By Nick Bibile
The group known as the “Church of Christ” often claims—quite boldly—that they are not a denomination, but the only true church found in the Bible. They challenge others by saying: Find Baptist, Presbyterian, or Lutheran in Scripture—you cannot. Only the Church of Christ is there; therefore, we alone are the true church.
This claim, however, rests on a misunderstanding—and misuse—of Scripture.
Like many groups that drift into error, they take a portion of truth and build an entire system upon it. One passage they frequently cite is:
Matthew 16:18 — “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
Even groups such as Roman Catholics and Iglesia ni Cristo appeal to this verse to justify identifying a specific, visible institution as the church Christ referred to. But the verse does not establish a denominational name—it speaks of Christ building His people.
They also appeal to:
Romans 16:16 — “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
From this phrase, they conclude that “Church of Christ” is the exclusive, biblical name of the one true church.
But this is a clear case of taking Scripture out of context.
If you read the entire chapter, the apostle Paul is simply sending greetings from various local assemblies of believers—many of which met in homes. The phrase “churches of Christ” is descriptive, not a formal denominational title. It simply means churches belonging to Christ.
Yet, like a crafty distortion, this small phrase is used to build an exclusive claim that separates them from all other Christians, declaring themselves the only true church.
But notice what Paul says immediately after:
Romans 16:17–18 — “Watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.”
This is a sobering warning. Any group that claims exclusive authority and separates itself as the only true church should be examined carefully in light of this passage.
Consider the words of Martin Luther:
“I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves Lutherans, but Christians… away with all party names, and let us call ourselves only Christians.”
And Charles Spurgeon echoed a similar spirit:
“I look forward to the day when there will not be a Baptist living… but let Christ’s name last forever.”
These men understood a vital truth: no human label defines the true church.
The only name that truly matters is the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Acts 4:12 — “There is salvation in no one else… for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
The Bible teaches that the church is not a building or a denominational title. The Greek word ekklesia means called-out assembly—a gathering of true believers.
The true church is made up of all who are genuinely saved, regardless of denomination.
Yes, there are different denominations. These differences often concern non-essential matters. But in the essentials of salvation—the gospel of Christ—true believers are united as one body.
Ephesians 4:4–5 — “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 — “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…”
No church organization can save. No denomination can give eternal life.
Salvation is found in Christ alone—through His blood.
Our Lord warned:
Matthew 24:5 — “Many will come in my name… and will lead many astray.”
This means some will even use the name of Christ—and yet mislead people.
So be discerning. Do not be deceived by groups that build doctrines on isolated verses or claim exclusive rights to being the true church.
One day, all true believers—from every nation and background—will be gathered as one:
Revelation 7:9–10 — “A great multitude… from every nation… standing before the throne… crying out, ‘Salvation belongs to our God… and to the Lamb!’”
That is the true Church—united not by a denominational name, but by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.