Essentials to be Considered the True Church

[JML]

On another blog, there is discussion on what are the essentials to the makeup of a true Church. What would you say would be essential characteristics of a true church? I'm sure we would all start with the preaching of the true gospel. What else would you include?

 

[baron]

1) Faithful preaching of the Gospel and Word.
2) Faithful administration of the ordinance ( sacrament) of the Lords Supper and Baptism.
3) Church Discipline.

 

[Curt]

1) Faithful preaching of the Gospel and Word.
2) Faithful administration of the ordinance ( sacrament) of the Lords Supper and Baptism.
3) Church Discipline.

Amen.

 

[paculina]

Yep. What they said. And sadly enough, there's no church discipline going on at most churches.

 

[Marrow Man]

Those were the 3 marks according to several Reformation confessions.

 

[buggy]

"The Bible is the inspired Word of God without error, and is to be the final rule and authority for all matters of faith and practice".

This I believe is the most important statement that defines a biblical church - both professed to, and followed in practice.