Counsel #6 — Characteristics Of God’s True Church

Picture: Counsel #6 — Characteristics Of God’s True ChurchCSe 85.1

God’s true church will teach what the Bible says. Its members will keep the Ten Commandments of God, including the fourth, and they will possess the testimony of Jesus — which is the Spirit of Prophecy.^{[85]Revelation 199:10b and My Journey to Life: #23 — “The Church”} Though God still has His faithful people in various churches, He has one church which represents His body (Romans 12:4, 5) and through whom He calls others to Himself (John 10:16).^{[86]https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/book/e/73/t/the-search-for-the-true-church}CSe 85.2

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:4, 5 NKJVCSe 85.3

“These truths, as presented in Revelation 14 in connection with the ‘everlasting gospel,’ will distinguish the church of Christ at the time of His appearing. For as the result of the threefold message it is announced: ‘Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.’ And this message is the last to be given before the coming of the Lord.” Ellen White in The Great Controversy, pp. 453, 454CSe 85.4

Reflect: Does the church you are considering or are currently attending emphasize the Bible as the ultimate source of truth, and does its teaching align with biblical scripture? Does the church actively share the Gospel message and work to bring others to know Jesus?CSe 85.5