Marks of True Church of Jesus Christ

The Marks of Christ’s True Church: Exploring Six Patterns in the Book of Acts

Discover the 6 essential New Testament characteristics that define the true Church of Jesus Christ, guiding you to eternal happiness through the restored gospel.

By Michael B. Nhem

Searching for the true Church of Jesus Christ is a sacred pursuit, one that can lead to eternal life. In a world with over 50,000 denominational churches, as reported by the World Christian Encyclopedia (2025 update), confusion abounds. Each denomination teaches slightly different doctrines, and as Ephesians 4:13 reminds us, we have not yet reached “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man.” So how do we identify the true Church? The New Testament, particularly the Book of Acts, provides a clear pattern: any church claiming to be Christ’s must exhibit six distinct characteristics. If even one is missing, it’s time to reexamine that church’s teachings. As Matthew 7:21 warns, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Let’s explore these six characteristics, grounded in scripture, to guide your search for truth.

Christ’s Blueprint for His Church

Jesus Christ lived on earth for about 33 years, yet His teachings transformed the world. John 21:25 notes, “The world itself could not contain the books that should be written” of His acts. On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus imparted His most vital lesson to His apostles—not doctrines or theology, but the blueprint for building His Church. He gave three distinguishing marks for His true followers:

1. Not of This World: John 15:19 states, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”
2. Unconditional Love: John 13:34-35 commands, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you… By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
3. Obedient Trust in God: John 14:15 affirms, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

These marks are the foundation of Christ’s Church, and the Book of Acts shows how the apostles applied them. As a Polysomnographic Technologist and father of four, I’ve seen the peace that comes from following these principles in my own 34-year marriage, sealed in the Seattle Temple. My journey to share uplifting truths through Map to Happiness has deepened my conviction that joining the true Church of Jesus Christ is essential for eternal happiness.

Why the Book of Acts Is the Ultimate Test

The Book of Acts chronicles the early Church’s organization and practices, offering a reliable test for identifying Christ’s true Church today. Years ago, I discussed this with a work friend who attended a different Christian church. We agreed on many topics, but he hesitated when I suggested that the true Church must be built on apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone, as stated in Ephesians 2:20: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.” I encouraged him to study Acts, but his pastor’s teachings missed critical elements, like the distinction between the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods in Acts 8 and 19. This experience inspired me to outline the six characteristics below, which I shared with my friend to help him see the New Testament pattern. The same pattern guides us today.

The Six Characteristics of Christ’s True Church

The following characteristics, drawn from the Book of Acts and other New Testament writings, define the true Church of Jesus Christ. Study them with fasting and prayer, as James 1:5 counsels, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

1. True Priesthood Power Authorized by God

The early Church operated through divine priesthood authority, conferred by the laying on of hands by those already authorized. Acts 8:14-17 illustrates this: after Philip baptized converts in Samaria, apostles Peter and John arrived to confer the Holy Ghost, a power Philip lacked as an Aaronic Priesthood holder. John 15:16 reinforces this process: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.” Men cannot self-appoint to God’s ministry—neither through theological training nor personal desire. Hebrews 5:4 clarifies, “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.” A true Church today must hold both Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, administered by authorized servants.

2. A Chain of Ordinations

Priesthood authority requires an unbroken chain of ordinations tracing back to Jesus Christ. Acts 13:2-3 shows this pattern with Saul (Paul): “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” The process involves revelation to an authorized leader, presentation to the congregation, and ordination by the laying on of hands, as seen with Aaron (Exodus 28:1) and Joshua (Numbers 27:18-23). Without this chain, priesthood power is invalid. Many modern preachers claim authority without this divine process, fitting Christ’s warning in Matthew 7:22-23: “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? … And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

3. A Foundation of Twelve Apostles

Christ’s Church is built on a foundation of apostles and prophets, with Him as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). Acts 1:23-26 demonstrates the necessity of exactly twelve apostles: after Judas’ death, the apostles chose Matthias to maintain the quorum, guided by prayer and revelation. This structure persisted beyond Christ’s ascension, with Paul and Barnabas later called as apostles (Acts 14:14). Some argue the twelve were only for the early Church, but Ephesians 4:11-13 counters this: apostles and prophets are needed “till we all come in the unity of the faith.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, restored in 1830 through Joseph Smith, maintains this organization today, with a Quorum of the Twelve Apostles guiding the Church under Christ’s direction.

4. Prophets as God’s Authorized Spokesmen

Prophets, as authorized servants, receive revelation for the Church. Amos 3:7 declares, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Acts names prophets like Agabus (Acts 11:28), and their role continues today, as we’ve not yet reached the unity described in Ephesians 4:13. A true Church must have living prophets to guide its members, preparing them for Christ’s Second Coming. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38, though not in the Bible, echoes this principle: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

5. Ongoing Revelation

Revelation is the lifeblood of Christ’s Church, as Proverbs 29:18 warns, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Paul’s gospel came “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12), and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 urges, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.” In the early Church, revelation guided decisions, like Peter’s vision to teach the Gentiles (Acts 10:9-16). A true Church today must receive ongoing revelation through prophets, and when formalized, such revelation becomes scripture for the Church’s guidance.

6. Teaching the Universal Apostasy and Restoration

The New Testament foretells a universal apostasy—a falling away from Christ’s Church—followed by a restoration. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns, “For that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first.” Acts 20:29-30 predicts, “After my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.” This apostasy occurred as apostles were killed, the priesthood chain broke, and doctrines of men replaced Christ’s teachings (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Revelation 13:7 confirms Satan’s temporary triumph over the saints. Yet, Christ promised a restoration, fulfilled on April 6, 1830, when He restored His Church through Joseph Smith, reestablishing apostles, prophets, and priesthood authority. A true Church teaches this apostasy and restoration, preparing members for the Second Coming, as Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 affirms: “This church [is] the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.”

A Call to Seek Truth

These six characteristics—priesthood authority, a chain of ordinations, twelve apostles, living prophets, ongoing revelation, and teaching the apostasy and restoration—define Christ’s true Church. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embodies this New Testament pattern, offering the path to eternal life. As Moroni 10:4-5 (Book of Mormon) encourages, seek truth through prayer: “And when ye shall receive these things… ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart… he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” Join the true Church, live its principles, and prepare for Christ’s return. For more on priesthood or apostasy, contact me.