be used by members of the church.
Ephesians 5:18
1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10
The church will be one that is restored to the earth. Christ's original church experienced a great apostasy or falling away, but his church will be returned or restored again in the last days.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Acts 3:19-21
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13
Revelation 14:6-7
Christ's church will believe in being saved by the grace of Christ through exercising faith in him. In other words, it will teach that when we repent of our sins and forsake them, the atonement of Christ will cleanse us of our sins.
Matthew 7:21-29
Mark 16:15-16
Luke 6:46-49
1 Timothy 4:10
James 1:22-25; 2:14-26
The church will preach only the true gospel of Christ, with no variations. It will neither add to the meaning of Christ's teachings nor take away from them - even though current revelation will provide insight into them.
Matthew 5:19
Galatians 1:6-9
Ephesians 4:5
Hebrews 13:8-9
Christ's church will espouse a pre-earth life, or a preexistence, such as that taught by the Orthodox Jews. Included in this teaching will be the doctrine of foreordination and not predestination. God the Father will be recognized as having created the individual spirits of all people.
Genesis 1:26-31
Job 38:4-7
Ecclesiastes 12:7
John 17:5
Ephesians 1:4-5
Hebrews 12:9
The church will believe in the "original sin" of Adam. Nevertheless, it will teach that Christ atoned for Adam's sin and that we will be punished for our own sins, as Adams sin has already been atoned for.
John 1:29
Acts 24:14-15
Romans 5:6-19
1 Corinthians 15:21-23
Christ's church will teach that the gathering of Israel, in the last days, will be literal.
Isaiah 5:26-30; 11:12-13; 35
Jeremiah 3:14-18; 31:10
Members of the true church will respect the beliefs of others.
Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
The church will be subject to the laws of the land, regardless of the type of government in power in that land - thus rendering unto Caesar that which is his, and to God that which is his.
Matthew 22:21
Mark 12:17
Luke 20:25
It should be recognized that while perfection is to be sought by each member of Christ's church, the members will have human failings and will make mistakes, and that they will thus need to grow and learn - line upon line, precept upon precept.
Isaiah 28:10
Ephesians 4:11-14; 28,32
After repentance, baptism by immersion is essential, as is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. A person performing these ordinances of baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost must be duly authorized to perform such ordinances.
Matthew 3:13-15
John 3:5
Acts 2:38,41; 22:16
Romans 6:5-6
The Savior's church will have an unpaid ministry. This unpaid ministry will be called "by revelation," even as the apostles called new members to their quorum following the resurrection of Christ.
Amos 3:7
Micah 3:11
John 10:13
Acts 1:22-26
1 Corinthians 9:18
1 Peter 5:2
Satan is a real spirit being and not a fragment of people's imagination.
Job 1:6
Matthew 4:10
Mark 1:13; 8:33
Luke 13:16; 22:3, 31
John 13:27
Acts 26:18
The Holy Ghost will bear witness to the truthfulness of the Savior's plan, when it is presented. This is the one sure way of knowing which, if any, of the churches belongs to the Savior.
John 16:13-14
1 Corinthians 12:4-12
Galatians 5:22-26
Ephesians 1:17
“What If … and
Do We Want to Know?”
cji
7/24/09
What if there’s a single truth
magnifying above all else
teaching and discerning all
presenting a single plan
salvation and eternal life
following literally scriptures
having the single authority
Apostles and Prophets too
do we want to know of this
can we prepare for the enmity
which the world puts forth
sacrificing all for this truth
and then again maybe not
for eternal life can be ours
by answering a lone what if?
Copyright © 2009 – cji
Points of the True Church:
I have come across many lists of scriptures and points that are descriptive of the true church of Jesus Christ. For the most part they are very incomplete, but they are a good place to start.
This is probably the best known list:
Seventeen Evidences of the True Church
"Near the onset of World War II, five college students determined to search for the Lord's true church. One of the group compiled a list of seventeen characteristics and key doctrines of the church Christ established. He suggested that Christ's church today should include them all and that they should try to find such a church. The five friends began talking to priests and ministers, comparing the structure and doctrines of various churches with the list. None matched more than half of the requirements.
The five friends parted and it was years before they met again. Individually, they had found and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finding it to be the only church on earth that encompassed all the seventeen of the evidences of the true church of Christ."
Will recognize the Holy Trinity as separate Persons.a. will know the identity of God (Father), Jesus Christ (Son) and the Holy Ghost (Spirit).b. Jesus Christ will be recognized as Head of the Church.
Will accept the Holy Bible in its entirety.Will recognize that some parts of the record are missing.
Will contain the same offices.a. 12 Apostles mandatoryb. Prophets, Teachers, Elders, Evangelists, Bishops, Deacons, High Priests, Saints.
Offices will be "Called of God."a. College degree of license insufficientb. Royal Priesthoodc. Can be married
Will have an unpaid ministry.
Members will be workers in the ChurchWomen included in activities.
Baptism will be mandatory.a. Probably by immersion.b. Must be authorized.
Will believe in the Virgin Birth.
Will believe in literal resurrection.
Will honor Sunday as the Sabbath.
Will receive continuous revelation.
Will be payers of tithes.
Will partake of the Sacrament of the Lord.
Will believe in immortality and heaven and a hell.
Will have miraculous occurrences.
Will teach that Jesus Christ will come again.
Will be persecuted for beliefs.
From audio tape: Seventeen Evidences of the True Church by Floyd Weston, 1990 Covenant Communications
Another related list follows:
Seventeen points of the True Church
Christ organized the Church.Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
The true Church must bear the name of Jesus Christ.Ephesians 5:23 "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body."
The true Church must have a foundation of Apostles and Prophets.Ephesians 2:19-20 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone];"
The true Church must have the same organization as Christ’s Church.Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we [henceforth] be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, [and] cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
The true Church must have divine authority.Hebrews 5:4-10 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec."
The true Church must have no paid ministry.Isaiah 45:13 "I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts."1 Peter 5:2 "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight [thereof], not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;"
The true Church must baptize by immersion.Matthew 3:13-16 " Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:"
The true Church must bestow the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.Acts 8:14-17 " Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
The true Church must practice divine healing.Mark 3:14-15 "And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:"James 5:14 "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
The true Church must teach that God and Jesus Christ are separate and district individuals.John 17:11 " And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]."John 20:17 "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God."
The true Church must teach that God and Jesus Christ have bodies of flesh and bone.Luke 24:36-39 " And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."Acts 1:9-11 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
The officers must be called by God.Hebrews 5:4 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as [was] Aaron."Exodus 28:1 " AND take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, [even] Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons."Exodus 40:13-16 "And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats: And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations. Thus did Moses: according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he."
The true Church must claim revelation from God.Amos 3:7 "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
The true Church must be a missionary church.Matthew 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen."
The true Church must be a restored church.Acts 3:19-21 "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began."
The true Church must practice baptism for the dead.1 Corinthians 15:29 "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?"
By their fruits ye shall know them.Matthew 7:20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Why are these things important?Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever."
The "seventeen points" is not information from the Church. Rather is was written years ago by a member and simply "caught on". Today many members make reference to it. However it could have been the 14 points of the true church or the 21 points of the true church.
Another longer, and more complete list follows:
Evidences of the True Church
This list is from a book called The Greatest Quest by Blaine and Brenton Yorgason (Deseret Book Company). This novel describes the search by five college students to find the one true Church of Jesus Christ. At the end of this book, the authors combine their research with the work of Henry Whiffen who also developed a list. Together these gave a total of 42 points. In this list each point has been documented with scriptural references.
The Godhead consists of three separate and distinct beings - God the Father, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.
Genesis 1:26-27;3:22
Matthew 3:17; 28:19
Luke 3:22
Acts 7:55
1 John 5:7
God the Father, as well as his Son Jesus Christ, who is a resurrected personage, both have bodies of flesh and bone and spirit.
Genesis 32:30
Exodus 33:23
Luke 24:39, 41-43
John 20:17; 21:13-14
Acts 7:55-56
1 John 3:2
Jesus is the Christ, the literal Son of God, the Messiah, and the only perfect person upon the earth - and not simply a great teacher.
Luke 9:35
John 17:4-5
Hebrews 1:6-7
Jesus Christ , as revealed in the New Testament, is Jehovah, God of the Old Testament.
Exodus 3:14
John 8:58
Isaiah 43:11
Hosea 13:4
The Holy Ghost is a distinct personage of spirit and is the third member of the Godhead.
Matthew 3:15-18
John 14:26; 16:13-14; 20:21-22
Ephesians 1:17
The Holy Bible is the word of the Lord insofar as it is translated correctly. It is the record of the Jews and will be joined with another record in the last days to relate God's word to his people. This second record will come from a descendant of Joseph.
Ezekiel 37:15-17
Isaiah 29:18
Revelation 20:12-14
Jesus Christ is recognized as the head of his Church, with other officers named, beginning with a foundation of apostles and prophets, and including teachers, saints, elders, evangelists, bishops, deacons, priests and high priests.
John 15:16
Mark 3:14-15
Ephesians 2:19-20; 4:11-14
Officers in Christ's church will be "called of God." They will receive their authority through the "laying of hands." One cannot call himself to the ministry,a. College degree or license insufficient.b. Royal priesthood will be known as such.c. Bishops and leaders are to marry and to have children.
Acts 19:25
Hebrews 5:4, 10
Timothy 3:2; 4:2-3
1 Peter 2:9
Members of Christ's church will be "workers," and will be called "saints." In addition, women will be included in activities and leadership.
Proverbs 12:4
Romans 1:7
Ephesians 4:12
1 Corinthians 11:7
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
There will exist within the church separate entities for each of the groups of members. Adult and youth organizations will exist. This point stands to reason, if Christ is concerned with helping each individual from that person's own level of understanding.
Ephesians 4:11-14
Christ's church will believe in the "virgin birth" of Jesus Christ but will not believe in the "immaculate conception" of Mary.
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:19-20, 23
Luke 1:26-31, 42
Christ's church will believe in immortality or eternal life, and in a heaven and hell. After the resurrection, we will be assigned to different places according to the judgement. The first resurrection will be for the righteous and will commence 1,000 years before the second resurrection.
John 3:16-17; 5:28-29; 14:2
1 Corinthians 15:20-22; 40-42
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
The Savior's church will honor Sunday as the Sabbath, with the understanding that the resurrection transpired Sunday morning, the first day of the week - and thus replaced Saturday as the Sabbath.
Hosea 2:11
Matthew 28:1
John 5:18
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:2
Officers as well as members of Christ's church will receive continuous revelation from God.
Amos 3:7
Matthew 16:13. 16-19
Ephesians 1:17
Members of the Lord's church will be payers of tithes and offerings.
Malachi 3:8, 11
Luke 11:42 Hebrews 7:4-5
Members of the church will regularly partake of the Lord's supper. This sacrament represents the flesh and blood of Christ and is partaken of in remembrance of him.
Matthew 26:26-28
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 16:1-2
Members of the Lord's church will experience miracles, such as visions, tongues and prophesies. In addition, the church will practice divine healing. When members of the church are sick, elders of the church will anoint them with oil and heal them.
Matthew 9:18
Mark 6: 5; 16:17-18
Acts 5:12, 16
James 5:14-15
Church leaders will teach that the resurrected Jesus Christ will come again to the earth in the last days. This "second coming" will be greatly anticipated.
Job 19:25-26
Matthew 24:30
Acts 1:11; 3:19-21
Members of the Lord's church will be persecuted for their beliefs.
Matthew 5:10-12; 24:9
Luke 6:22-23
Acts 8:1-3; 28:22
Hebrews 11:36-38
The church as a whole, as well as its members, will be recognized for their "fruits" - as well as the prophets who lead them. The church will esteem honesty, virtue, and wholesome activity.
Proverbs 15:4
Luke 6:43-44
2 Corinthians 9:10
Philippians 4:17
Hebrews 13:18
The church must provide salvation for all of God's children, not just those who receive the gospel while living on the earth. It will practice baptism for the dead.
Mark 16:16
John 3:1-8
1 Corinthians 15:29
The church will build temples similar to the one Solomon built, which was destroyed and built again at the time of Christ. These temples will have unique purposes, including baptism and other ordinances. Temples will also be holy places, contain the Holy of Hollies, and be used by members as places of worship.
Isaiah 2:3
Malachi 3:1; 3:7
Christ's original church was organized by him and named after him, and his church today will also be named after him.
Acts 4:10-12
Ephesians 1:22; 4:11-14; 5:23-24
Specific authority to function in the administration of the church is called "priesthood." It is obtained through ordination by one having the power to so ordain.
1 Samuel 13:9-14
Mark 6:7
John 7:16; 20:21
Acts 19:2-5
Hebrews 5:4-6,(6?)8-20
A higher priesthood authority is required to bestow the Holy Ghost than to baptize.
Matthew 16:19
Mark 1:7-8
Acts 8:15-18; 19:2-6
The church that Christ originally organized did not baptize infants since the prerequisite for baptism had (1) a capacity for repentance of past personal sins, and (2) a personal belief in the divinity and teachings of Christ.
Mark 10:14-15; 16:16
Acts 2:38; 8:12
The church is to send out missionaries (in twos), to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Mark 6:7
Luke 10:1
The church will have a welfare system to provide for the poor and the needy within the church. Members are to provide for themselves and their family first, and then receive help from the church
Deuteronomy 15:11
Psalm 9:18
Isaiah 14:30
Mark 10:21
Luke 18:22
Romans 15:26
The church will have a law of health. Alcoholic beverages will not be used by members of the church.
Ephesians 5:18
1 Corinthians 5:11; 6:9-10
The church will be one that is restored to the earth. Christ's original church experienced a great apostasy or falling away, but his church will be returned or restored again in the last days.
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Acts 3:19-21
2 Thessalonians 2:1-13
Revelation 14:6-7
Christ's church will believe in being saved by the grace of Christ through exercising faith in him. In other words, it will teach that when we repent of our sins and forsake them, the atonement of Christ will cleanse us of our sins.
Matthew 7:21-29
Mark 16:15-16
Luke 6:46-49
1 Timothy 4:10
James 1:22-25; 2:14-26
The church will preach only the true gospel of Christ, with no variations. It will neither add to the meaning of Christ's teachings nor take away from them - even though current revelation will provide insight into them.
Matthew 5:19
Galatians 1:6-9
Ephesians 4:5
Hebrews 13:8-9
Christ's church will espouse a pre-earth life, or a preexistence, such as that taught by the Orthodox Jews. Included in this teaching will be the doctrine of foreordination and not predestination. God the Father will be recognized as having created the individual spirits of all people.
Genesis 1:26-31
Job 38:4-7
Ecclesiastes 12:7
John 17:5
Ephesians 1:4-5
Hebrews 12:9
The church will believe in the "original sin" of Adam. Nevertheless, it will teach that Christ atoned for Adam's sin and that we will be punished for our own sins, as Adams sin has already been atoned for.
John 1:29
Acts 24:14-15
Romans 5:6-19
1 Corinthians 15:21-23
Christ's church will teach that the gathering of Israel, in the last days, will be literal.
Isaiah 5:26-30; 11:12-13; 35
Jeremiah 3:14-18; 31:10
Members of the true church will respect the beliefs of others.
Galatians 5:22-26; 6:1-2
2 Thessalonians 1:7-10
The church will be subject to the laws of the land, regardless of the type of government in power in that land - thus rendering unto Caesar that which is his, and to God that which is his.
Matthew 22:21
Mark 12:17
Luke 20:25
It should be recognized that while perfection is to be sought by each member of Christ's church, the members will have human failings and will make mistakes, and that they will thus need to grow and learn - line upon line, precept upon precept.
Isaiah 28:10
Ephesians 4:11-14; 28,32
After repentance, baptism by immersion is essential, as is receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. A person performing these ordinances of baptism and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost must be duly authorized to perform such ordinances.
Matthew 3:13-15
John 3:5
Acts 2:38,41; 22:16
Romans 6:5-6
The Savior's church will have an unpaid ministry. This unpaid ministry will be called "by revelation," even as the apostles called new members to their quorum following the resurrection of Christ.
Amos 3:7
Micah 3:11
John 10:13
Acts 1:22-26
1 Corinthians 9:18
1 Peter 5:2
Satan is a real spirit being and not a fragment of people's imagination.
Job 1:6
Matthew 4:10
Mark 1:13; 8:33
Luke 13:16; 22:3, 31
John 13:27
Acts 26:18
The Holy Ghost will bear witness to the truthfulness of the Savior's plan, when it is presented. This is the one sure way of knowing which, if any, of the churches belongs to the Savior.
John 16:13-14
1 Corinthians 12:4-12
Galatians 5:22-26
Ephesians 1:17
“What If … and
Do We Want to Know?”
cji
7/24/09
What if there’s a single truth
magnifying above all else
teaching and discerning all
presenting a single plan
salvation and eternal life
following literally scriptures
having the single authority
Apostles and Prophets too
do we want to know of this
can we prepare for the enmity
which the world puts forth
sacrificing all for this truth
and then again maybe not
for eternal life can be ours
by answering a lone what if?
Copyright © 2009 – cji
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