Q&A of the Catholic Faith: What is the Church that Christ Founded?

The question "What is the Church that Christ founded?" is both theological and historical, and different Christian traditions answer it differently based on their interpretation of Scripture, Church history, and doctrine.

Biblical and Theological Foundation

Christians generally agree that Jesus Christ founded a Church, based on passages such as:

Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disci
ples to go and make disciples of all nations.

Different Views on the Church Christ Founded

1. Roman Catholic View

The Catholic Church teaches that it is the one Church Christ founded, with the Pope as the successor of Peter. Key points include:

Apostolic succession: A continuous line of bishops going back to the apostles.
Sacraments instituted by Christ, especially the Eucharist.
The Church as the “pillar and foundation of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 816):

"The sole Church of Christ... subsists in the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him."

2. Eastern Orthodox View

The Orthodox Church also claims to be the Church that Christ founded, maintaining apostolic succession and the sacraments, but it rejects papal supremacy. It sees itself as the continuation of the ancient, undivided Church.

3. Protestant View

Most Protestants believe the true Church is not limited to one denomination but is the invisible body of all true believers in Christ, across time and geography. They often emphasize:

Scripture alone (sola scriptura).
Salvation by grace through faith.
The “priesthood of all believers.”

Some denominations (e.g., Lutheran, Anglican) see themselves as reform movements within the historic Church; others (like Baptists or Pentecostals) view the Church more as a spiritual community of believers rather than an institutional hierarchy.

4. Restorationist Movements

Groups like the Church of Christ, Jehovah’s Witnesses, or Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe the original Church fell into apostasy and had to be restored. Each claims to be the restored true Church.

Early Christian Understanding

Historically, the early Church emphasized:

Unity in doctrine, worship, and leadership (bishops).
The Eucharist as central.
Communion with the bishop as a sign of being in the Church (see St. Ignatius of Antioch, 1st–2nd century).

Summary Answer

The Church that Christ founded is, according to most traditional Christian views, the community of believers that:

Confesses Jesus as Lord,
Preaches the Gospel,
Practices the sacraments (especially Baptism and the Eucharist),
Remains united through apostolic teaching and succession.

Which modern body most faithfully continues that Church is a matter of theological conviction and varies depending on Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, or Restorationist perspectives.

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